Most furnaces operate under a forced-air heating system. They draw air from return ducts found around the home, warm it over a heat exchanger, and use a fan to blow the warmed air back out. The furnace filter catches dirt, hair, and other contaminants that pass through the return ducts to prevent them from clogging the blower fan. The filter also contributes to significantly cleaner indoor air by trapping allergens. Because of their critical role, furnace filters require regular replacement. Here’s what you should know to keep your home comfortable. 

What You Need to Know About Replacing Your Furnace Filter

Preparation & Location

After you have turned your furnace off, bring a trash bag with you to the appliance site so you can easily dispose of the old filter. The filter’s location on the heating system depends on what kind you have; however, it will be one of several places. Look for a latched door on the top or bottom of your furnace, or on the return air grill located somewhere else in your home. The return air grill is the largest grill in your residence. You may also find the filter in the furnace itself — in this case, you’ll have to remove the furnace door to locate it. Use your owner’s manual to ensure you find the exact location. 

Inspection

Extract the filter from its location for a thorough inspection. If the part looks gray or black, dispose of it. Filters worth keeping are either white or yellow. Vacuum your filter if it’s still in good condition or rinse it if it’s a washable version such as an electrostatic filter. If you wash the filter, ensure it’s completely dry before you put it back in your heating system.

Replacement Schedule

How often you need to replace your filter depends in part on its thickness. Filters that are about 1 inch thick, for example, require replacement every two to three months. Those that are 4 to 5 inches thick can go six to seven months between replacements. The type of filter also plays a role in your replacement schedule. For instance, pleated filters last longer than fiberglass versions.

Additional factors that impact filter replacements include how many people live in your home, the number and type of pets you have, whether any construction is going on in your area, and how clean your indoor air is. If you smoke cigarettes and use chemical cleaning products regularly, for example, you will need to replace your filter more often.
 

In addition to changing your filter regularly, you should also schedule annual furnace maintenance to keep your heating system in outstanding condition. Comfort Solutions Heating & Cooling provides commercial and residential HVAC services to clients throughout Baldwin County, AL. Whether you need minor repairs or a full installation, you can count on their team for efficient service, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call (251) 967-4822 today to make an appointment or visit the website for a complete list of their services. For more helpful heating system tips, like the company on Facebook.

State licensing number: AL #02033 #50948