Furnace Air Filters

With today's outdoor pollution levels rising with the addition of each new motor vehicle that hits the road, clean air inside our homes has become more important and welcomed. For those of us who have central heating and cooling systems in our homes, there is a very easy way to begin making our homes' air cleaner. This can be done with the use of furnace air filters.

Furnace air filters are inserted into your home's central heating and cooling unit, or furnace, and filter the air that is delivered throughout your home by the ductwork and vents. There are many types available, from inexpensive furnace air filters to high quality furnace air filters designed to greatly reduce allergens in the air. Apartment dwellers may even be provided with filters free of charge, and the management often offers furnace air filter change services twice a year.

Furnace replacement air filters are available at most home improvement retailers and other large retailers. Air bear furnace filters and 3M brand are among the most common. The most inexpensive type is a fiberglass filter. These filters often cost less than a dollar. Fiberglass furnace air filters will not capture small particles like pollen and mold. These filters are designed for larger particles such as dust and dirt. Another disadvantage of fiberglass furnace air filters is that they are single-use only, which creates more waste in landfills.

A more effective type of furnace air filter is an electrostatic filter. These are washable furnace air filters that use static electricity to trap dust and other pollutants. Electrostatic furnace air filters are not the most effective type, but they do have the benefits of being economical as well as environmentally sound, since they are reusable.

Allergy home furnace air filters are the most expensive, but the best, type of replacement furnace air filters that are commonly purchased. These filters are made up of a dense, pleated material, and collect allergens from dust and dirt to pollen and mold. These filters are disposable and cannot be reused.

The purchase and installation of quality furnace air filters is one of the simplest steps you can take to improve your home's indoor air quality. But you must be sure to change the filter as recommended by the manufacturer, in order to get the best results for your health and the health of your family. If the manufacturer recommends a twice-yearly change, a good way to remember is to change the furnace air filter when you change your clocks, if you live in an area that observes Daylight Savings Time.