Filter Out Bad Health and Repair Costs for your Furnace
It is important for you to use furnace filters
as they help decrease the release of allergens like pollen and dust
through your heating system. Filters also boost the performance of
your furnace. If you replace the filters often, you will maintain a
home with clean air and a protection against many allergens and even
bacteria that are often released through a forced air heating
system.
Replacing furnace filters with regularity increases the life of your
heating system and reduces energy bills. It is important to inspect
the filters monthly and replace them as necessary. When your heating
system cycles on regularly, it tends to produce more allergens and
dust which the filter traps, thereby requiring replacement more
often. When you do not replace filters, your heating system has to
work harder to push the same amount of air out, increasing your
energy bill costs and reducing the overall performance of your unit.
Learn How to Replace or Clean your Furnace Filter
It is important that your heating and cooling system is turned off
before you attempt to replace or clean the furnace filter. Locate
the service panel of the system and remove the cover with a
screwdriver. Sometimes, the cover can be removed by hand too,
depending on how it is fastened. The filter will be located near the
outtake-intake blower. Check to see how dirty the filter is. If you
cannot see through it, it is time for a cleaning or replacement.
Some filters are reusable and will require that you remove them and
wash away the dust particles that cling to it. Using an outdoor hose
with a sprayer, spray down the filter until it looks clean again and
then allow to air dry before putting back in place. Disposable
filters can be tossed when they become dirty and replaced with a
new, clean one. Once you have replaced the filter, you can turn your
heating system back on.
Types of Filters Available for your Furnace
Reusable filters often have a metal or fiberglass frame with fibrous
filters that can withstand repeated washings. Disposable filters
typically have thick cardboard frames with manmade or natural fibers
for the filters. While reusable filters are more cost effective,
they are more labor intensive due to the washings you may have to do
every month. When choosing a furnace filter, look for the Minimum
Efficiency Report Value (MERV) rating. This tells you the
effectiveness of the filter in blocking dust and other allergens.
The higher the MERV rating, the better the filtration is for the
product.
You will find four basic types of filters: electrostatic, HEPA (high
efficiency particle absorber), mechanical and electronic. Mechanical
filters are cheaper and allow smaller particles to escape through
and require frequent changing. Electrostatic filters are made from
polyester fibers which are charged electrically when air passes
through. This static created traps allergens and can go longer
between cleaning and replacement. Electronic filters do not have
fibers but rather electrically charged mesh which attracts allergens
and requires weekly cleaning. HEPA filters are perhaps the best on
the market because it exceeds minimum MERV ratings by filtering out
99% of the allergens and particles in the air that passes through
it. It is excellent for sick or clinical environments.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
Qmark Heaters,
electric tankless water heaters,
bathroom heaters,
patio heaters, electric heaters,
portable air
conditioners & electric towel warmers. Shop on line at
www.heateroutlet.com for these great home improvement products.
Iapsales.com LLC was established in 2003 and is the sister company to
Innovative Air Products located in historical Exeter, NH. We are a 2nd
generation manufacturers’ rep firm dedicated to providing residential &
commercial heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment. We offer
a great selection online at the lowest prices anywhere. We can also be
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