<small>© 2023 Susan Pruden. All rights reserved. Each CENTURY 21 office is independently owned and operated. Listings provided by Bright MLS from various brokers who participate in IDX (Internet Data Exchange).
<small>© 2023 Susan Pruden. All rights reserved. Each CENTURY 21 office is independently owned and operated. Listings provided by Bright MLS from various brokers who participate in IDX (Internet Data Exchange).

Breathe Easy

by Susan Pruden
May 9, 2014 iStock_000020770516XSmall.jpgThe benefits of regularly changing the heating and air-conditioning filters are obvious to homeowners; the real challenge is creating a system to make sure it gets done.

A reasonable schedule would be to replace it with a new one-inch pleated filter every 60-90 days. Households with shedding pets should consider replacing them every month. Some people change their filters every month when they pay their electric bills. A simple system would be to set a recurring appointment on your calendar like Outlook or Google.

Filters trap dust, mold and bacteria which can directly affect the air quality and play havoc with your allergies. When a filter is dirty, it prevents proper airflow and allows dust, dirt and allergens to blow through your home. Changing your filter regularly helps to avoid maintenance, improves equipment life and produces increased energy savings.

When shopping for filters, it?s understandable to look for the best bargain but the cheapest price may not be the best choice. When purchasing, recognize that HEPA-rated and HEPA-type filters are not the same thing. HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. A HEPA filter meets or exceeds standards for efficiency set by the U.S. Department of Energy. Most HVAC contractors recommend HEPA filters.

Some filters need to be changed monthly and other types have manufacturer recommendations of every three months. An alternative to disposable filters are the permanent, washable types. These will cost more initially but because you can clean them and re-use them, eventually, you?ll recapture the cost and realize savings.

A lifetime Maryland resident, Susan Pruden has the ideal foundation for selling and buying homes. After 8 years working in just about every facet of the mortgage industry, and several years with her own company specializing in marketing for real estate agents, Susan got her real estate license in 1994. Susan has earned several industry awards. The CENTURY 21 Quality Service Pinnacle Award is based on reviews from Susan's clients and is earned by a very small percentage of agents. She has earned that coveted recognition since 2012

Two others were awarded by the Prince George's Association of REALTORS®. The Distinguished Sales Associate of the Year Award is based on a mixture of community involvement, association involvement and real estate education and designations. The other, the Distinguished Service Award, is for "exceptional meritorious service."

Susan is involved in her local community. She was named Cheverly Volunteer of the Year in 2018, even having June 25th designated "Susan Pruden Day" in the Town of Cheverly. She is also a Commissioner on the Prince George's County Historic Preservation Commission and President of the Cheverly American Legion Auxiliary.

Susan Pruden has lived in Cheverly lived with her husband, Joseph, for almost 30 years.

Susan Pruden, REALTORĀ®
CENTURY 21 New Millennium
1000 Pennsylvania Ave SE
Washington, DC 20003
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<small>© 2023 Susan Pruden. All rights reserved. Each CENTURY 21 office is independently owned and operated. Listings provided by Bright MLS from various brokers who participate in IDX (Internet Data Exchange).
© 2023 Susan Pruden. All rights reserved. Each CENTURY 21 office is independently owned and operated. Listings provided by Bright MLS from various brokers who participate in IDX (Internet Data Exchange).
 
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