Breathe Fresh: Your Easy Guide to Swapping Your Furnace Filter with AV Heating and Cooling

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Your furnace filter is a vital component of your HVAC system, working tirelessly to trap dust, debris, and allergens and maintain optimal indoor air quality. However, many homeowners underestimate its importance and overlook regular filter replacement. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the simple process of changing your furnace filter, empowering you to take control of your indoor air quality and HVAC system performance.

At AV Heating and Cooling, we believe in empowering homeowners with the knowledge and tools to maintain their HVAC systems effectively. By following these straightforward instructions, you’ll not only improve the air you breathe but also extend the lifespan of your furnace. Let’s dive into the essential steps for changing your furnace filter and ensuring your home’s comfort and air quality.

Why Change Your Furnace Filter?

Think of your furnace filter as the lungs of your home. With each breath your HVAC system takes, the filter traps dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and countless other microscopic particles. This filtration is crucial for maintaining healthy indoor air quality (IAQ). Studies consistently link poor IAQ to a range of health concerns, especially for those with asthma, allergies, or respiratory sensitivities.

Beyond health impacts, a clean filter keeps your furnace running at peak efficiency. A dirty, clogged filter creates resistance to airflow, forcing the blower motor to work harder and consume more energy. According to the Department of Energy, a dirty filter can increase energy costs by up to 15%. Regular filter changes translate to real dollar savings on your energy bills.

Perhaps most importantly, filter changes help prevent costly breakdowns. When airflow is restricted, your furnace’s critical components overheat and experience excessive wear and tear. This can lead to expensive repairs or even the premature need to replace the entire furnace. Think of a filter change as a small investment that protects your much larger investment in your HVAC system.

For easy, affordable maintenance, sign up for AV’s Maintenance Plan, and rest easy that your unit is taken care of. Our maintenance plan includes bi-annual maintenance and a load of other benefits. Visit https://avheatingandcooling.com/av-maintenance/ or call us anytime at (816)796-0300 to learn more or sign up.

How Often to Change Your Filter

The general rule of thumb is to change your furnace filter every 1-3 months. However, this is just a baseline, and several factors can make more frequent changes necessary. Here’s how to know when it’s time:

Pets: Pet hair and dander can clog filters quickly. If you have furry companions, aim to change your filter monthly.

Smokers: Indoor smoking dramatically reduces air quality. Protect your filter and your lungs by replacing it monthly if anyone in the household smokes.

Allergies/Sensitivities: If seasonal allergies or dust sensitivity are a concern, opt for higher MERV-rated filters and consider changing them every 4-6 weeks, especially during peak allergy seasons.

Construction/Renovations: Home improvement projects generate significant dust. Change your filter more often until construction is complete.

Visual Inspection: The best indicator is simply looking at your filter. Holding it up to the light, if you can’t see through it easily, it’s time for a replacement, regardless of the timeline. Even if your filter looks clean, it’s vital to adhere to the recommended change intervals to capture microscopic particles and maintain optimal furnace performance.

If you ever have questions about how often to change your furnace filter, give one of our professionals a call anytime at (816)796-0300.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Furnace Filter

Don’t be intimidated by furnace maintenance. Changing your filter might sound technical, but it’s incredibly straightforward. Let’s break it down into simple steps.

Step 1: Turn off the furnace.

Before interacting with your furnace, locate the power switch near the unit and flip it to the “OFF” position. This switch usually resembles a standard light switch. If you don’t find a dedicated switch, access your home’s electrical panel (breaker box) and turn off the breaker labeled for the furnace.

If uncertainty persists about the correct breaker, you can temporarily turn off the main power switch as a safety precaution. Cutting power to the furnace is vital to prevent accidental startup while you’re changing the filter.

Step 2: Find the filter.

Furnace filters can be located in a few different places. The most common locations are within the return air duct (check for a large grille on the wall or ceiling), directly inside the blower compartment of the furnace, or behind a removable panel. If you are unsure of your filter’s location, consult your furnace’s owner’s manual. It will provide specific diagrams and instructions for your model.

Step 3: Remove the old filter.

Before removing the old filter, pay close attention to how it’s installed. You’ll likely see arrows printed on the frame of the filter. These arrows indicate the direction of airflow through the furnace. It’s crucial to note this direction so you install the new filter correctly. Carefully slide out the old filter, keeping track of the way it was oriented. Some filter housings may have additional clips or fasteners, so be sure to release those before removing the filter entirely.

Step 4: Insert the new filter.

Unpack your new replacement filter, ensuring it’s the correct size and MERV rating for your furnace. Locate the airflow arrows printed on the frame of the new filter. These arrows must align with the airflow direction you noted when removing the old filter. Slide the new filter into place, making sure it fits snugly within the filter housing.

Step 5: Secure the filter housing.

Once the new filter is firmly in place, ensure that the filter housing is properly closed and secured. If your filter is located behind a panel or door, make sure it closes completely and that any latches or fasteners are engaged. In the case of filters within return air grilles, double-check that the grille is seated correctly with no gaps where air could bypass the filter. A secure fit prevents unfiltered air from entering your system.

Step 6: Turn the furnace back on.

Restore power to the furnace by flipping the power switch back to “ON” or resetting the circuit breaker. Listen to your furnace as it starts up. It should sound normal and consistent with its usual operation. Take a moment to verify that air is properly flowing from your vents.

Step 7: Mark the installation date.

Use a pen or marker to write the current date directly on the frame of the new filter. This simple step makes it incredibly easy to track when your next filter change is due, ensuring you don’t accidentally neglect this important task.

Troubleshooting

While changing a furnace filter is usually straightforward, occasionally, you might run into a few snags. Here’s how to handle common issues:

1. Difficulty finding the filter: Every furnace model is slightly different. If you’re struggling to locate your filter, start by consulting the owner’s manual for your specific furnace. It will provide diagrams and detailed instructions.
2. Filter doesn’t fit: If you’ve purchased the correct size and it still won’t fit, double-check the measurements of the filter slot. The filter packaging may have been mislabeled. If the size is indeed correct, return the filter and confirm that you have the right model for your furnace.

3. Unusual noises after filter change: If your furnace makes strange sounds after the filter replacement, ensure the filter is inserted fully and the airflow arrow is in the correct direction. Also, carefully inspect the filter housing to ensure all panels, doors, or grilles are correctly closed with no loose parts or obstructions. If noises persist despite these checks, turning off the furnace and contacting an HVAC technician for further diagnosis is advisable.

If you would prefer to have one of our HVAC professionals troubleshoot the issue, call us anytime at (816)796-0300.

Additional Tips

Here are a few more tips to streamline your furnace filter maintenance and ensure peak system performance:

1. Stock up on filters: Purchasing multi-pack filters often saves money and ensures you always have a spare on hand. Store extra filters in a clean, dry place.
2. Subscribe to filter change reminders: Several filter manufacturers and large retailers offer email or text reminders when it’s time for a filter swap. These free services take the guesswork out of remembering your change intervals.

3. Consider professional HVAC maintenance: While changing a filter is a DIY task, investing in annual professional HVAC maintenance is wise. These checkups often include filter changes as well as a comprehensive furnace inspection. This can identify potential problems early, maximizing efficiency and ensuring your system’s longevity. AV offers our Maintenance Plan for affordable twice-yearly maintenance. Visit https://avheatingandcooling.com/av-maintenance/ or give us a call anytime at (816)796-0300 to learn more and sign up.

The Bottom Line

As we wrap up this comprehensive guide, we hope you now feel equipped and confident to tackle the task of changing your furnace filter with ease. By following these simple steps, you’re not only improving the air quality in your home but also optimizing the performance and longevity of your HVAC system.

At AV Heating and Cooling, we take pride in being your trusted HVAC professional in Independence and the surrounding areas since 2009. We’re committed to providing valuable resources and expert advice to help homeowners like you maintain optimal indoor comfort.

Remember, regular maintenance, including changing your furnace filter, is essential for keeping your HVAC system running smoothly and your indoor air clean and healthy. If you ever have any questions or need assistance with your HVAC system, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at (816)796-0300. We’re here to support you and ensure your home remains comfortable year-round.

Thank you for entrusting us as your HVAC partner. We look forward to continuing to serve you and help you achieve the highest level of indoor comfort for years to come.