What You Need to Know About Changing Your Furnace Air Filter

Every furnace filter needs to be changed at one point or another. It all comes down to when and how you should do it. Why is this so important? Your filters are an essential part of your home. They are responsible for keeping it clean, making sure your furnace is working efficiently, and providing clean air. You may be wondering how one filter can do so much. Well, it traps both large and small airborne contaminants like dust, dirt, and debris. When those particles are trapped, they are unable to get into your furnace and back out into the circulated air.
You now know what your furnace air filter does. That means it's time to start answering those two key questions: when and how do you change your furnace filter. Let's start by taking a closer look at when. Changing your furnace filter regularly is a must...but how often is regularly? This answer varies from home to home. On average, a filter should be replaced every three months or so. However, this rule is not set in stone. There are a number of environmental factors that may affect how frequently it needs to be done.
To make sure you are changing your filter when it is necessary, there are a few things you can do. The first is to pay attention to your home. Often, it will give you signs that your furnace filter is full and can no longer trap those contaminants. Some of the most common signs include: needing to dust more often or noticing a dusty, burning kind of smell every time your furnace turns on. Both of those are strong indicators that your furnace air filter needs a little attention!
Another way that you can tell? By performing a visual inspection of the filter. You can do this by removing the filter from the furnace and taking a closer look at it. Do you see any signs of wear? Is it full of dust and dirt? Does it have a dark grey colour? Then it's time to change it! Performing a visual inspection once every month or so will help you stay on top things. If you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself, you can always contact a professional for assistance.
So, you've got the when covered. Next up? Learning how to change your furnace air filter. The best place to start is by getting the replacement filter ready. If you already know what type of filter you need, great! You can simply get the same type by the same brand. If you're looking for a more efficient option, on the other hand, you'll need to consider the MERV rating you currently have and what you want moving forward. If you feel unsure, ask around.
Ready to change your filter? The first thing to do is turn off your furnace and vacuum the area directly around it. This step will prevent any dust and dirt from getting into the furnace during the replacement process. The next thing you'll need to do is find the location of your filter. It may be on the side or at the front...it all depends on the make and model. From there, simply remove the old filter, throw it out, and pop in the new one. Turn your furnace back and you're good to go!
Changing your furnace air filter cannot be overlooked. Without a clean filter the quality of your home air can be affected, along with the health of you and your family members. The good news? Now that you know when and how to change it, home maintenance will be easier than ever.
Or Sela understands how to improve the quality of air in your home. He currently works for Furnace Filters Canada. It is his extensive knowledge of furnace filters and their related services that allows him to fulfill the needs of his clients.