Pennsylvania Homeowners: Here's How To Clean Your Furnace Filter

Pennsylvania's winter is in full force, so chances are your heating system hasn't gotten much of a break. Your furnace filter works hard for your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) needs.

Replacing your furnace filter regularly does wonders to extend the lifetime of your HVAC system and reduce utility bills. Inspect them monthly (especially this time of year) to check if they need to be cleaned or replaced.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to get it done.

How to Clean or Replace Your Furnace Filter

The first thing you’ll want to do is turn your HVAC system completely off. Then, locate your service panel. This is typically easily removed by hand but some systems will require a screwdriver. Locate your air filter (it’s near the intake/outtake blower) and check its dust level. Is it hard to see through? If you have a reusable filter, rinse away the dust particles in your sink.

If it’s disposable, jot down the size of the filter, toss the old one, and replace it with a fresh product before turning the system back on. Once you’ve restarted the system and it still doesn’t seem to be working properly, or if you’re unsure of how to replace your filter, enlist the help of an HVAC professional. They’ll be able to help for a small fee.

Types of Furnace Filters

If your filter has a cardboard frame, it’s disposable. If it has fiberglass or metal framing, it’s reusable. Most filters are mechanical, which means they simply capture debris in metal meshing. If you don’t have severe allergies, they are an affordable and effective way to go.

More nontraditional options include electrostatic (which uses static electricity to attract dust and pollen) and electronic. Electronic models are so efficient that they need to be cleaned weekly. The most efficient is High Efficiency Particle Absorbers (HEPA). These are expensive, and are typically only used in high-sanitary environments like hospitals and laboratories.

Chances are, your home is equipped with a traditional mechanical filter. If you have asthma or other health issues, talk to an HVAC professional about upgrading to a more efficient model.

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