Furnaces and air conditioning systems rely on furnace filters to keep the system clean and to keep the air in your home pure. These filters are an effective way to remove dust, pollen and debris from the air so that it is not deposited into the heating or cooling coils and so that it is not deposited into your lungs. A good filter will help to keep your home free from dust and cleaner. It will also increase the life of a furnace or air conditioner. Dirty filters cost you money in heating and cooling bills.

You should check filters at least once a month. After being in your home for a while, you will start to get a sense of how often you will need to change the filters. Some homes need a change at the beginning of the season and no more. Others will need the filter cleaned or changed every two to three weeks.

Here is how to clean or replace your furnace filter. Begin by turning off the system. You can do this at the thermostat or at your circuit breaker box. Next, you will need to locate the filter. Some filters are located just behind the air return duct and others are located in the furnace or HVAC system itself. If the filter is in the unit, you will need to remove a service panel.

Once you have located the filter, check its dust level. If it is difficult to see light through the filter, then air is not being moved effectively through it. Reusable filters can be rinsed and allowed to dry. Disposable units will need to be replaced with a fresh one. Be sure that you turn the furnace back on.

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, there are two types of furnace filters. The permanent ones will have a metal or fiberglass frame. The disposable ones have a cardboard frame. Disposable filters are often cheaper initially, however the monthly replacement cost can soon add up to more than a permanent filter. The permanent filters will require regular washing.

Be sure that you note the filter size before shopping for replacements. Look for the MERV rating. The higher MERV rating indicates a more effective furnace filter. This rating is an effective way to choose furnace filters.

The least expensive filters are mechanical filters. These dry filters capture the particles in the mesh. They are normally disposable and can be made of natural or man made fibers. These filters do not work well for small particles. They need to be changed monthly.

Electrostatic filters are somewhat more effective at removing the particles from the air. Most are considered permanent filters and have the metal frame or fiberglass frame. They do need to be cleaned at once every three months.

Electronic filters are very efficient. They do not have fibers but a grid of wires that are electrically charged to attract the debris. These filters are so efficient that they have to be cleaned once a week.

HEPA filters are very efficient. They rate off the MERV scale. They are also expensive and normally only used in hospitals, operating rooms or laboratories.

If you have a furnace or an air con system, your system will have some type of furnace filter. These furnace filters assist to remove pollen, debris and particles from the air before it goes into the furnace or HVAC system.