Why Clean Our Filters?

One of the least done jobs in our home is the cleaning and maintenance of our filters to our furnaces or air conditioning units. A clean filter is important to any furnace or air con unit.

Many of us are aware of the cost we spend and you think that buying cheap filters are saving money, up front you are correct but with a careful assessment we are actually not. As these cheap filters do not actually collect the dust from the air as would a better quality filter.

You will find greater value for the dollar by using the more efficient models of filters such as pleated filters or other more commonly known filters.

So why are filters important?
There are many important things that happen if your do not change your furnace or air conditioning filters.

Here is what can happen

Air Conditioning Filters
1. A reduction in the cooling capacity which will result in longer cooling times and hence higher running costs over time.
2. Poor circulation in the air and hence hot spots in the house
3. Reduction in the operating pressures and this will cause the coil to ice up.

Furnace Filters
1. Increased run flow due to poor and low air flow, this will increase the energy bill as more time to heat the home.
2. Reduced air flow at the heat exchange will increase the temperature at operating times and can cause the heat exchange to crack and leak the heat out.

How often should we change the filters?
To ensure maximum efficiency of our furnace or air conditioning unit it is recommended that you replace or clean your filter every 3 months, but for thicker filters of say 4 inches or more then you can clean or replace at longer intervals.