My Furnace Air Filter Location Is...
- Up Flow Furnace This means air moving upwards out of your vertical HVAC unit. The blower compartment's (bottom door) next to the cold air return is where you'll find this filter. ...
- Down Flow Furnace This means the air is moving down out of your vertical HVAC unit. ...
- Horizontal Furnace Most horizontal furnaces will include a sliding furnace rack built into it. ...
- Air Handler ...
How to find the right furnace filter?
Steps:
- To ensure you're purchasing the correct-size filters, remove the old air filter from the furnace and check its dimensions, which are indicated by thickness, width and length.
- When buying new air filters, disregard any that you can easily see through.
- Pleated filters have larger surface areas to trap more dirt.
What is the best rated furnace filter?
Top 15 Best Furnace Filter Reviews in 2021
- Filtrete MPR 300 20 x 25 x 1 Furnace Filter. The first product that I added to the review list was Filtrete MPR 300 20x25x1 Furnace Filter. ...
- Filtrete MPR 1000 16 x 20 x 1 AC Furnace Filter. ...
- Aprilaire 213 MERV 13 Furnace Filter. ...
- FilterBuy MERV 8 Pleated AC Furnace Filter. ...
- Lennox 20 x 25 x 5 Merv 11 Furnace Filter. ...
Which direction does the filter for a furnace go?
The arrows on your furnace filter should always point in the same direction as the airflow. If the air is flowing to the right, the air should point to the right. To make things easier, just make sure the arrows on the air filter point in the same direction as the arrows on the air handler.
How do I replace my furnace filter?
- Look for clues that it’s time for a new filter. ...
- Fortunately, changing the filter is easy. ...
- Replace the filter at least every time the seasons change. ...
- Furnace use impacts how long a filter lasts. ...
- The denser the filter, the more often it should be changed. ...
- Flat filters clog more quickly than pleated ones. ...
Do all furnaces have filters in them?
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 do I know if my furnace needs a filter?
5 Critical Signs That Your Furnace Filter Needs ReplacementYour Bills Creep Up. If your bills have been cranking up, dirty and clogged filters might be the culprit. ... You're Getting Sick. ... You Notice a Burning Smell. ... Less Heat, Longer Runtime. ... Your Home is Dustier than Before.
How many filters does a furnace have?
2Depending on the size of your home, you may have more or fewer intake vents, but for most dwellings, the central air system is served by 2 air filter-covered intake vents.
How do I change the filter on my old furnace?
0:251:29How to Change a Furnace Filter For Dummies - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou usually find the filter near where the cool air enters the furnace in the cold air return ductMoreYou usually find the filter near where the cool air enters the furnace in the cold air return duct or the entrance to the blower chamber or sometimes in both locations.
Why cant I find the filter 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.
What happens if you never change your 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 some furnaces have 2 filters?
Vertical HVAC unit with air moving downwards - Your air filter will be in the top door, where the blower is located. This type of furnace or AC unit will most likely require two filters.
Will furnace shut off if filter is dirty?
Why a Dirty Air Filter Makes A Furnace Stop Working. A dirty air filter prevents air from flowing from your house into the furnace. Once that happens, the system shuts down because it realizes that something's wrong.
Is a furnace filter the same as an air filter?
While many people refer to air conditioning and furnace filters as if they're different, this is not the case. Your furnace and your air conditioning system use the exact same filter, so there's no need to worry about purchasing separate filters for each piece of equipment.
Do you need to turn off furnace to replace filter?
1. 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.
How often should a filter be changed on a furnace?
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 in an old house?
In most homes, you'll find your air filter housing located right next to your heating or cooling system's air handler. This is a large metal box with a fan motor and fan inside it. Most air handlers are installed in the basement, attic, or utility closet.
How often do I really need to change my furnace filter?
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.
Will a furnace run with a dirty filter?
A dirty air filter prevents air from flowing from your house into the furnace. Once that happens, the system shuts down because it realizes that something's wrong. It turns off rather than let any of the components get burned out or otherwise break when it's not working the way it should.
Do I need both furnace filter and air filter?
One Filter for Your Whole Home While many people refer to air conditioning and furnace filters as if they're different, this is not the case. Your furnace and your air conditioning system use the exact same filter, so there's no need to worry about purchasing separate filters for each piece of equipment.
What does a dirty air filter look like furnace?
Dirty Air Filter Symptoms Your air filter appears gray in color and seems to be covered in pollutants. You see unusual increases in your energy bill. The cycles in your HVAC system have increased in length.
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 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.
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.
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.
How to Know If Furnace Filter is Working
When a filter is properly inserted and the furnace turned back on, the furnace filter will work to full effect. The ventilation system in your home will then have the airflow go through the furnace. The furnace heats the air to the right degree before a blower fan pushes the air back out for distribution throughout your home.
Why Do You Need to Change Your Furnace Filters
Furnace filters become dirtier over time, and the dirtier they become the less effective they are. A dirty furnace filter creates a blockage that forces the ventilation system to compensate. The air system increases its energy output in order to keep the air flowing past the blockage.
Finding the Right Furnace Filter for You
When you are deciding what type of filter your furnace requires, it is important to know that there are options. We offer filters in a variety of sizes and qualities in order to match different furnaces and budgets.
Have Your Filters Delivered to the Front Door
When you are changing furnace filters, it is your best interest to buy them from a quality provider. We offer filters at prices you afford with options that ensure you get the furnace filter you need. We even offer a subscription service that has fresh, new furnace filters delivered straight to your home.
How Often Should I Change my Furnace Filter?
The general rule-of-thumb answer to the question “How often should I change my furnace filter?” depends on the type of filter. For basic, 1-inch filters, the standard is every 30 days to 3 months. For thicker, pleated 4-filters, you can usually count on replacing them every 90 days or 6 months depending on the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Replacing a Furnace Filter – How to Change a Furnace Filter?
Replacing a furnace filter, in most cases, should be a relatively easy task for many homeowners. Before you get started, be sure to have a compatible replacement filter available. Here is a step-by-step description:
Contact a Professional
While it is true that replacing a filter is a relatively easy task, sometimes calling a professional, even for simple maintenance or furnace service, can be reassuring. Most HVAC dealers offer maintenance contracts or modestly-priced annual clean-and-check appointments.
What is the best air filter for a furnace?
Our top recommendation for a furnace filter is the Filtrete Allergen Defense ( view at Amazon ). This air filter offers better-than-average particle capture, as indicated by its MERV 11 rating. It’s an electrostatically charged filter, so it attracts and retains dust and other particles. On the other hand, if you’re only concerned with capturing large particles for the sake of your HVAC system’s longevity, then the affordable Rheem Basic Household Pleated Air Filter ( view at Home Depot) makes a budget-friendly choice. These filters have a MERV 8 rating and are frequently bought in a multi-pack.
What is the best furnace filter?
One of the hands-down best furnace filters you can buy is the Honeywell Elite Allergen Pleated Air Filter . This highly-rated filter has the highest FPR possible and comes in a wide range of sizes, fitting most all furnaces.
What is the MERV rating of a micro allergen defense air filter?
This filter has an MERV rating of 11, and it has an electrostatic charge to help attract and capture fine particles.
What is the rating of an air conditioner furnace filter?
The Enhanced Allergen and Odor Control furnace filter has a MERV 8 rating and FPR rating of 6, meaning it filters out contaminants like dust, pollen, mold spores, and dander.
What is a pleated air filter?
Pleated furnace filters provide more surface area for filtering out contaminants and are a popular alternative to conventional fiberglass furnace filters. This Honeywell Home Elite Allergen Pleated Air Filter has an FPR 10 and MERV 13 rating, indicating that it’s useful for filtering out large and small particles. It’s capable of catching virus carriers, bacteria, smoke, dust, dander and other common contaminants. Compared to a typical 30-day lifespan for fiberglass or synthetic flat filters, this pleated filter lasts up to 90 days before needing replacement.
How much does an air filter cost?
High-end air filters can get pretty expensive, costing up to $20 each . If you’re on a budget, you might prefer a less expensive option, such as the Rheem Basic Household Pleated Air Filter. This filter gets top marks from reviewers, and it’s marketed as fitting all standard furnace brands.
How long does a furnace filter last?
There are numerous sizes available to fit most any furnace, and it can last up to three months —though, you may need to change it more frequently if it gets clogged with pet hair and dander.
Where is the filter on a commercial heating unit?
Usually toward the bottom and off to one side of the heating unit is an open slot. All you have to do is slide the filter inside, making sure it fits snugly.
Which furnace filter has the highest FPR?
Our Review: As with the other brands, Honeywell has an impressive product lineup. Its Elite Allergen pleated furnace filter ranks among the best. This product has the highest FPR available, and it comes in multiple sizes to fit almost all heating units. For trapping various types of allergens, this filter is a top choice.
Why are furnace filters important?
Because furnace filters play such a critical role in keeping indoor air clean, there’s an abundance of excellent brands. However, with so many possibilities, it’s easy to become confused or feel overwhelmed when trying to make the right selection.
What is a HEPA filter?
Our Review: As a HEPA filter, this is perfect for people with breathing sensitivities. Installing an AIRx Health filter will make a dramatic difference in the air pushed out by your air-conditioning and heating unit. The filter traps smog, bacteria, dust, debris, mold, viruses, and various other respiratory irritants. It even captures extremely small particles that can negatively affect a person’s health.
How long does a furnace filter last?
This product is ideal for high-velocity HVAC systems, and it lasts up to three months. Compared to washable, non-electrostatic, and fiberglass pleated 1-inch filters, this one excels.
What is a gas furnace?
In other words, to heat a room to 75 degrees, you would set the thermostat to that number.
How many microns does a Filtrete filter trap?
For one thing, the Filtrete Micro Allergen filter can trap air particles as small as 0.3 microns. It also has an electrostatic technology that reduces the most common types of household allergies such as dust, lint, mold spores, pet dander, pollen, smog, and dust mite debris.
