Cleaning and or Replacing a Furnace Filter
by: Yelena Gertsenova
If we learned anything from Home Alone, besides how to have an awesome weekend away from the family, it’s that furnaces are scary. But what’s even scarier then the basement-dwelling, fiery beast itself is the consequences of not keeping up with filter cleaning and removal. A clean filter lengthens the furnace’s life, enhances the overall performance, improves the indoor air quality, and cuts down on energy bills. And since the entire process takes less than an hour and you probably won’t even break a sweat, why not take care of it right away?
1. Vacuum or sweep the floor surrounding the furnace to rid it of dirt, dust, and dust bunnies. Furnaces filter the air from both your home’s heating and air conditioning system, so the residue buildup can build up.
2. Turn off the furnace. This is very important and safeguards against injury.
3. Locate the service panel, which on most furnaces can be found on the lower front or side. Open it gently with just your hands, or if necessary, use a screwdriver to carefully loosen any nuts and bolts.
4. Near the intake-outtake blower fan you will see the filter—a rectangular, mesh screen with a spongy look. It is inserted either vertically or horizontally near the intake-outtake blower. Gently slide the filter out.
5. Eyeball the mesh screen for brown or dusty buildup. Can you see through it? If not, it’s time to clean. Even the filter has some clarity, you’ve gone through this much trouble already, it doesn’t hurt to at least wipe it down with a damp cloth.
6. Whether you need to clean the filter or replace it depends on the type of filter. Hose down reusable plastic or metal-framed filters in a utility tub, the backyard, or in the driveway. Let it dry completely before reinserting into the furnace. If the filter is made of fiberglass or has a disposable cardboard frame, throw it away. Note the size, and purchase a new filter available at the local hardware store.
7. Do not use the furnace until a new filter has been cleaned or installed.
In closing, consider this brief thought on permanent versus disposable filters. Although permanent filters cost more and require a more thorough cleaning, they last longer. Disposable filters, on the other hand, are easier to keep clean (because you simply throw them away), but since a change happens frequently, it’s best to keep several on hand. All furnace filters have a Minimum Efficiency Report Value (MERV) rating; the higher the MERV rating, the productive filtration. Use the MERV rating to pick the best furnace for your needs, be it mechanical, electrostatic, electronic, or HEPA. Allergy sufferers, consider installing an allergen-reduction filter at your next regularly scheduled cleaning. All types of filters have their pros and cons, it comes down to what’s best for your home’s needs and how willing you are to keep the system clean and running at top performance.
Learn more techniques to keep your house fresh and healthy at our Denver House Cleaning website. Our blog has tons of useful readings on this topic.
About The Author: Yelena Gertsenova practiced pediatric medicine for 17 years. Yelena saw a clear connection between the cleanliness of one’s surroundings and one’s health. Yelena started a Denver cleaning services company in 2002 after having moved to the States. The author invites you to visit: http://www.denverscleaningservice.com
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