Did you replace your furnace filter last fall? Think there's lots of time until your next install? Today you'll learn that it might be time to do it again to keep your furnace fit and trim! Here's why: if you only change your filter once a year, you may be shortening the life of your furnace. During winter, you should check your filter monthly and change it as often as needed. To determine if it's too dirty and needs replacing, remove it and hold it up to the light. If it's dark rather than opaque, change it. Filters protect the blower motor from dust and dirt, and a clean glass fiber filter costing only about $1 can avoid costly repairs caused by reduced airflow. For a little extra, you can add room air filtration, too, which includes pleated filters or electro-statically charged fiber filters. Remember, when filters do what they're supposed to do, after a while, air can't get through! Check them often!