Most North Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. And with all the modern emphasis on efficiency, some homes are so airtight that airborne particles get trapped indoors and can’t escape. So the Utah air conditioning inside many homes is two to five times more polluted than outdoor air!
Your furnace filter can help. If your current furnace filter is inefficient, old or dirty, the air you’re breathing is probably thick with particles. A failing filter means the job of cleaning the air falls to your hardworking nose and sinuses, which is probably why our culture is facing a wave of chronic respiratory diseases, and why we spend billions of dollars a year on costs linked to respiratory problems.
What is the main purpose of a furnace filter? Furnace manufacturers put inexpensive fiberglass filters into their furnaces to remove airborne particles that might damage the fan and the heating coil. Particle buildup can also decrease the efficiency of your furnace, as the furnace has to work harder to pull air through the intake.
More expensive filters can also improve the air quality in your house by removing pollen, bacteria and mold spores from the air. This is especially important if you or someone in your family suffers from allergies. You want your Utah air conditioning until to be in top shape, so keep an eye on the filter.
Almost everyone has one in their home, so how often do you need to change the furnace filter? Check the documentation that came with your furnace. Recommendations vary based on a number of factors: the type of filter that you use, how many pets you have, whether anyone in your home has allergies, etc.
If you use disposable fiberglass panel or electrostatic panel filters, you should change them anywhere from once a month to once every three months. Pleated filters generally last from three months to a year. Filters are relatively inexpensive and easy to change, so there is little reason to wait.
If you don’t change or clean your filter often enough the filter can get clogged with dust and other airborne particles. This forces your furnace to work harder to maintain airflow. This will reduce your furnace’s efficiency and can cause damage to your Utah air conditioning unit.
Generally you can buy your filter from any source. It’s easy to walk into any home improvement warehouse and find what you need in their selection. Check with a filter vendor or the documentation that came with your furnace if you are not sure.
