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Maintaining your air filter is an easy task, & it takes a commitment to regular maintenance.

There are some in-line filters. However these filters can be costly & usually must be changed or maintained by a professional

As with most home central air conditioning units there's an intake vent where your air filter fits. The first air intake is before the filter. Usually a 2'x2' or rectangular vent of 20"x30" with slots.

The first step: take that vent cover off. Some are placed on the corner, if so take off both intake vents. Some are on the ceiling. Intake vent covers are metal so make sure that you are safe when taking off the screws.

The next step is easily handled with any vacuum with a hose attached. Try to extend the hose with included attachments & then put on the brush attachment. If you don't have a brush attachment use a broom & vacuum as you wipe the inside of the space behind the air intake vents. Usually there is a 2'-3' space behind the intake vents. The purpose is to clean away all dust, hair, mites, & anything that has been sucked in.

After you've vacuumed away everything, use an anti-bacterial spray like Lysol, or a mixture of 1 cup of bleach to one gallon of water. Completely wipe the sides of the walls under the air conditioner. This will kill bacteria and mold. Wait at least 2 hours to make sure it's dry. The above steps really only need doing once a year as the actual air filter catches most things.

Lastly is forget everything you know about those fiberglass air filters. Those catch large hairs that grab dust. They take nothing out of the air, but limit large objects from getting into the air conditioning fan.

The brand I recommend is FILTRETE air filters, or other folded paper filters. As you will see the paper is tightly folded & offered in the size you need. (remember to check size before going to the store) These filters are sold at all large department stores & home improvement stores. The prices ranges from $10-$25. If you're not prone to allergies, no pets or smokers in the house, the lower price Filtrete is fine. If you have serious allergies, pets, or smokers in the house, go for the best one. Filtrete covers are ranked by the amount of particles removed. You want the one with the highest numbers. These filters are like having a room air filter for your entire house as many are HEPA certified.

The packaging will say replace every three months. At first check it each month. Mark it on your calendar. If you see the intake side is dirty or covered with dust, replace it immediately. During times when air conditioning/heat is used continually, once a month will keep all of your house smelling fresh, & you will notice a huge reduction in dust on floors, wood tables, shelves, etc. Check them, & replace them monthly for optimal air cleaning.

These steps will reduce dust, pollens, hair dander, smoke & pet odors from your home. It takes an initial investment of time, & then a monthly replacement, or at least checking the filter monthly.

If you have Children, buy the most productive Filtrete, which is usually $19-$25 & replace it monthly. You'll find that your children are sick much less often.

We spend two-thirds of our life in our home. We & our children deserve to breathe air as clean as possible. It's well worth the monthly inconvenience and cost.

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