Green Tip of The Day

5. Clean or replace the filter in your furnace

I lived in Montreal where I had electric base-board heaters before I moved to Calgary so I was unfamiliar with forced-air gas furnaces. That first year in Calgary I paid twice as much on heating than I do currently. I later learned that the only reason my furnace worked so inefficiently was because I neglected to change the filter.

It is recommended that you replace the filter every 1 to 2 months. Don't get confused with the different ones on the market, because in this case the least expensive also happens to be the better choice. The more expensive HEPA-filters are great at filtering the air but they also restrict air flow. If indoor air quality is a necessity for you, invest in a good portable air-purifier.

Also, set the furnace's blower fan to run continuously. The air in your home needs to circulate, not only to improve air-quality but also to prevent the warm air from rising.

Image courtesy of Filters America

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