Just turn on your furnace? Did you remember to replace the filter?

When you first turn on your furnace in the Fall, do you notice a dusty smell throughout the house? This should be a reminder to you that you should have changed the furnace filter. Changing the filter frequently is important for a couple of reasons: it reduces indoor air pollution, and it improves home efficiency. You should not wait for that dusty smell to remind you to replace your furnace filter.

The dust that you smell contains other things as well, such as pollen, bacteria, mold spores, and pet dander. If your home is like many homes, the only air filter in your home is the one on your furnace. If so, the only way to reduce indoor air pollution in your home is make sure that your furnace filter is working as well as possible. Obviously, a clean filter will trap more pollution than a dirty filter. Changing your filter regularly, including before first turning on your furnace in the Fall, will reduce the indoor air pollution in your home.

It is not just your lungs that can be affected by the your furnace filter, however. As the filter traps pollution it becomes dirty, and a dirty filter reduces the airflow through your furnace. This makes your furnace work harder when heating your home. To maintain home efficiency you need to check your filter regularly, at least every three months, so that you can replace it before it becomes so dirty that it affects the operation of your furnace.

Changing your furnace filter will do more than getting rid of that dusty smelly when you turn on your furnace. It will reduce the air pollution in your home and improve your home efficiency. Remember to check your filter at least every three months, and to replace it every Fall. If you are in need of new furnace filters check out the quality furnace filters here: www.iaqsource.com/furnace_filters.php