Changing the air filter on your furnace is easy, quick, helps maximize your home’s efficiency, and improves indoor air quality. Air filters require inspection at least once a month and need replacement whenever they appear overly dirty. During times when there’s an increase of airborne particles, such as in the Spring when everything is blooming, air filters may require replacement that is more frequent. If you’re not sure when to change your air filter, here are a few tips that can help.
Signs of a dirty air filter
If you haven’t checked the furnace air filter in a while, now is a good time to look. The most obvious sign of a dirty filter is being able to see dirt, debris, and animal hair on the fibers. However, there are some other signs that tell you when your filter is dirty. These signs include an overabundance of hair or fur coming from your registers and your system running more often than usual. Factors that increase the required frequency of changing the air filter include frequent opening of doors and windows, having pets, dust buildup and smoking in the house.
Frequency of filter replacement
Basic furnace filters made of paper or fiberglass require replacement every 1-2 months or more often if there’s a high concentration of airborne contaminants. Electrostatic HEPA filters generally don’t require changing as often and can last 2-4 months in ideal conditions. Replacing a dirty filter with a clean one has an instant positive impact on the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Depending on your system, a clogged filter can lead to your air conditioner or furnace malfunctioning, because it can’t receive sufficient airflow through the filter.
Changing the air filter
Once you have the filter that suits your needs, changing the air filter is relatively easy. Consult the owner’s manual for your unit before replacing the furnace filter. In a majority of units, the filter slides out from an easily accessed area of the system. Inspect the old filter for dust, dirt, hair and debris to decide if you need to upgrade to one that removes more airborne particles. Sometimes you won’t need to change the filter when you check it, but it’s still important to check every month. Going several months without changing the air filter can lead to a dust buildup in your furnace system that can cause unexpected failures and loss of heat.
If you have any doubts about changing your furnace filter, contact a professional. Along with answering your questions about changing the air filter in your home, they can tell you more ways to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.
