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Cleaning and changing the filter in your furnace will increase its
effectiveness, and the energy-efficiency of your furnace. The
filter protects the furnace from dust and dirt in the air, and
helps reduce household dust. High-efficiency furnace filters
improve indoor air quality by removing air.
Filters become clogged with dust and particles over time. This
reduces the airflow through the ducts, causing the fan to work
harder and the furnace to run longer. Regular maintenance of
furnace filters will improve the efficiency of your furnace.
Depending upon the type of filter used, the filter should be
cleaned or replaced every one-to-three months during the heating
season. If you run your furnace fan continuously year-round, you
should maintain your filter year-round.
Before changing or cleaning your filter, make sure the power is
turned off to the furnace fan. Vacuum the filter holder,
accessible duct areas and fan compartment. While in the fan
compartment, check the fan belt (if applicable) for fraying or
wear and ensure proper tension (it should give about one inch to a
gentle push of a finger).
Since most homes are equipped with the standard flat filter,
changing the filter to another type besides a pleated filter of
the same size could require a modification to the furnace duct.
This modification should be completed by a qualified heating
contractor.
If you are replacing your furnace with a new, high-efficiency
model, consider your options in furnace filters. Furnace filters
fall into three basic categories: mechanical, electronic, and
hybrids, which combine two or more different filter types.
Following is an overview of the features and benefits:
Mechanical filters
Mechanical filters are separated into three types: flat filters,
pleated filters and HEPA filters. Most homes are equipped with
standard flat filters, which are the lowest-priced filter style.
Flat filters vary in thickness from one-half inch to one inch (1.2
–2.5 centimetres), and can be made of cloth, fiberglass, open cell
foam or synthetic fibers. These are typically low-efficiency
filters, removing 10 per cent or less particulate.
Pleated filters are a more efficient alternative to flat filters.
Pleated filters are made of cloth or synthetic fibres folded
accordion-style. This increases the surface area of the filter
without increasing the resistance to airflow. Because of the
higher surface area, the filter doesn’t need to be changed as
frequently as a flat filter.
HEPA filters are highly efficient and
remove almost all particulates and contaminants. HEPA filters are
more costly, require a special holder and are not normally used in
homes, unless there is a concern by those with allergies or
asthma.
Electronic filters
There are two types of electronic: charged media filters and
Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) filters. Charged media filters
are low-efficiency filters. ESP filters are available in either
single-stage or two-stage. Single-stage filters are less expensive
and less efficient. Two-stage ESP filters cost more but are higher
in efficiency and retain a constant high airflow. |
