Furnace Filters: Changing and Maintaining

You should check your furnace filter once a month. For peak performance of your furnace, your filter might need to be replaced every month. Your furnace filter should be replaced at least four times yearly. This is a quick and easy job every homeowner or tenant can do to help their furnace run efficiently. The filter is usually found just inside the front cover of the furnace. It may have its own access door or panel on the front of the furnace unit. A new or clean filter will help your furnace burn more efficiently and keep dust particles from circulating through your home or apartment.

Reasons you should have your system checked:

• More Energy-Efficient • Saves You Money on your Monthly Bill • Lower Dust Circulation in Your Home • Verify Carbon Monoxide Levels • Peace of Mind for You and Your Family

If you have an older furnace, we recommend you have it checked. The newer gas furnaces are equipped with many features that will detect problems and shut the furnace off if necessary. Older furnaces don’t have these features.

Be aware of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon Monoxide is caused by incomplete combustion which is normally carried away from your home through the furnace’s venting system. A clean efficiently burning furnace produces very little carbon monoxide while an inefficiently running furnace can produce deadly amounts. This deadly gas is odorless, tasteless and colorless so you might not know it’s even there. Carbon Monoxide can cause symptoms that seem flu-like. Other symptoms include headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, disorientation, confusion and can cause death. If you suspect a carbon monoxide problem, open windows and leave your home at once.

Other tips that will help keep your furnace running efficiently:

• Keep the area around your furnace clean and unobstructed. • Do Not have anything combustible within six inches of your pipe vent. • Do not close off more than 20% of the registers in your house. This could cause a build up of heat in the furnace. • Do not store combustible materials anywhere near your furnace. This includes gasoline, paint thinner, cleaning solvents, etc. • Motors and bearings that require lubrication should be checked by a certified technician once a year.