Greening Up Your Existing Furnace

A recent article by Vincent Standley, posted on the National Geographic Green Guide web site, provides a step-by-step description of how to replace your furnace filter with a better, more permanent filter.  The cost is under $100 for the filter, homeowners can do the change out themselves, and it will greatly improve the quality of the air inside the house, reducing allergies and other annoyances.  Not to mention the fact that a permanent filter reduces the amount of disposable filters that end up in landfills.

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Here is a pared down version of the instructions Standley gives:

1. Turn off power to the furnace, either at the circuit breaker or the furnace switch itself.

2. Vacuum around the base of the furnace, where the air intake is (this may vary per furnace model).  Lightweight material near the intake can get sucked in, reducing the air flow.

3. Remove the existing filter.  The location may be different for each model of furnace.  Remove the access panel from the front or side of the furnace (this may require a screwdriver).  Remove the filter, noting the position, especially the direction of arrows indicating air flow.  Inspect the filter for dust and dirt build-up.

4. Determine if the filter can be reused.  Cardboard frames indicate that the filter is meant to be disposed of.  Replace it with a filter of similar size approximately every three months.  Plastic or metals frames mean that the filter can be reused.  The filter mesh should be vacuumed, then sprayed with water and allowed to dry.  Torn filters should be replaced.

When replacing a filter, either disposable or reusable, there are lots of options in price and quality.  Usually the cheaper, the less “stuff” the filter will catch, meaning more contaminants in the air.  Filters are rated with what is called a MERV factor: the higher the number, the better the filter.  Filters with a MERV factor between 7 and 13 are best, as they are considered as effective as a HEPA filter.  Note that when using higher MERV factors, you may notice a reduction in the amount of air coming out of your furnace.  This is normal, due to the fact that the air is passing through more resistance with the improved filter mesh.

5. Vacuum out the furnace area that is reachable through the access door.  Use vacuum attachments to extend your reach as far as possible.  If you feel comfortable doing so, remove some of the furnace parts to get to those hard to reach areas.

6. Install the new or cleaned filter, return the access panel, and turn on power to the furnace.

That’s it, you’re done!  Do this about every three months to keep your indoor air as clean as possible and improve the efficiency of your furnace.

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