Once the weather starts to cool down, you may be asking yourself How do I change my furnace filter? When it comes to keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient, your furnace plays a pivotal role. However, it's not enough to rely solely on regular maintenance to keep it functioning properly. One often overlooked aspect of furnace care is changing the filter every few weeks. In this blog, we'll guide you through the simple but essential process of changing your furnace filter.
Why Is Changing Your Furnace Filter Important?
Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, let's understand why changing your furnace filter is so crucial. The furnace filter serves several vital functions:
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Improved indoor air quality: A clean filter traps airborne particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens, preventing them from circulating throughout your home. This leads to cleaner, healthier air for you and your family.
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Optimal furnace performance: When the filter is clogged with debris, it restricts the airflow to your furnace, forcing it to work harder to heat your home. This increased strain can reduce the lifespan of your furnace and decrease its efficiency.
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Energy savings: A clean filter allows your furnace to operate at its peak efficiency. When your furnace runs smoothly, it uses less energy, potentially lowering your monthly energy bills.
7 Steps to Changing Your Furnace Filter
First, make sure you have a new furnace filter handy. It's important to purchase the correct size and type for your furnace. You can usually find this information on the existing filter or in your furnace's manual. Second, grab a screwdriver or pliers, if required. Some furnace filter compartments may have fasteners that need to be loosened.
1. Turn off the furnace
Safety first! Before you start, turn off your furnace to ensure that it's not blowing air while you're working on the filter.
2. Locate the filter compartment
The location of your filter compartment will vary depending on your furnace's make and model. The filter compartment is typically located near the blower motor, which is responsible for pushing air through the furnace system. In some furnaces, the filter compartment may be found in the air handler, which is the unit responsible for circulating air throughout the home. Alternatively, it may be situated in the return air duct, which is responsible for pulling in air from the home to be heated and distributed.
Look for a rectangular opening or slot where the filter is designed to fit. Depending on your furnace's design, the filter compartment may be easily accessible or may require some disassembly. If you're unsure about the location of the filter compartment or how to access it, it's best to consult your furnace manual or reach out to an HVAC professional.
3. Remove the old filter
If there are any screws or fasteners securing the filter compartment, use a screwdriver or pliers to loosen them. Once the compartment is open, carefully slide out the old filter. Be cautious not to let any dust or debris escape during this process.
4. Dispose of the old filter
Place the old filter in a garbage bag and seal it to prevent any residual dust from escaping.
5. Insert the new filter
Slide the new filter into the filter compartment, making sure it's oriented correctly. Most filters have arrows indicating the direction of airflow. Make sure these arrows point toward the furnace.
6. Secure the compartment
If there were any fasteners, tighten them back in place to secure the filter compartment.
7. Turn on the furnace
Once the new filter is securely in place, turn your furnace back on. Check to ensure that it's running smoothly and that the filter is properly seated.
That's it! It's a good idea to change your furnace filter regularly. Depending on the type of filter and your specific circumstances, this might be every 1-3 months. Mark your calendar to remind yourself to change it on schedule.
Conclusion
Changing your furnace filter is a simple but important aspect of home maintenance. By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure that your furnace operates efficiently, maintains good indoor air quality, and potentially saves you money on energy bills.
If you live in the Delaware Valley/Greater Philadelphia area and would like to find comfort within your home, visit our website or give us a call at 215 - 245 - 3200 to learn more.
