Look in the bottom section of your furnace. You should see the filter leaning up against one of the sides. It should be sitting on whichever side the return drop is on. Now that you’ve found your air filter, just take out the old one and look at the size that’s printed on the cardboard frame of the filter.
How do I know what direction my furnace is blowing air?
Inside the furnace, you should see a filter. Usually, the filter is either just inside the furnace or just inside the air vent. The filter should have an arrow on it indicating airflow direction. Mark the direction of air flow.
Where is the air filter located on a gas furnace?
Usually, the filter is either just inside the furnace or just inside the air vent. The filter should have an arrow on it indicating airflow direction. [2] Mark the direction of air flow. Before you remove the filter, take a sharpie. Draw an arrow pointing in the direction of airflow somewhere on or near the furnace.
What is the purpose of a furnace filter?
The purpose of a furnace filter is to protect the blower fan and other components of the system. While improved air quality is a side effect, it is important to note that it is not the filter’s primary function.
Which direction should my furnace filter face?
The furnace heats or cools the filtered air and forces it out through the vents in the rooms. The cycle keeps repeating to maintain the temperature on your thermostat. To ensure you are installing your filter in the correct direction, find the arrow marked on the filter. The arrow must always face the unit and away from the return.
How do I know if my furnace filter is bad?
Your filter can be showing you different signs that point to it needing to be cleaned or replaced.Filter is a different color. ... Energy bills are higher than usual. ... Low air flow. ... Rise in physical issues. ... Headaches. ... Allergies. ... Carbon monoxide poisoning. ... Forces HVAC systems to work harder.More items...•
How often should furnace filters be changed?
In general, this is how often changing furnace filters needs to be done: For 1- to 2-inch filters, replace them every 1 to 3 months. For 3- to 4-inch filters, replace them every 6 to 9 months. For 5- to 6-inch filters, replace them every 9 to 12 months.
Where is the air filter located on my furnace?
You'll most often find the air filter in the blower compartment, which is accessible through a metal door or hatch on the bottom half of the furnace. It may also be in a sliding compartment by the air handler component of your furnace or on a rack installed on the furnace's side.
How do I know if my air filter is in correctly?
Air filters have arrows printed on the sides of them that show you which way they are supposed to be installed. These arrows should be pointing in the direction that air flows through your system, which is away from the supply ducts and (typically) toward the blower.
What happens if you don t change the furnace filter?
Without a new air filter, the furnace will overheat every time it starts up again. This is referred to as short cycling. Dirty furnace filters cause your furnace to work harder than it should due to a decrease in airflow. The harder your furnace works, the quicker its parts will wear out and need repairs.
Do I have to turn off my furnace to change the filter?
To Change Your Home Air Filter, You'll Need To Turn Off Your Furnace. To prevent the HVAC unit from turning on while you are changing the filter, make sure you turn the thermostat to the “off” position. This will help protect your HVAC system from loose debris or maybe a loose filter fitting escaping into the duct.
Do all furnaces have a filter on the unit?
Do All Furnaces Have Filters? Yes, all furnaces & heat pumps have filters. If your home uses another type of heating system, like a boiler which uses water to heat the home, you will not have filters, but for a furnace or heat pump, a filter is a vital component.
How many filters does a furnace have?
Typically, a house will have 2 air filters in their intake vents. In some cases, there can be more or fewer depending on the square footage of the home or apartment and the number of floors that need to be supported by the central air system.
How do I change the air filter in my furnace?
Turn off the furnace. Locate the service panel and remove it. Slide out the existing filter (located near the intake/outtake blower fan). Slide in a new filter.
What happens if you put a furnace filter in backwards?
When a furnace filter is placed backwards, the fibers can't do their job properly. This means your furnace has to work harder to generate the same air flow, resulting in increased energy costs. Particles are also allowed to build up irregularly, making the furnace working even harder to draw air.
What happens if you put the air filter in backwards?
By installing your filter backwards, air will have a harder time flowing through the filter and your air handler will have to work harder to make up for the loss of airflow. This could lead to higher utility bills and possibly damage your furnace or air conditioner.
How do I know if I need a new air filter?
6 Signs You Need a New Car Air FilterIt Looks Dirty. ... Your Car Doesn't Have as Much Power. ... You're Paying More at the Pump. ... You Smell Gas When You Start Your Car. ... Flames or Black Smoke Come From the Tailpipe. ... The Check Engine Light Comes On.
How often should you change your furnace filter in the winter?
Furnace Filter Change Intervals in Winter vs. Generally speaking, HVAC furnace filters don't need to be changed as regularly during winter months compared to summer months. In the winter, as long as the furnace filter isn't dirty and clogged, you can go the recommended 90 days before needing a replacement.
How do you know when your air filter needs to be changed?
6 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Car Air FilterA Dirty or Discolored Filter. One of the easiest ways to spot a filter that needs changing is to actually take a look at it. ... Odd Engine Noises. ... Check Engine Light. ... Poor Performance. ... Weak Fuel Economy. ... Black Smoke from the Exhaust.
How long should a furnace filter last?
Change Your Filters Regularly For example, a one inch furnace filter should be changed out every one to three months. A three to four-inch filter can last for six to nine months. If you have a thick five to six-inch filter, it can last from nine to twelve months.
Do I need to change my furnace filter in the summer?
Longer cycles and more operating hours mean a greater volume of air circulates through the system daily and more airborne particulates are captured by the filter. To ensure optimum filtration, more frequent replacement is recommended in summer. Humidity is also a factor in summer cooling.
What is furnace filter?
The furnace air filter is a critical component of any forced air HVAC system. There are different types and sizes offering different benefits for cleaner air and HVAC equipment. With regular furnace filter maintenance, your HVAC system will perform optimally – here’s what you need to know to make smart furnace filter choices for your home and system.
What is the best filter for a furnace?
Fiberglass or synthetic filters are a cheap and disposable option for your furnace. They catch up to 80% of particles 50 microns and larger and 25% of particles between 3 to 10 microns. Considered minimum protection, fiberglass/synthetic filters prevent dust and dirt from building up on heat exchangers, fan motors, and other surfaces. The larger particles are trapped and eliminated, so your furnace components remain clean. They allow your system to have maximum airflow but don’t filter harmful contaminants affecting your health.
How Often Should Furnace Air Filters Be Changed?
Furnace air filters need to be changed on a regular basis because they become clogged with pollutants over time. Failing to change your filter will result in airflow obstructions, stressing your system and leaving your home without the desired heating and cooling.
What is a MERV 9-12 filter?
A MERV 9-12 filter will remove pet dander, auto emissions and other smaller airborne particles from the air, creating a cleaner air supply. This is a great choice for those who have mild to moderate allergies or other respiratory ailments. The MERV 9-12 filters will also extend the life of the HVAC system by keeping the unit clean and free of debris and dust build-up.
What is the MERV rating of an electrostatic filter?
You can purchase disposable or washable electrostatic filters depending on the requirements of your furnace. Washable versions offer a MERV rating between 4 and 10 and last considerably longer than the average filter. Maintenance on a washable filter requires soap and water to wash the filter and letting it completely dry before reinstalling it. If you install it before it completely dries, you run the risk of mildew and mold growth.
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What is a polyester filter?
Polyester filters are made using the highest quality materials available and are median-sized. They trap and eliminate 80% to 95% of particles 5 microns or larger. A polyester filter costs fours time more than the average fiberglass/synthetic filter, but it offers more protection against pollutants that cause health issues.
Why do you need a furnace filter?
The purpose of a furnace filter is to protect the blower fan and other components of the system . While improved air quality is a side effect, it is ...
What is a furnace filter made of?
These filters are more costly and do not fit some in-home furnaces. They are typically used in hospitals and are made of 4” to 5” thick synthetic cotton that traps the smallest of particles.
What is an electrostatic filter?
Electrostatic filters are made of self-charging, electrostatic cotton fibers or paper and would be a great choice if you have smokers or pets in your home. They catch the smallest of potentially harmful particles.
How does air get into a furnace?
The air is pulled into the ducts from the house through what is referred to as a “return.” The air then passes through the filter and is sent to the furnace .
How does maintaining an HVAC system help?
By properly maintaining your HVAC system, you will increase the life of your investment, save money by running it more efficiently, and, more importantly, improve the quality of the air you and your loved ones breathe.
How thick is a filter?
Filter sizes are based on height, depth/thickness, and length. Common thickness ranges from 1 inch to 4 inches. Common height and length range from 14” by 25” and 25” by 25”.
Can I vacuum a filter before taking it out?
I usually vacuum the accessible part of the filter before I take it out. Once you have the filter in hand , gently place it into the garba ge bag.
Factors to consider before buying a furnace filter
Below are the most important factors to consider when selecting an air filter for your home:
Furnace filter replacement
Regular replacement of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit’s filter is an essential part of maintenance. As a homeowner, you will want to make sure your unit runs as efficiently as possible in order to minimize your electricity costs, ensure proper functioning of your unit and increase your unit’s lifespan.
How often should you replace your furnace filter?
The average home and HVAC system will need the filter replaced once every three months.
What is the best filter for a furnace?
You may think that choosing the highest MERV rating filter is the best for your furnace. However, for residential use, higher may not always mean the best. Experts suggest using filters with a MERV rating of 5 to 8 for most homes. They can remove a majority of the contaminants from the air and keep the HVAC system running efficiently.
What happens if a furnace filter is too high?
Filters with a very high rating can restrict airflow, leading to damage to the system components. Check your furnace operating manual to determine the MERV rating that works best for the system. Also, you can contact an HVAC service professional for assistance in selecting the best furnace filter for your home.
What is the most effective air filter?
HEPA (or high-efficiency particulate) air filters are the most effective and expensive of all filter types. They can filter 99.97% of the particles from the air. With a MERV rating of over 11, HEPA filters capture pollutants up to 0.3 microns, including viruses and bacteria.
What is a pleated filter?
Pleated filters. Pleated filters are made of folded layers of polyester or cotton and are a little more expensive than fiberglass filters. Pleated filters have a MERV rating of 5 to 8 and work better to remove finer airborne particles like dust, mold spores, pollen, and pet dander.
What is the most common furnace filter?
Fiberglass filters. They are the most commonly found and the least expensive of all furnace filters. Fiberglass filters are effective in trapping large dust particles (larger than 10 microns). These are disposable filters made from spun fiberglass and have a MERV rating of 1 to 4.
Why is a furnace filter important?
It plays a vital role in ensuring a healthy and clean home environment by improving indoor air quality. A clean furnace filter boosts the HVAC system performance, makes it more energy-efficient, enhances comfort, and prevents overheating that can damage the various components ...
Can a furnace filter be wrong?
Installing a wrong furnace filter affects indoor air quality and can cause significant damage to your HVAC system. Furnace filters are available in different ratings, and it is crucial to understand them to select the right air filter for the furnace.
Where is the filter on a furnace?
Locate the filter. Inside the furnace, you should see a filter. Usually, the filter is either just inside the furnace or just inside the air vent. The filter should have an arrow on it indicating airflow direction. [2]
How to keep records of furnace filter?
Keep records of when you cleaned your filter. Each time you clean your filter, make a note of it. Write it down on a physical calendar or one in your home. Make a note of when the filter needs to be changed next. This will help you stay proactive about cleaning your furnace filter. [11]
How to clean a reusable filter?
To clean a reusable filter, remove the filter carefully, run it under water, and set it out to dry. When you're done, your filter should be clean and can be reinstalled. Steps.
Do furnace filters need to be cleaned?
Learn more... If you have a home with a furnace, your filter will need periodic cleaning to remove dirt, dust, and other debris. Make sure your filter is reusable. Reusable filters should be labeled as such and are usually made of plastic-like materials. If your filter is not reusable, replaceable/disposable filters are available ...
Can you remove a furnace filter while it is running?
Never remove a furnace filter while the furnace is running. Make sure to switch the furnace off before you begin.There is usually a handle somewhere near the furnace that can be switched off. [1] If you're unsure how to turn off your furnace, contact your landlord or the manufacturer. Locate the filter.
Can you reuse a furnace filter?
Make sure the filter is reusable. If your filter has a plastic frame, it's a reusable model. You can clean it out and place it back in your furnace. [5]
Do you need a special cleaner for a water filter?
No special cleaners are required. You simply rinse your filter under running water water to remove any dirt, dust, or debris caught in the filter. When necessary, turn the filter around to get all the sides clean.
