Breathe Easier When You Clean, Replace Furnace Filters

Clean and replace furnace filters regularly to keep your heating system running efficiently. Dirty and dusty filters are the reason for half the repair calls to service technicians.

When buying replacement filters, there are different types to meet your needs. Keep in mind that some filters are better than others at keeping allergens out of the air.

-Disposable or washable filters work fine at keeping your furnace clean. They collect large particles, but may not keep out mold spores, pollen and other allergens.

-Pleated filters may be a better choice for reducing allergens. They can cost as little as $5 or $10. But be prepared to pay more for more effective filtration.

-A high-efficiency pleated air filter costs around $250 to $450. Contact your service technician for information and help.

-Electronic air cleaners work best at removing dust, mold and other pollutants from the air. They're more expensive, too. They may range in price from $600 to $900. But the cost may be offset by lower health care bills and a more comfortable indoor environment.

Clean and Maintain Your Central Air Conditioner

Central air conditioners, like any appliance, sometimes need regular maintenance to perform at peak efficiently. The system may need to be tweaked or cleaned, and not require major repairs. You can do some of the simple maintenance yourself. Keep your owner's manual handy, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Here are a few simple steps to remember for optimum performance:
- To clean your central air conditioner, you need to turn off power to the unit. There should be a switch outdoors next to the compressor.
- Next, vacuum or use a soft brush to rid the outdoor coil of dirt, debris and grass clippings.
- Inspect the filters on your air handler, or furnace. If they look dirty, you will need to replace or clean them, based on the manufacturer's instructions. The air handler moves heated or cooled air through the ductwork of your home.
- Clean and oil the indoor furnace fan, or air handler fan. Also clean the fan on the outdoor unit. Again, check the manufacturer's instructions in your owner's manual.
- Keep furniture and rugs away from the vents to get proper airflow. If airflow is blocked, it can damage the compressor.

Efficiency and Energy Savings Key to Home Heating

Home heating bills can run $600 or more each winter. Better insulation and changing your furnace filter monthly can help lower costs. But if your heating system is old and expensive to operate, it may make sense to invest in high-efficiency home heating systems that do not waste energy or money. Check out these cost-saving features in home heating services:
* Fully insulated furnaces, which provide quiet and efficient operation.
* Two-stage operation, which enables the furnace to run at an energy-saving low speed most of the time. Temperatures don't need to drop considerably for the heat to switch on.
* Low-speed fan that continuously keeps warm air flowing throughout your home.
* Variable-speed humidity control to manage the flow of heated and cooled air throughout your home.

Air Quality Problems Can Lead to Health Complaints

Commercial HVAC systems have a big job. They do not just heat and cool buildings, they also filter and clean indoor air. Mold, radon, secondhand cigarette smoke, cleaning chemicals, pollen, even perfume can be indoor pollutants. Problems with indoor air quality can lead to health concerns, discomfort by employees and the public, and sickness and claims for workers' compensation. Here are some tips for troubleshooting air quality problems with commercial HVAC systems:

* First, gather facts and review the situation. Who is affected by the air quality problem? Where is the problem? When did it occur?
* Identify environmental factors that may be related to the problem. Search for moisture or water damage.
* Inspect air flow pathways, ventilation and heating and cooling systems.
* Interview the building's occupants about their concerns and observations. Encourage people who say they are experiencing medical problems to see a doctor.
* Inspect the area that is the source of complaints. Does it look dirty? Cleaning carpets, furniture and surfaces may get rid of dust and other irritants.
* Evaluate whether the outdoor air is a source of problems. Is the HVAC system's intake air flow near vehicle traffic?
* Check your HVAC system for dust, dirt or mold growth.
* Recognize when you need the help of a professional. Sometimes it is necessary to hire an outside professional to investigate indoor air quality problems that you and your maintenance staff cannot solve alone.

Control Heating System's AirFlow and Costs

Variable-speed heating is a common-sense approach to saving energy and money. It allows you to better control the airflow and costs of your heating system.

Here's how it works: "Variable speed" is a technical term that refers to how a furnace's indoor blower motor runs. When it can operate at different -- or variable -- speeds, you can better control airflow in your home. Better control increases your comfort and eases heating bills. Variable speed motors use less electricity than standard one-speed motors.