Having a clean, properly sized furnace filter is critical for a number of reasons. A clogged or poorly fitting air filter will make your home's heating and cooling system work harder to move the air around your your home. The result is poor efficiency, higher utility bills and dirtier air.
The frequency of filter replacement will depend on the filter type, the size of your home and your home's air quality. A furnace in a larger home will move more air and clog the filter faster. If you have pets you’ll probably need to change your filter twice as often. Not only are pet dander and hair a leading cause of allergens, they also clog air filters more quickly.
Start with every two months for a standard 1” filter and twice as often if you have a large home, allergies or pets. Costlier filters often claim to last 90 days, but in our experience, these filters restrict air flow so much that they should be changed monthly. Your furnace and air conditioner will breathe easier and so will you!
If you’re really interested in cleaning the air in your home, MR Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical can install a whole-house air cleaner in place of your standard furnace filter. HEPA filters clean the air better that any of the standard pleated filters and need to be changed much less frequently.
If you buy your air filters by the case and keep them near your furnace it will reduce the tendency to procrastinate about changing the filter. Buying by the case can also reduce the cost of the filters.
Never run your system with an incorrectly sized filter. An poor-fitting furnace filter will allow dust and other contaminates to sneak around the filter and into your home. This is also the primary cause of clogged air conditioner coils. Clogged AC coils reduce efficiency and compressor life, and can cause expensive problems down the road.
Always turn off your furnace at the breaker panel or disconnect (not just the thermostat) before replacing your filter. Some furnaces have electrical wiring close to the filter location which could shock you if the power is not disconnected first. furnace air filters
If you're uncertain about where your furnace filter goes, what direction to install it, or what size or type to use, give us a call. We're always happy to help.
For improved filtration and healthier indoor air quality, we offer whole-house air cleaners and other Indoor Air Quality systems. Our technicians can recommend the best solution based on your needs and your home.
Many homeowners don't think about their water heater until problems arise. However, by performing a simple inspection at least twice a year you can ensure that your water heater is operating safely and efficiently.
Here's what to check:
Chances are you'll never have a plumbing catastrophe, like a burst pipe. If you do, you can't afford to waste precious minutes searching for the main water shutoff valve. That's why it's crucial for every homeowner to know where this valve is and how to shut it off. The first thing you need to do is find your water meter. The main water shutoff valve is usually close to it. Now, where the meter is located can vary. In colder regions, where pipes could freeze in the winter, the water line usually enters through the floor of the foundation. locate the line entering your home, follow that line and you'll find your water meter. Keep following it and you'll see the shutoff valve. To stop the flow of water turn the valve handle clockwise, so the handle is perpendicular to the pipe. In older homes the shutoff valve is closed using a circular handle. Turn the valve clockwise to shut of the flow of water. In warmer climate like Arizona, the shutoff valve will be outside of the house often near an outside faucet. If it's more convenient, you can have an inside shutoff valve installed.
Because there's no standard location for main water shutoff valves, you may have to do a little searching to find yours. Once you find it, make sure everyone in the household knows where it is. If you need help finding your shutoff valve, give MR Plumbing a call. We'll be happy to locate it and apply a visible tag to make where it is.
Here's something you can do yourself to help your water heater live a rich, full life. Flush your water heater once a year. Why? mineral deposits and rust can collect in water heaters, which means they have to work harder to heat water. Flushing removes this sediment, allow your water heater to heat efficently.
Watch the video to learn the steps for flushing your water heater. Have questions about maintaining your water heater? Call MR Plumbing, we can help answer all your hot water questions.