To keep your furnace and air conditioner running properly, there is a very simple task you need to do. Every 2-4 months you need to change your air filter. It is very easy and cheap to do.

If this filter gets plugged up your furnace and air conditioner will have to work harder to heat or cool your home, which means your utility bill will go up. If it goes long enough without being changed it can even cause damage to the heating and cooling system—something you will not enjoy getting a bill for.

It is very easy to replace. The filter is next to the furnace duct work. Just pull it out and replace it with a new one from the store (the size is written on the side). They are usually around $5. Do NOT run your furnace or air conditioner without a filter. This will allow dirt to get inside the system and cause very expensive damage.

Keeping this filter clean will also help keep the air inside your home clean. When the furnace runs the air is circulated in the home—running through the filter. If you have problems with allergies you may want to look at some of the more expensive filters that will clean your air better than the standard filters.

When running the air conditioner you may also need to gently hose off the A/C unit that is outside. During the winter dirt and leaves may collect inside of it. Gently hosing it down can keep the air moving freely through it. While there, look down inside it just to make sure there isn’t anything that would impede normal operation, like sticks or toys.

If you have any problems please ask.