Air Filters
Should you be concerned about the quality of the air in your home? You bet. However, the #1 reason for thinking about your furnace’s air filter is actually to protect your equipment. Just like your vehicle requires regular maintenance, so does your heating & cooling system. There are three areas of the system that need to be protected from the dirt in the air: the blower, the heat exchanger, and the air conditioning coils. If the air filter isn’t changed on a regular basis, it will reduce the capacity of your heating and cooling systems and can reduce the system life expectancy.
Secondary to protecting the system is cleaning the air for the occupants of the home. The furnace filter can process a much greater volume of air than any small room-sized air filter and, with the right filter installed, can clean the air better than most small filters can.
 Thick Media Filter |
 One inch pleated filter |
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So now you’re probably wondering which type of filter should be used in your furnace. If you have looked at your local home improvement store you have probably seen a number of different types of filters; these are just the tip of the iceberg in what is available. The purpose of a furnace filter is to trap dirt and other particles in the fibers of the filter. Obviously, if the fibers are smaller and tighter, they will capture smaller particles. The typical fiberglass filter that can be seen through when clean is the very minimum that should be used in a furnace. These are only about 65% efficient at collecting particles around 10 microns such as pollen and dust mites. A better choice is a pleated filter which gives a much greater surface area for collecting dirt. These filters can be up to 90% efficient at collecting 3-10 micron particles (the size of mold spores, hair spray, or pudding mix). You will save money by using good air filters and by replacing them on a regular basis. How often is that exactly? We recommend inspecting your filter monthly, and replacing it as needed. The least expensive filters need to be replaced every month; some of the high-quality pleated ones may last up to a year.
When was the last time you changed yours?