Furnace filte

Myth: A furnace filter only needs to be changed once during the heating season and once during the cooling season.

Truth: The frequency that a furnace filter needs to be changed depends on many factors. In general, system operating time, the quality of the filter, and location all determine how often a filter should be changed. Cheap fiberglass mesh filters must be changed more often (typically monthly) compared with the pricier "three month" pleated upgrade.

The longer you run your furnace, air conditioner or blower the more frequently filters should be changed. The other filter change frequency factor is how dusty the surroundings are. Filters in homes located in a well-developed area surrounded by lush landscaping usually dont need to be changed as often as home located in a "dust bowl."