It's the single, most important thing you can do for your central heating & air conditioning system! How often should I check my air filter? How often should I replace my air filter? How often should I clean my air filter? Where is my air filter located? Do I have more than one air filter? We suggest checking filters monthly. If you have a disposable type filter, (these usually have a cardboard edge), and if it is dirty, just replace it. Don't attempt to clean it. Some higher efficiency 1" pleated air filters can go up to three months before needing replacement. But in the higher-use seasons, it's better to check more often. Different systems have different filter locations. If you don't know where your filter is located, now would be a good time to learn! Usually, there is a removable filter access door in the return air duct next to the furnace or indoor unit. This can be in a basement, crawl-space, utility closet, garage, or attic. Sometimes, especially with older systems, the filter is located inside the furnace itself, next to the blower motor.

And some systems have a central filter grille installed in a wall or ceiling. The grille swings open, revealing the air filter. Keep in mind, many air filters are directional - the air is meant to flow through the filter in one direction only. Look for an arrow or airflow symbol indicating direction. The arrow should point towards the furnace or air handler. If your filter does not have any arrows, see if one side of the filter looks rougher than the other side; that would be the side to collect the dust, so the other side would face the equipment. If you have a permanent-type (non-cardboard) air filter, it is very simple to clean. Just follow the four simple steps below... Step 1 - With the thermostat in the off position, locate and remove your air filter. Step 2 - Using a garden hose with good water pressure, spray off the filter - from both sides. You can repeat this process several times if the filter is very dirty. Just be careful not to use too much pressure or damage could be done to the filter media.

When the water runs clear and the filter is clean you are ready for the next step. Step 3 - Shake off the excess water. It is a good idea to let the filter sit out and completely dry before reinstalling it. But if it is still a little damp, you can go ahead and re-install it. Step 4 - Slide the air filter back into the rack, noting proper airflow direction, and you are done. Now you can turn your thermostat back on and remember to do this again next month. Some systems, especially larger ones may have more than one air filter. They can even be different sizes. If you have more than one heating and/or air conditioning system, then you definitely have more than one air filter.Just as regular trips to the doctor and dentist are vital to keep your body operating at its best, your  manufactured home or modular home needs regular maintenance, too.  One of the most important things you can do for your home is one of the simplest and most easily forgotten:  replacing the air filter in your home every month.

Feel like you are always turning your AC up? what does it cost to replace an ac unit Keeping the HVAC equipment in proper operating condition is important for both optimum comfort levels and minimal energy bills throughout the year.  how much does it cost to service ac unitIt is also critical to maintain a clean air filter month after month to ensure that your home comfort levels are optimal for your family and that your energy costs are minimized.financing a new ac unit Over time, dirt and debris can build up on the coils or heat exchangers , making the HVAC system work harder and reducing its efficiency. This leads to additional operating strain on your equipment, decreasing its lifespan and elevating the risk of a system malfunction.

A dirty, clogged air filter will also increase the costs of heating and cooling your home. Here is a short video on how to change your air filter in your manufactured or modular home. In addition to adding the air filter change to your calendar, one other way to avoid missing a filter change is to buy 12 air filters at a time and put a different month of the year on each of them.  Then place them in a conspicuous place in the garage where you will see them regularly. This makes it easy to see when you last changed the filter and avoid missing a month. When you’re ready for a new home, Palm Harbor Homes is here to help. With customizable floor plans to suit every need and budget, Palm Harbor can help you find the perfect structure to build on your land, whether it’s a home, a beach retreat, or a hunting lodge. , Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. Tags: air filter replacement, build on your land, buy a manufactured home, buy a modular home, home maintenance, HVAC, manufactured home, Your New Home

That means millions of unwanted airborne particles are being inhaled by you and your family.  Airborne pollutants like pollen, dust, pet hair, dander, viruses, dust mites, spores, tobacco and cooking smoke can damage your draperies, upholstery and even your heating & air conditioning system. Allergy sufferers know, that even trace pollutants can trigger miserable allergic reactions and the quality of your home's indoor air becomes even more critical to your comfort.Most Maryland homes use ordinary throwaway furnace filters to clean the air, capturing only about 5-15% of the air's polluting particles. Here are some indoor air facts that you should be aware of; Notice that we said solutions, we have found, that a combination of approaches works best to remedy your indoor air problems. Humidifiers and/or a UV "ultra violet air cleaning & treatment system, are just a few other products worthy of your consideration that will work in tandem with your new furnace air cleaner or filter, helping you and your family breathe the freshest air in your neighborhood.