Washington Homeowners: Tips For Cleaning Furnace Filters

During the cold winter here in Washington state you rely on your furnace to heat your home and keep it warm and comfortable for you and your family. The last thing you need is your furnace to fail or put out minimal heat. To avoid problems and make sure your heating system is running at optimal performance you should be regularly cleaning or replacing furnace filters.

Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, here’s everything you need to know about furnace filters.

Key Benefits Of Filter Cleaning

Reduce energy bills and improve efficiency

A dirty and clogged filter makes the furnace work harder, using more energy.

Improve indoor air quality

Clean filters trap allergens, bacteria, and pet dander so that you and your family are breathing fresh, healthy air.

Extend furnace life

Regular cleaning of filters keeps your heating system working correctly so you can avoid expensive repair bills.

Easy Steps To Clean Or Replace Filters

1. Inspect your furnace filter once a month – If it looks dirty it’s time to clean or replace with a new filter.
2. Turn off the furnace and open the service panel – Use a screwdriver if needed to open.
3. Locate the filter in the furnace and slide to remove.
4. For reusable filters – wash under running water in the sink or in your driveway. Be sure to clean both sides and let the filter air dry thoroughly before putting back into the furnace.
5. For disposable filters – purchase the correct size and type for your furnace and replace the dirty filter.

Reusable Or Disposable Filters

Furnace filters are either reusable or disposable. All filter types come with a Minimum Efficiency Report Value (MERV) rating. The higher the rating the more particles the filter will be able to trap.

Reusable filters:

• Have either a fiberglass or metal frame.
• Are more cost effective than disposable filters.
• Last on average 5 years with proper cleaning maintenance.

Disposable filters:

• Made out of paper or polyester with a cardboard frame.
• Are less expensive than reusable filters.
• Need to be replaced every month.

Types of Filters

Mechanical

Constructed from man made or natural fibers, mechanical filters are disposable and not as effective for trapping small particles. These filters will need to be changed once a month.

Electrostatic

Made of polyester strands, electrostatic filters are self-charging as air flows through them. Effective for trapping dust and pollen, they have a higher MERV rating than mechanical filters. Expect to clean these filters once every three months.

Electronic

Electronic furnace filters are made of a grid with an electric field to attract and trap dirt and small particles. Highly effective, these filters need to be cleaned once a week.

Want the help of an expert? Contact a HomeAdvisor heating contractor in Washington state for furnace service, maintenance, and filter cleaning or replacement

This Patch article is sponsored by Home Advisor.