Important Tips for AC Filters and Furnace Filters

Choosing the right AC filters and furnace filters can help your heating and cooling devices work more efficiently and may even improve your health. The purpose of the air filter in your air conditioner or furnace is to trap dust, allergens and other small particles that can cause respiratory irritation and other symptoms. High efficiency AC filters and furnace filters will reduce your exposure to allergens which may reduce your allergy and asthma symptoms. The trick is choosing the right furnace filters and AC filters for your home HVAC equipment.

Get to Know Your Furnace and AC Filters

The box instructions on the $20 furnace filters may say that you’ll get 90 days of use out of it, but the truth is that your mileage will vary. If you have pets, you’ll have to change furnace and AC filters more often. Likewise, if you live in a high-dust area. When there’s more pollen in the air, your AC and furnace filters may need more frequent replacement or cleaning. During the winter, with all the windows closed, you may be able to go a bit longer between changes for your filters.

Switch to Permanent Washable AC Filters and Furnace Filters

Changing the filters in your furnace and air conditioner can get expensive, especially if you do it as often as you should. You can reduce the cost by purchasing your filters by the case, or by investing in a washable air filter for your air conditioner and furnace. A washable air filter provides other benefits in addition to the cost savings.

Make Cleaning Your Air Filter Part of Your Routine

Don’t put off changing AC and furnace filters until you can tell they need changing. Make changing or cleaning your filters part of your home maintenance routine. Not sure you’ll remember that you need to change the filter? Set up an email reminder or put it on your task list to pop up on your day planner.

Always Use the Right Size AC and Furnace Filters

The wrong size filter in your AC or furnace will allow dust, allergens, spores and other contaminants to slip through into your home. In addition, those particles can build up around the air conditioner coils and reduce the efficiency of your AC unit. In a furnace, the buildup of dust can become a fire hazard.

Furnace filters and AC filters are an integral part of your home air conditioning and heating equipment, and the one part you can easily maintain yourself. Keep on top of keeping it clean and you – and your entire family – will breathe easier.