Heating
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    Advice

It may seem obvious, but it's a good idea to mention the importance of filtering the air that passes through your home heating and cooling system. Like many things in our homes, we tend to not think very much about the air filter until there's a problem.

As simple a thing as a filter is, it's the first line of defense in keeping your airflow system clean and healthy. A clogged air filter can lead to poor air distribution, unhealthy air, and mechanical problems like overheated blower motors and A-coils that ice up solid. The entire system can shut down because you haven't changed your air filter on a regular basis. This is something any homeowner can do because it's simple and easy. If you don't already know how to change the filter, ask your HVAC service tech to show you how. It might take two minutes of your time and save you hundreds of dollars!

There are several types of filters available:

• The one we are most familiar with is the 1" thick standard fiberglass disposable filter, which does a good job at protecting your equipment from large particles and most of the dust that can clog blower motors and A-coils. However, these filters are not very good at removing pollen, pet dander, smoke, allergens, and other very small particles.



• The pleated type of cotton filters that come in 1" to 5" thickness are much better at removing the stuff the standard filter misses, but a HEPA filter (high efficiency particulate air filter) is the best! These are the types used in hospitals to keep the air clean and fresh.



• An electronic air cleaner uses pre-filters to trap the larger particles and then passes the air over an electrically charged core, causing particles to become charged and trap themselves in the filter. These filters remove most of the dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, allergens, and dust mites. They need to be cleaned regularly, and they do use electricity. However, they are very effective.



• There are also permanent washable air filters that do a good job. Just remember to wash them out every one or two months.