Tips For Selecting the Right Furnace Air Filter

We recommend replacing your furnace air filter at least once a month to keep your heating system operating efficiently and reliably. Here are some furnace filter tips:

1. Buy filters in bulk and keep them near your furnace. 

Having filters always ready near your furnace will reduce the tendency to procrastinate and wait too long between filter changes. Also, buying a package of filters is usually less expensive than purchasing individual filters.

2. Use the correct size filter.

A poor-fitting furnace filter allows dirt and debris to get around the filter and contaminate the air in your home. It can also lead to clogged air conditioner coils, reducing the efficiency of the unit and shortening the lifespan of the compressor and other components. 

3. Install the filter facing the right direction.

Most filters have arrows indicating the direction of air flow. Putting the filter in backward can cause the filter to work less efficiently and in some cases may cause the filter to buckle, allowing air around the filter.

4. Be safe and always turn off the power at the breaker rather than the thermostat.

This will ensure that if you come in contact with any wiring near the filter enclosure you won’t get shocked.

5. Furnace filters are not air cleaners.

While most furnace filters will keep most of the dirt and debris out of your air ducts, they are not going to keep the air free of contamination. If your home has excess dust, pet dander, smoke or other contaminants, you should consider a high-quality home air filtration system. These HEPA filters are designed to capture the smallest particles that can pass through most 1″ furnace air filters. 

Have questions about furnace filters? Call Ostrom. We can help answer all your home heating questions.