Green Your Heating -- Furnace Filters

November is here, and wintry weather has blown in with gusto. This week's tips cover ways to make the most of your home heating system.

Tip #1: Check (and maybe replace) your furnace filter

Dirty filters block air flow and can make your heating system work overtime. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, that can cause faster burnout and higher heating costs. Old-style furnace filters (inch-thick fiberglass panels) typically need to be replaced monthly, while newer pleated, electrostatically-charged filters usually last about three months. For both types, experts recommend checking for buildup every month and being especially diligent during months of heavy use.