Why Change Your Furnace Filter . An HVAC expert weighs in on what you need to know about changing your air filters, from why it's important and how often to do it, to the steps to get it done yourself and when to call in a pro. Determine the type of filter you will need and also the location of your system's filter. This handy guide will walk you through the steps to change your filter and cover a few other helpful tips so your HVAC system can serve you well for a long time to come. Usually a simple grate, some systems have a slide tray positioned above or below the furnace. Replace your panel. Replacing the filter in your air conditioning or HVAC system regularly keeps your equipment working correctly and your electricity bills as low as possible. To change the HVAC air filter, please follow the steps below. Your air filter is only one component of your HVAC system, but it performs the crucial role of keeping dust, pollen and allergens out of your home. This is a general rule of thumb as there are several variables which can factor in such as pets and allergies. The Coolest is your Austin-based HVAC service and installation company. Replace the filter, lining up the notches on the filter frame with the spaces inside the filter compartment. How Often Do I Need to Change My HVAC Air Filter? Changing an air filter is a simple and straightforward process. Dirty filters restrict airflow within the HVAC system, causing it to work harder and ultimately require a premature replacement. On the other hand, never (or infrequently) changing the filter can lead to expensive repairs, breakdowns and higher electricity costs. There are several locations you may find an air/furnace filter in your home. The Long Answer: Understanding when to change your furnace filter can be a little complicated for some individuals. Replacing the filter is easier than you might think. The good news is that doing so is typically one of the quickest, most inexpensive DIY home maintenance tasks. Make sure the Air Flow Arrows are pointing toward the HVAC unit. In this episode of the Brown Minute, you'll learn the proper way to change the filter on your home's HVAC system. How to Change Your HVAC Filter. When you purchase a new filter, you should pay attention to type and MERV rating. Enjoy clean air when changing your air filter every 60-90 days. Changing your furnace filter — what people also call their HVAC filter — is one of them. When you buy the standard one inch fiberglass filters for your HVAC system, the instructions on the package usually say to change it every 30 days. Furnace Filter Maintenance/Signs of Need of Change. Changing your air filter on a regular basis can prolong the life of your HVAC system and keep your monthly energy bills manageable. “Is that going to keep coronavirus out of your house? This is why it is so VERY important to keep your air filters clean and change them regularly. This handy guide will walk you through the steps to change your filter and cover a few other helpful tips so your HVAC system can serve you well for a long time to come. The exact location of the filter can vary depending on the indoor HVAC unit and type of system. As your HVAC filter traps pollutants, it starts to become dirty and clogged. While knowing how to change an air filter is necessary, regular professional HVAC maintenance is a good idea, … Obviously, this type of filter will not have to be replaced, but it will have to be cleaned. You may have a system with filters located behind multiple return air vents, one in each room. If you do not have a manual, you can often locate a manual online. If you don’t change the filter, lack of airflow through the furnace will cause it to overheat and shut down. Most standard 1-inch air filters have a 3-month life, but when to change your filter depends on these factors: How often do you run your HVAC … Posted on: April 29, 2016 Changing your HVAC’s air filter is the most important self-maintenance you can do to keep your HVAC system running smoothly, extend the lifespan of your cooling/heating system, save on utility bills, and keep your home’s air quality healthy. The one caution is to make sure the directional arrow printed on the filter frame is pointed toward the blower when you insert it. For a filter next to your blower, the arrows should typically point towards the blower. Then, follow these steps to change your HVAC filter: The size of your home Furnaces and air conditioners in smaller homes need to pump less air for the same amount of temperature change, which may mean less frequent filter changes. Fortunately, changing your HVAC air filter is an affordable and simple job you can do in just a few minutes. As the furnace or air conditioning system moves air throughout your house, the system’s air filter catches dust and other particles. Then removed used filter. Another area where a rule of thumb dominates is in replacing the filter in your air conditioner (or heat pump or furnace). Insert the new filter. Changing your furnace filter regularly offers the following benefits for homeowners: Better system performance: The furnace filter is an integral component of … A clean filter is necessary to keep dust from being sucked through the HVAC system, where it can gather on the air conditioner’s inner coils and reduce the unit’s efficiency. How Often to Change Your Filter. Remove the old filter. Check the Air Flow Arrows and install the new filter. First, find the locations of all of your air filters. (Professional HVAC companies can help with this if you set up a regular maintenance schedule.) The filter of the unit, especially if it’s an HVAC unit that will tend to get nearly year-round use, should be changed by the homeowner at least every three months, but possibly more often. Change it every thirty days, right? Upgrading a filter during change-out could be a good option for HVAC contractors to offer, depending on the customer’s system. Second, open the storage compartment. How Do I Replace the Filter? How to Change Your HVAC Filter. Is 30 days the answer? Locate your return air intake and open the door by releasing the clips usually located at the top of the frame.The disposable air filter rests just inside the frame. All of the air that circulates through your HVAC system, to either heat or cool your home, will eventually pass through the air filter. User’s Manual. Replace the cover and restore power to the unit. Changing your HVAC filter regularly not only keeps the warm or cool air circulating throughout your home free of excess contaminants, but it also prolongs the heating and cooling system’s life. You can best identify the type of manual you need to start with your HVAC manual. Not necessarily, but it's true that the better the filter, the higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particle that it'll catch,” said Lucas. Changing your HVAC filter regularly is a crucial part of HVAC maintenance and doing so can save you money and extend the life of your system, while maximizing the quality of your indoor air. Most single-home residential systems include either a vertical or horizontal indoor air handler unit (furnace or fan coil), typically in a basement, furnace/utility closet, garage or sometimes an attic. It gives you an indication of what type of filter is required and the size suitable for your HVAC system. The professional team of experienced technicians at The Coolest are ready to assist you with all your HVAC needs, from HVAC installation to maintenance. For a ceiling-mounted filter, the arrows should face up. Other HVAC systems may require a filter change behind a return air grill somewhere on a wall or ceiling of the home. Make sure you pay attention to the arrows on the sides of the filter. How Often Should I Change My HVAC System’s Air Filter? How to Change an Air Filter. Changing the air filter on your HVAC system is probably one of the best things you can do to keep your system running efficiently and help improve the air quality in your home. Dirty, clogged air filters can: We break it down into five easy steps: Turn the HVAC unit off. To access the filter, unhook the latch and open the hinged screen. If your HVAC system is running on a near-constant basis, however, change your filter every few weeks (especially if you're using a cheaper fiberglass filter). This blocks airflow, reducing efficiency and possibly causing the system to overheat. Every two months or so, you will need to take the filter out and give it a good rinse with the water hose. This will guarantee your HVAC air filter works as designed. Your return air vents will be located either on the ceiling or on the wall. The Short Answer: Most HVAC professionals will recommend replacing your furnace filter every 60-90 days in a home that is occupied year round. Related Posts How to Unclog a Toilet. Share This Story, Choose Your Platform! The furnace filter is a key player in home comfort and indoor air quality. How Your HVAC Filter Works. Check your filter’s condition and change it once a month if: You run your unit six months a … Know the System Specs Before you can perform an HVAC system filter change, you need to know exactly what size and type of replacement filter you’ll need. Locate the area which houses the air filter near the air supply and remove the panel. #5 Install your new HVAC air filter. Ours is 20 x 25 inches. Make note of what size filter you have. Most people don’t think about their HVAC air filters very often, but it is one of the most important aspects of ensuring that the indoor air quality is at the highest quality level possible. To prolong the lifespan of your furnace or air conditioner, change the air filter every one to three months or as recommended by the manufacturer . Many costly repairs can be avoided with regular filter changing. Know the System Specs Before you can perform an HVAC system filter change, you need to know exactly what size and type of replacement filter you’ll need. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest. Of course, we should note that regular changes of this filter are included in most HVAC maintenance plans. A Permanent Filter In some HVAC units, there will be what is known as a permanent filter. 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