Selecting the correct furnace filter and changing it when it is dirty is as important to your HVAC system as changing the oil is to your car. Each plays a critical part in keeping its system working safely, efficiently and for a long time.
An overused furnace filter loses its effectiveness, permitting potentially harmful particles to circulate through your home. It also slows airflow, which can damage your furnace and reduce its life span.
Making certain your furnace uses a clean filter that is suitable for your needs is not just about keeping your furnace operating efficiently. It’s also about providing healthy indoor air quality for your home.
The quality of the air your family breathes is important to the HVAC specialists at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces. We've long worked with an eye on enhancing indoor air quality in Alliance. Here, we’ve answered frequent questions about HVAC filters, including that very tricky question of what direction do you point a filter in your furnace or air conditioner?
When Should I Replace My Furnace Air Filter?
It is vital to replace dirty air filters in a furnace or air conditioner periodically. Dirt-clogged filters cause the system to worker harder than it should because it takes more energy to force air through the plugged-up filter.
Officials advise checking your furnace filter every 30 days and replacing it if it’s dirty. You’ll know if it is dirty because it will coated with dirt or dust. Homeowners who have pets will very likely have to replace their furnace air filter more often, because a good air filter will trap pet hair circulating in a home.
Where Is the Air Filter in My Furnace?
In general, a furnace air filter is commonly installed in the return air duct or blower compartment before the return air goes back into the furnace. This makes sure air being pulled into the system is filtered before it goes through the furnace components and is heated.
Depending on the furnace brand, the filter may be located on the right, left, bottom or in some cases, on the inside of the furnace. It's typically housed in a slot, frame or cabinet for simple access and replacement. Always refer to your furnace's owner manual for information about filter location of your particular brand and model of furnace.
Is a Furnace Filter the Same as an Air Filter?
The straightforward answer is, yes. In HVAC, a furnace filter and an air filter or AC filter are basically the same thing. While people may call them different things based on the current season— hot or cold—they are all filters that clean the air in your residence.
They each eliminate dust, allergens, bacteria and other airborne debris from the air that is drawn into the furnace and air conditioning system, making certain the air distributed throughout your home is clean and safe.
What Are MERV Ratings and What MERV Rating Do I Need?
Once you track down your old furnace filter and determine when it should be changed, it’s time to select a replacement. That means deciding on the level of filtration that you need. One approach to this is by choosing an appropriate MERV rating for your needs.
MERV is an abbreviation for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values. The MERV rating indicates the effectiveness of air filters at trapping airborne molecules. The rating scale ranges from 1 to 20, with higher numbers indicating enhanced capabilities to filter small particles.
Experts say a filter with a MERV rating between 8 and 13 offers an appropriate balance between having good indoor air quality without overly restricting airflow. However, people with certain health conditions could need a a higher MERV rating.
Where to Insert the Air Filter in a Furnace or Air Conditioning System
Positioning an air filter in a furnace or air conditioner correctly is important for the efficient operation of the heating or cooling system. Air filters are designed to be installed in a specific direction, indicated by an arrow written on the side of the filter frame. The filter should be put in with this arrow pointing toward the furnace or air conditioning unit, which is the direction of the airflow. If you're doubtful about the airflow direction, it may be helpful to remember that air always moves from the return duct towards the heat or cooling source. Therefore, make certain the arrow points at the furnace or air conditioner.
Many people struggle with which direction to face an air filter. To help remember, consider snapping a quick photo with your mobile phone after the filter has been properly installed by a professional. Or, you also could ask a technician to use a marker to write on the outside of your furnace which direction the filter should go. A great time to inquire about this is during a regular furnace maintenance visit.
How to Replace Your Furnace Air Filter
Changing the filter on your furnace or air conditioner is an easy process. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how to remove a dirty air filter and exchange it for a new one:
- Turn off your furnace: Make sure to turn off your furnace before starting up the process.
- Look for the furnace filter: Typically, the filter is positioned in the furnace or in the air return vent. Take note of which direction the arrow points on the filter, because you’ll want the arrow on the new filter to point similarly.
- Remove the old filter: Be mindful not to knock out any dust or particles.
- Note the date: Write down the date of replacement on the new filter's frame. This will make it easier to keep track of when it's time for another replacement.
- Slide in new filter: Put in the new filter with the arrow pointing at the furnace, which is the direction of airflow and should be the same direction the arrow pointed on the old filter you are replacing.
- Secure the filter: Make sure the new filter fits correctly and close any latches or clips that secure it in the compartment.
- Turn on your furnace: Once the new filter is properly secured, you can turn your furnace back on.
Can a Dirty Air Filter Damage My Furnace?
The shortest answer is, yes, a dirty air filter can cause a furnace to quit working or limit its lifespan. Changing your furnace or air conditioner filter is one of the simplest things you can do to keep your system running efficiently.