The furnace filters are an essential part of your heating furnace and other HVAC systems. Furnace filters keep unwanted particles in the air out of your furnace and increase the productivity of your furnace. This is because dust and debris build-up in the internal components of your furnace can cause it to work extra hard and overheat. Overheating is very bad for your furnace and we have a separate blog dedicated to it. Furnace Repair Crystal MN
Cleaning your furnace filter
In this article, we will discuss how you can clean your furnace filter. It is crucial to replace your furnace filter often because it will keep the air clean. Clean air is healthy air, as it does not contain allergens and harmful molecules like bacteria that can harm your lungs upon inhalation. Moreover, often replacement of filters will keep your furnace or other HVAC systems running properly for a longer lifespan. Therefore, you must check your furnace filters at least once every month to see if it requires cleaning or replacement.
Remove the filter
Always turn your furnace off when removing the furnace filter. There is a switch somewhere, but if you cannot find it, then contact the manufacturer. After you have located the filter, check the airflow direction on it. There is an arrow that will show which is the direction of airflow, mark that with a marker before removing it. This is important because often people reinsert the filter in the wrong direction. Therefore, if you mark the right direction, you will insert it in the right way. Removing the filter is simple and does not require any tools.
Clean the filter
Only reusable filters are supposed to be cleaned and reused. If your filter is not reusable, discard it. If you do not know whether your filter is reusable or not, then check for its frame. If your filter has a plastic frame, it is reusable. If your filter has a cardboard frame, it is disposable. If it’s disposable, then note the size and type of your furnace filter before discarding it. This is because you will need to purchase the same filter again to replace it.
It is a very simple and straightforward thing to clean your furnace filter. You just need to properly rinse away all the dirt and debris on your filter with water. There is no need for special cleaning supplies. You can clean it under running water. However, make sure you clean away all the dirt and debris that is stuck on the filter. After proper cleaning, let your filter air dry completely. Do not reinsert the filter if it is not completely dry. Reinserting is just as simple as removing it. Just note the direction that you initially marked before removing the filter. Slide it back in that direction.
Types of filters and how to care for them
There are different types of furnace filters. Each type of filter requires a different degree of cleaning. Some need to be cleaned more often while others not so much. Therefore, you must know what type of filter you have. If you do not know, you can check the filter type on the label of your filter.
- Mechanical: These need to be cleaned every month.
- Electrostatic: They become statically charged, and attract dust and pollen towards the filter. Most of these have a metal frame and they do not need to be replaced. They can be used for around three months without cleaning.
- Electronic: These have a grid of electrically charged wires. These wires attract dust and debris. They are very efficient and get excess dust build-up much quickly. Therefore, they should be cleaned weekly
It would be best if you keep a record of when you last cleaned your filter and when you need to clean it next time. You can do this by marking a day in your calendar as furnace filter cleaning day. Replacement of furnace filters is important for your furnace. We hope you found this blog post helpful!
If you’re in need of any furnace repair or furnace replacement services, then feel free to contact All Climate Mechanical, the best HVAC contractors in Crystal MN, today.
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