Are you installing your furnace air filter correctly?
Believe it or not, there is a right and a wrong way to install your furnace filter.
Air conditioning filters come in many different sizes, MERV ratings, and media, and should be changed every 1-3 months. Depending on which type of air filter you have, the change time may differ. Some air filters are made specifically for what brand of system you have, while others are more universal.
Where your furnace filter is located can also differ.
Your air filter can be in your furnace or in an air intake in a wall or ceiling. If your home has more than one level, you likely have an air intake grille on each level of your home. Before we can help you figure out how to properly install your air filter, we’ll have to identify what type of filter you will need first based on your system type.
Furnace filters are usually located near the blower of a furnace.
Furnace filters can also be in your wall or ceiling.
If you have a window or wall mounted air conditioner, your filters are most likely washable.
If you’re not sure what size filter you need, simply check your existing filter to see if the measurement is printed along the sides. If it is not, you will need to measure your return to determine what size you need. Check out our blog on How to Measure Your Air Filter.
If you are having a difficult time finding your filter size, don’t worry! At FiltersFast.com, we offer custom home air filters to fit your needs.
Once you’ve found what air filter size you need, you’ll need to figure out which MERV rating best fits your needs. We recommend MERV 8, MERV 11, or MERV 13 for residential application. Check out our blog on how to determine which MERV rating you need.
How to Change Your Furnace Filter:
You can watch this helpful video:
Or follow these simple steps.
- Turn off your system using the thermostat.
- Remove grille on your return or open the panel of your furnace.
- Remove the old, dirty filter.
- Before installing your new air filter, look for the “airflow” arrow along the side of the air filter.
- Make sure the “airflow’ arrow is pointed towards the return or towards your furnace.
- Close the return grille or door and latch.
- Turn your system back on.
Wish there were an easier way to remember to change your home’s air filter? Sign up for our Home Filter Club subscription service! Simply find the filter you need; select the frequency you would like it delivered at and we’ll take care of the rest! When your filter arrives, it’s an easy way to remember to change your furnace filter.
Learn More About the Home Filter Club
How often do you change your home’s air filter? Let us know in the comments below!
EcoBlueLife.com is a replacement water and air filter company located in the United States. The views and opinions contained herein are solely those of the original author and do not represent Eco Blue Life or its affiliates. This article was originally published on FiltersFast.com
