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…replace the old filter. With the filter out, you have a choice. You can use a vacuum to clean the old filter. If it's made of plastic filtration…
…However, you may wish to buy a replacement filter, which is inexpensive. Slide…

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Bob talks to Mark Hagan of Trane about indoor air quality in the basement remodeling project. Hagan explains that the unit installed in the house will filter out particles common in the home such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. Hagan pulls the unit apart to show the multiple filters used in cleaning the air. The first filter catches the larger particles. The next filter is a field charger, which charges the smaller particles as they pass. The last filter has the opposite charge to attract the charged particles and capture them. The filters can all be manually cleaned so replacement filters are not necessary. The unit itself is also extremely quiet.

Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. It may seem like a bit of a stretch to think of housework as a money-saving endeavor but, believe it or not, dirt can cost you money. For instance, did you know that if enough dust builds up on your refrigerator coils it can burn out the cooling fan and overheat and destroy the motor? That s a very expensive repair or replacement you can avoid. Run a vent brush under the fridge to clean the coils and vacuum them thoroughly with the brush attachment each season. Be sure you unplug the fridge first, though! Vacuum baseboard heating units often to help them radiate more efficiently. Clean out your dryer vent every couple of months to help it dry your clothes faster. Dirt can hide where you least expect it. Unscrew the aerator from the end of your kitchen faucet and check for sediment that could be reducing your water flow. Make sure you get the benefit of the light you re paying for: dirty glass on porch and overhead light fixtures, sconces and even windows can actually block a lot of light. Dirty furnace filters make your heating system work harder and cost you more. Next time you re at the hardware store, buy a few extra filters and date them so you ll remember to change them regularly. If you have an electronic air filter, don t wait until the cleaning light is blinking red; frequent cleaning lowers costs. Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008