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Furnace filter — check it after drywall or sanding work

Furnace filter

Did a renovation fill the house with drywall dust? Check the furnace filter the same week. Fine dust can clog it much faster than normal.

Illustration of a pleated furnace air filter covered in pet fur beside a friendly dog
Photo: CoraCo Studio™ original (generated)

Drywall sanding, floor sanding and demolition send fine dust into the air, and the furnace air filter catches much of it. It can clog in days instead of months.

Furnace filter after a dusty project

  1. Turn the furnace off before you open the filter slot.
  2. Pull the filter and hold it to the light. If you cannot see light through it, replace it.
  3. Note the size printed on the frame so you buy the same one.
  4. Slide the new filter in with the arrow pointing toward the furnace.
  5. Check it again a week or two later while dust is still settling.

During heavy sanding, it can help to turn the system off and cover return grilles, then uncover them before you run it again.

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