Furnace Filters

Did you know that changing or cleaning your furnace filters is one of the easiest ways to save money on energy bills and extend the life of your heating system as well? It is true, but you might be amazed at how many homeowners forget or simply neglect this simple task.

As we all know, the modern heating system has a lot of components in it that make it run properly. Some of the most important components are the furnace filters. These furnace filters are installed for a reason and they serve a very important purpose: furnace filters trap dust, dirt, and debris.

So Why Is This So Important?

Your furnace filters are your first line of defense in protecting the moving parts of your heating system. If matter gets through your filters it will most likely end up in the motor or other moving parts of the furnace. This can result in poor performance or even complete break downs, which can be very expensive to repair. Keeping your furnace filters clean and ensuring that there are no holes or tears are the first steps to good maintenance.

The second reason you want to keep your furnace filters clean is that clean filters allow your furnace motors to run more efficiently. When a filter is clogged with dirt, the motor has to run harder and longer in order to complete its job. This adds up to higher energy bills and shortens the life of your motor or blower.

A third reason is health. When your furnace filters are not collecting the debris and the dust that they should be collecting, that same dirt and dust is going into your home. Once it gets into the home, it is breathed in by your family and ends up in the lungs of everyone who lives inside the house. For some people, those with respiratory problems or allergies, this can mean big trouble on a nearly constant basis. Homes with young children should make it a point to check furnace filters often as children are more prone to respiratory issues than most healthy adults.

Homeowners should understand that today they have more choices in what type of filters to use. In most cases it is best to stay with the type that the manufacturer suggests, but if your furnace is old or if you have special needs in your family, you may want to check into using one of the more efficient furnace filters. These include such filters as the HEPA types and the pleaded types. Regardless of which type you choose, do make it a point to inspect your furnace filters regularly.