The sole purpose of the filter is to pull dust out of the air.  How thoroughly you want to do this depends on you, and your budget.  No matter which filter you decide to use, in order for it to function properly you must clean or replace it according to the manufacturer.  Dirty filters will not damage your furnace in short periods of time, however, over a long period of time they can drastically affect the efficiency of how well your furnace heats.  

The simplest as well as the oldest and lest efficient is the spun glass also referred to as “fiberglass” filters.  When these get dirty, you simply toss them out and replace it.  Spun glass filters remove approximately10 to 15% of the dust in the air.  These filters require replacement on a monthly basis.  Fiber filters are spun plastic and are as effective as spun glass filters, however they are washable. 

To remove the most dust from the air, you should purchase either a media filter or an electrostatic filter.  Media filters are spun-glass filters that have a pleated fiber core.  These filters remove approximately 45% to 90% of dust and pollen from the air.  Like spun-glass filters however, these are also disposable.  The recommended replacement time can be up to three months. 

Electrostatic filters are layered to form an electrostatic charge, which draws the dust and pollen out of the air and traps it in a foam filter.  This electrical charge is permanent and the filter is plastic, meaning that these filters can be cleaned instead of simply tossing them away.  Electrostatic HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters can remove up to 99% of the pollutants in the air.  These filters require cleaning every 3 months to ensure that they function properly. 

Electrostatic precipitators are the most efficient and the most expensive type of filters available.  These filters also require professional installation.  Electrostatic precipitator filters work similar to electrostatic filters except that their electrical charge is supplied by a power source.  Precipitators restrict airflow so they also require a small booster fan.  These filters can remove particulars as small as 0.001 microns in size, which is small enough to remove smoke and other similar particulates from the air.  Like electrostatic filters, these filters also require cleaning every 3 months.

Approximately 6.5 million American households use propane as their primary heating fuel.  Propane is a great alternative to natural gas, which also provides you with most of the same benefits and options in heating and cooking appliances. 

You will see propane sometimes referred to as liquefied petroleum gas, LP, LP-gas, or as LPG.  Propane is an odorless and colorless gas, just like natural gas.  Therefore, a chemical (ethanethiol) is added so that an odor will indicate if there is a leak. 

Propane is delivered to homes and business by trucks often referred to as bobtails, where the propane is pumped into a storage tank.  The propane then enters the house through supply pipes, which lead to various appliances such as the furnace, stove, and drier for example.  

Originally, the propane storage tanks were large, aboveground tank that many felt distracted from the appearance of their home.  However, recently, many propane companies have started offering homeowners and business the option of having an underground tank installed.  Underground storage tanks are more expensive to install, however, most homeowners who have them installed say that the aesthetic benefits are worth the expense. 

When deciding on the size of storage tank you will need, you have to consider the number of appliances you have as well as what your future needs may be.  For example, if you have a propane cook-top, dryer, and hot water heater, but are planning on installing a fireplace or other appliance, then you need to purchase a tank that is large enough to meet your future needs.  This will eliminate the expense of having to re-excavate your smaller tank and replacing it with a lager tank.  To help you select the correct size, speak with your propane dealer about a tank, which will meet all of your needs.

As for what appliance that can be used with propane, the answer is cook-tops, ranges, ovens, water heaters, furnaces, fireplaces, barbecues, space heaters, swimming pool, and spa heaters.  Just make sure that when you purchase your appliance, that you specify that you will be using propane.  In addition, make sure that you purchase appliances that have low energy usage ratings.  For added savings, look for appliances that have electronic ignition.  With an electronic ignition, the pilot light does not continuously burn.