|
Furnace
Filters
Forced air furnaces circulate air throughout the
home. Some as fast as 2000 cubic feet per minute. This air flow if
restricted, will cause problems with the furnace and air
conditioner. Change filters when needed and have extras on hand.
Now more about those filters:
- Basic furnace filters are about 1" thick and
slide into a slot in the return air ductwork of your furnace. They
should have a size printed on them, with an arrow which points
toward the furnace when it is installed.
- Some older furnaces, particularly oil furnaces
have a door which must be removed to gain filter
access.
- A recent addition on the market is the pleated
1" filter. I usually don't recommend them unless they are watched
closely. If not changed often, these will plug the air flow and
cause a variety of problems, including damaging the heat exchanger
itself.
- You may also have an electronic air cleaner. The
most common brand is Honeywell. This sounds like a bug zapper when
running and is actually quite efficient. It also needs to be
cleaned regularly.
- Our favorite is the media type filter. It has
much the same configuration as the electronic but does not need to
be washed. Maintenance is accomplished by removing the media and
replacing with the replacement media. Most brands will give a year
or more of service if you do not have pets or very dusty
conditions. For more information go to Media type
filters.
|