Furnace Filter Maintenance

Furnace Maintenance
A furnace keeps your home warm and your family comfortable and yet very few homeowners know much about these appliances. When should you replace furnace filters? Is there a way to tell when your furnace filter needs to be changed? Changing your furnace filter regularly is the most important regular maintenance you can do from your heating system. Avoiding filter changes will result in poor mechanic performance and an increase in energy use. The filter should be replaced every other month to maintain optimal performance. Although changing the filter that often may seem like overkill, or a wasted expense it is necessary and very inexpensive.

Furnace filters protects the furnace from dust and other airborne particles that build up over time to cause malfunctions. While the filter protects your heating system it is also working to keep dust and other allergens from the air that is being pumped into your home. The air quality of your home is dependent on a clean operational filter. If you are not comfortable making repairs or changing the furnace filter I recommend calling an HVAC specialist. If you are in the Denver area, I recommend Million Air Mechanical. They can be reached at www.millionairmechanical.com or 303-835-9355

How and When to Change a Furnace Filter

To change a furnace filter you'll need to locate the area in which the filter is located. It is typically between the main furnace structure and the ductwork. Most HVAC systems will have the filter panel labeled for easy access. Open the filter panel and remove the old filter. Make sure you have the correct size filter replacement. There are many different filter sizes but the most common are 16x20 20x20 and 16x25. Make sure you purchase the right replacement to save yourself an extra trip to the hardware store.

Installing your a new filter is pretty easy. As long as the filter is facing the right direction, you can't go wrong. You can either pay attention to the direction of the old filter when removing it, or look for arrows printed on the sides of your new filter indicating the direction the air will flow through it.

Some filters are re-usable. Although these reusable filters last for longer than disposable filter, they will not last forever and still require maintenance. Reusable filters should be washed once a month and HVAC experts at Million Air Mechanical recommend that you replace these filters after 6-12 months depending on the make and model. Reusable filters need to be thoroughly washed under running water until all the dirt and grim is removed. Regular cleaning on these filters have the same effect on the furnace mechanisms as changing disposable filters.
Clogged, dirty filters will let debris flow through your furnace and your home. Your furnace will need to work harder to produce the results you expect from it requiring more energy usage and higher energy bills.

Clogged Furnace Filters
If a furnace filter is clogged with dirt the dirt will go through your air system in each room of your home. In the worst cases your family can be exposed to deadly fumes that come from your failing, clogged furnace. Electrostatic furnace filters decrease the chances of heating system failure and the necessity of calling a furnace repair specialist. There are few places you spend more time than your home, and if the air quality isn't at a high quality you are more likely to become ill. Neglected filters can catch on fire and even explode in your house! Changing clogged filters regularly will lessen the likelihood of a catastrophic; event.

Take time to make sure your heating system is running properly and schedule reminders for your family to change the furnace filter regularly. The air in your house, your family and your furnace depend on it.

How to Change A Furnace Filter
This video shows viewers how to properly change a furnace filter. If you are unsure about changing the furnace filter in your heating system, this video should help you understand the exact steps necessary.