You may not give much thought to the filter in your house. You know that square or oblong thing in the return grill of your central heat and air system? Sure, most of us try to change it every month, if we remember. But hardly any of us realize that this can be a very nice way to increase our home’s health and comfort, if it’s a good one. So how do you know if it’s a good one? First of all ask yourself if you could pour salt right through your existing filter. If the answer is “yes” it’s not a good one. Oh, it’s adequate, and will temporarily protect your heat and air system from debris accumulation, but that’s about all it will do. Okay, so what do you look for? The market has many filters available today and some are good but many are dangerous for your system. You want a filter that is pleated, and thick - if “unfolded” it would have a very large surface area. If the filter is pleated BUT is only about one inch thick it is NOT a good filter! These filters are not large enough in total surface area and will “choke” your heat and air system! Look for a pleated filter that is at least five inches thick. I can’t encourage you enough to look for a good, reliable filter. I recently replaced a typical one inch “grocery store” filter with a five inch thick pleated filter and saw a tremendous difference in the home! There was much less dust and everyone felt better and slept better – a notable difference, for sure! Plus – these filters last way longer! Up to six months! If you’re in doubt about choosing a filter look to your local Heat and Air Contractors! They will have the most widely recommended filters on the market, and can probably deliver them to you when you have your maintenance appointment in the Spring or Fall. You DO have Heat and Air maintenance done, don’t you?