Mercedes Mullins
Regularly changing your furnace fuel filter is important for keeping your furnace running efficiently and preventing costly repairs. Furnace filters protect your furnace from dust, hair, and other debris drawn in through the cold air return ducts, improving the air quality in your home. Changing a furnace filter is a simple task that can be done by turning off the furnace, locating the filter housing, opening the compartment door, sliding out the old filter, and sliding in the new filter with the arrows pointing toward the furnace in the direction of airflow. It is recommended to check your furnace filter monthly and change it every three months or when it becomes dirty and clogged.
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What You'll Learn
Turn off the furnace
Turning off your furnace is an important part of maintenance. It is also necessary to do so before performing any maintenance tasks on the furnace itself. Here is a step-by-step guide to turning off your furnace:
Firstly, locate your furnace's thermostat. If you have a gas furnace, it will have an on/off switch. You can turn off the furnace using the thermostat, but this may not cut the power completely. The main body of the furnace will have an electrical panel with internal control settings, and this is where you can turn off the furnace completely.
The next step is to turn off the appropriate circuit breaker to cut power to the furnace entirely. This is an added precaution to ensure the furnace is off and safe to work on.
Finally, identify the knob or lever that turns off the gas supply to your furnace. This is usually a valve in the black gas line near the furnace. Turning off the gas valve is the best way to prevent gas from leaking into your home accidentally. If you have a newer furnace, the controls may be electronic. Older furnaces usually have these controls or switches on the outside.
It is important to note that you should never open the furnace cabinet to look inside unless you are certain that the furnace is turned off and has cooled down. Once the furnace is cool, you can wipe down the inside to remove dust and dirt.
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Locate the filter
Locating the furnace fuel filter is an important step in maintaining your furnace and ensuring its efficiency. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you through the process:
First, ensure that your furnace is turned off before beginning any maintenance work. This is crucial for your safety and to avoid any accidental activation of the unit. Once the furnace is off, you can start the process of locating the filter.
The location of the filter depends on the type and model of your furnace. In most cases, the filter is placed within the blower compartment of the furnace, in the path of airflow. This is to ensure that dust, pollen, dander, and other airborne particles are effectively removed. Typically, the furnace is located in a centralized area such as the basement, garage, or a utility closet. In homes without a basement, it may be located in the attic or crawl space, often near large appliances like the water heater or washing machine.
For a horizontal HVAC unit, the filter is usually located on the side of the furnace. It will either slide into a rack on the intake side or be placed in a dedicated sliding compartment next to the air handler. These designs are user-friendly and make filter replacement convenient. If your furnace has a removable front cover, the filter might be located behind it. Simply remove any screws or latches and carefully lift the cover to access the filter.
If you have a vertical HVAC unit, the filter location varies depending on the direction of airflow. For a downward airflow unit, the filter is typically installed near the blower at the top of the furnace. On the other hand, for an upward airflow unit, look for the filter behind a metal door at the bottom of the furnace. Both the top and bottom doors will need to be opened to access the filter.
Additionally, some furnaces may have a filter installed in a ceiling return vent or a central return air duct, which is a grill of the filter. It is important to check these locations if you cannot find the filter in the previously mentioned areas. Remember to always refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions pertaining to your furnace model.
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Remove the old filter
Before removing the old furnace fuel filter, it is important to turn off the furnace to prevent it from blowing air when the filter is removed. This can be done by flipping the furnace switch. Next, locate the filter housing on your furnace. This is usually found on the side with the intake and outtake blower fan, but the location varies depending on the model.
Once the filter housing has been located, open the compartment door. The filter might be behind the return grate, so if it is not immediately visible, try removing the screws to check. Slide out the existing filter. If it looks dirty or clogged, it will need to be replaced.
It is a good idea to hold the old filter up to the light to check if it needs to be replaced. If light cannot pass through the filter, it is too dirty to function effectively and a new one should be installed.
Before installing a new filter, compare the size and type of the replacement filter with the old one. The specifications should be printed on the side of the filter. If size information is not available, measure the filter yourself, rounding up to the nearest half inch.
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Insert the new filter
Now that you've located the filter housing on your furnace, it's time to insert the new filter.
First, compare the size and type of the new filter with the old one. The specifications should be printed on the side of the filter. If the size information isn't printed on the filter frame, measure the filter yourself, rounding up to the nearest half inch.
Next, take the new filter and ensure that the arrows on it are pointing towards the furnace in the direction of airflow. This is important because if the filter starts to fold in, it will be less likely to get sucked into the blower.
After you've confirmed the correct orientation of the arrows, slide the new filter into the compartment, ensuring it is secure.
Finally, secure the compartment cover and turn your furnace back on.
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Turn the furnace back on
Once you have installed the new fuel filter, you can turn the furnace back on. First, close or replace the door panel of the furnace. Swing the furnace's access door closed or slide it back on if you removed it. Then, set the furnace's thermostat back to the "on" position. Your furnace will be protected from loose debris by the filter and is safe to run as normal.
It is important to check your filter every month and any time you notice dust building up in your home. Disposable types of filters are generally designed to be replaced every 1-2 months. If you have furry pets or your furnace runs constantly, your filter will get dirty more quickly. Permanent reusable filters must be cleaned regularly to maintain their effectiveness. You can vacuum and wash cleanable filters, but never attempt to clean a disposable filter.
If you are unsure about how to replace the filter, refer to the owner's manual for your furnace for any specific instructions.
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Frequently asked questions
It's recommended that you check your furnace filter monthly and change it every three months, depending on the type of filter you use. One-inch-thick filters typically last one to three months, and thicker filters last longer.
Turn off your furnace, remove the filter, and hold it up to the light. If you can’t see light coming through it, it’s dirty and needs to be changed.
The filter service rack or door is usually on the side with the intake and outtake blower fan.
First, turn off your furnace. Then, locate the filter housing and open the compartment door. Slide out the old filter and compare the size and type with the new one. Slide the new filter in, with the arrows pointing towards the furnace in the direction of airflow. Secure the compartment cover and turn your furnace back on.
