| Being a homeowner means taking care of some | | | | Filter designs do vary. The most common type of |
| maintenance on your own. This can be an | | | | filter available is a panel filter. There are exactly as |
| overwhelming thought for many people who are | | | | they sound, a flat panel. |
| not used to having to pay attention to technical | | | | A slightly different design, and slightly more |
| sounding things, like furnace filters. | | | | effective, is a pleated filter. These are panel filters |
| The first thing to know when purchasing a | | | | that have several folds in them for the purpose |
| replacement filter for your furnace is what size | | | | of creating more surface area. The more surface |
| you need. The easiest way to ascertain the size | | | | area there is, the more likely particles in the air |
| needed is to pull out the existing filter and look on | | | | are to become trapped in the filter. |
| it. If you have not done this before, the filter is | | | | High-efficiency pleated filters are also available. |
| rectangular and looks like a framed screen. If you | | | | The major difference here is that as air particles |
| have a disposable filter, you can throw it away. | | | | pass over the filter they receive an electrostatic |
| To get the best possible performance from your | | | | charge. This charge makes the particles attract to |
| furnace you will want to check or replace the | | | | the filter, making it easier to for the filter to trap |
| filter at least once every 30 days. By doing this | | | | more of them. |
| you will not only reduce the amount of wear and | | | | There is always much talk of HEPA filters. These |
| tear on your furnace, but you will also be lower | | | | filters offer a rather complex design that |
| your monthly energy bills. Forming this monthly | | | | removes far more than just your standard air |
| filter check can really save you money. | | | | irritants. These are not designed for residential |
| There are some furnace filters that are not | | | | furnaces. These are intended for institutional use, |
| disposable. These are considered permanent | | | | such has hospitals or schools. |
| filters, and some even carry lifetime warranties. In | | | | So when you go to check your furnace filter this |
| order to maintain these filters you simply pull it | | | | month, remember to first check the size if you |
| out, clean it, and then put it back. | | | | need to buy a replacement. If you have a |
| It is important to note that the reusable filters | | | | reusable filter, clean it as well as you can and put |
| never get completely clean. They may require | | | | it back in. When shopping for a new filter, carry in |
| attention more often than once per month. These | | | | mind the air quality needs of yourself and your |
| are not the ideal choice for people suffering from | | | | family. Make it a regular routine and may be |
| certain respiratory problems, such as asthma. | | | | pleasantly surprised with lower utility bills. |