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Ideal Building Inspections > Monthly Maintenance > Home Care E-Book > Air Filters |
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Air filters |
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Airborne dust is a common source of problems in a forced-air heating system. As air is pulled through the furnace, dust will readily adhere to oily or greasy components. Because household dust usually contains atomized cooking grease, even non oily parts acquire a coat of fuzz. This will inhibit the cooling of the components, and when motors and bearings run hot their lives are shortened. Dust can also clog furnace filters, restricting the flow of air. This places stress on the blower motor, reducing its efficiency and making it run hotter. To avoid these problems, vacuum the registers in each room at least once a year. Remove the air-return grilles and clean the return duct as far as the vacuum cleaner will reach. Also service the furnace filter and blower regularly. Have a heating contractor evaluate whether a duct cleaning is required. Another reason to maintain your furnace filter is indoor air quality. Most people spend upwards of 90% of their time indoors, and high levels of airborne particles such as dust, pollen, mold and pet dander can affect the air quality. Poor indoor air quality is one of the leading risks to public health. Filter Maintenance Always make sure that the electrical power to the furnace is off before attempting to service the air filter. Service the furnace filter monthly during the heating season, and during the cooling season if you have central air conditioning. Many furnaces have a disposable filter located in the return duct, at the opening to the furnace blower chamber. It may lie at an angle in the duct (a removable panel provides access) or stand vertically in a slot across the opening to the blower. Remove the filter, vacuum or damp-wipe the interior of the duct as far as you can reach, and install a new filter. Disposable filters are commonly in the return duct, at the opening to the furnace blower chamber. Some furnaces have basket type filters that run down the sides and across the bottom of the blower chamber. Open the blower access panel, remove the dirty filter, and replace it with a new one. Replacement filters are available at most hardware stores.
Filter Types Fiberglass filters are the standard type of filter, they are cheap and less efficient compared to the newer pleated filters on the market. Washable filters can be made of foam or a synthetic material. They are also less efficient at trapping dust than pleated filters, but can be reused over and over again. Pleated paper filters are more efficient as they trap more dirt. They are more expensive than the fiberglass filters. They are available in a variety of types. Some have a static charge that attracts dirt, while others have a charcoal filter that kills bacteria that passes through the filter. Due to the increased efficiency, these filters have to be changed more often. High efficiency pleated paper filters, usually 4 to 6 inches thick are more expensive, but need to be replaced less often, usually once a year. Electronic air cleaners are the most expensive of all the filters, usually costing about $600 to install. They are the most efficient and can remove particles of smoke and pollen which can pass through most filters. This filter is the usually the choice for people with allergies or breathing problems. This type filter is also washable. Smaller one inch thick versions are also available on the market. |
