It’s easy to forget about your home’s furnace until the first cold week of the season, but some basic familiarity with and a little early maintenance of your home heating system can make a big difference for your comfort and your health.
Like your car, your furnace has a filter and performs best when that filter is clean and designed to its specifications. But many of us simply forget they deserve frequent attention or just assume they don’t need it. However, that is not the case.
“Not changing furnace filters often can contribute to health issues, especially for people sensitive to dust,” said DuWayne Dunham, energy counselor for Clark Public Utilities. “Just how frequently customers must change theirs depends on the type they use.”
Electric, gas, and oil heating units work differently and need their own type of maintenance. So, consult your furnace manual to learn how to check yours and learn its maintenance needs. If you misplaced the manual, check for your model online or contact a heating-cooling expert for help. The Clark Public Utilities website lists HVAC contractors for anyone seeking professional help.
When selecting a filter, consider what you need to screen out. Manufacturers grade filters according to a standard, called Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV. The higher the MERV number, the smaller the particles the filter catches.
Most furnaces have disposable filters. Some models have built-in electrostatic filters. But if you’re not comfortable cleaning or replacing your furnace filter yourself, HVAC contractors can provide this service in a short appointment.
For under $10, you can buy porous filters rated 10 MERV or less. The least costly and least effective are 1-inch thick-mesh fiberglass filters. Dunham suggests checking these filters monthly and cleaning or replacing as needed. Similar 1-inch pleated filters use a paperlike synthetic fabric to catch dust particles. They are slightly more effective than fiberglass filters for grabbing small particles, but they cost bit more and still may need to be replaced every month or two.
For better filtration and improved air quality, consider filters rated at 10 MERV or above. These come in two varieties — folded pleat with a synthetic paper-like fabric and carbon-coated mesh fabric. The pleated units run about 10 MERV and the carbon-coated 15-20.
One of the most effective filters on the market today is the 4-inch paper pleated filter. They have a lot of surface area, usually have a higher MERV rating, and can last up to six months — which means less maintenance.
The comfort and health benefit of any filter are easily lost unless it is installed correctly. When replacing a one, note the direction of the arrows on the old filter and insert the replacement facing the same way. Improper installation can slow air passage and let in more dust and allergens.
Families with someone suffering from respiratory diseases, allergies or airborne contaminant sensitivity should use a 16 MERV filter.
While it’s tempting to save money where you can as a homeowner, Clark Public Utilities suggests customers with furnace-powered heating systems consider annual service by a trained HVAC technician. Most customers are able to handle the filter maintenance themselves, but if you don’t feel comfortable doing so, the HVAC techs can help. On top of that, they may spot issues you might otherwise miss.
If you’re confused about what kind of furnace filter you have, and how best to service it, you are always welcome to call our Energy Counselor of the Day phone number, 360-992-3355.
There is an energy counselor available to assist you from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98688.
