Whether we want to admit it or not, summer is just about over. Fall is right around the corner, and as wonderful as autumn can be, after autumn comes… OLD MAN WINTER (cue bleak, saddening music). Thinking about frigid temperatures and pesky snow in the waning days of summer is painful, but those thoughts are perfect reminders to change your furnace filter!
Why is this so important? A furnace filter functions similarly to a surgical mask that prevents doctors and nurses from breathing in contaminants and bacteria. Like a surgical mask, a furnace filter traps dust, molds, pet hair and other particles that travel through your home or workplace’s HVAC system. You may be surprised to learn that according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air.
During winter, your furnace works hard to heat up and maintain a warm temperature throughout your home or office building. You want the air you breathe in your home or office to be as pure as possible, free from filth and dust. Changing the filter in your furnace on a regular basis is paramount to your health and overall well-being – just like it’s important for doctors and nurses to change their surgical masks.
Consider the different types of furnace filters: disposable fiberglass, permanent reusable and disposable pleated. Disposable fiberglass filters are inexpensive, although they generally have lower ratings. Permanent furnace filters are made from plastic or aluminum and are easily cleaned with water but aren’t highly recommended. Made of polyester and paper, disposable pleated filters- specifically MERV 8- are the most common filter option. Disposable pleated filters do a great job of filtering without straining the AHU to breathe, making them the furnace filter of choice among your friends at LCS.
So how often should you replace your furnace filter? The answer depends on a few variables, like the type and size of the filter, whether or not you have pets, the number of occupants in your home or office – so there’s not a “one size fits all” answer. But as a general rule, furnace filters should be changed every 60-90 days. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for optimum results.
At LCS, we offer a variety of residential, commercial and industrial services to make sure your HVAC system runs smoothly. If you have any questions about furnace filters, please feel free to send us a message or call us at (417) 883-5220.
Comments 1
I live in Ft Myers,:) so I don’t have the same winters as you have in the north. I currently have a wire filter that I wash and reuse. I recently had the air conditioner serviced, and was advised to replace the filter. Why can I not continue to use the washable filter?
Do you sell home filters and can you deliver in person?
Thanks