Home HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems are commonly overlooked when it comes to routine maintenance. A clean, properly functioning furnace will not only help to improve energy efficiency in the winter months, it will improve your family’s health.
Identify if your filter needs cleaning or replacing. If the filter is excessively dirty, torn, or otherwise damaged, it’s time to replace your air filter. Disposable filters, which come in a cardboard frame, should be replaced once they are dirty.
Vacuum the air filter. After turning off the furnace and removing the filter, use a soft vacuum brush to remove debris by running the brush across the filter to gently loosen dirt and grime.
Wash the filter with vinegar and water. If your air filter requires a deep cleaning, mix equal parts hot water and distilled white vinegar and soak for about an hour. make sure to thoroughly dry before replacing the filter to prevent mold.
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