Selecting the correct furnace filter and changing it when it gets dirty is as important to your HVAC system as changing the oil is to your car. Each plays a critical role in keeping its system working safely, efficiently and for a long time.
An overused furnace filter loses its effectiveness, permitting potentially harmful particles to flow through your home. It also limits airflow, which can damage your furnace and reduce its life span.
Ensuring your furnace uses a clean filter that is ideal for your needs is not only about keeping your furnace working efficiently. It’s also about providing healthy indoor air quality for your residence.
The health of your family is important to the heating pros at West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc.. We've long been dedicated to enhancing indoor air quality in West Jefferson. Here, we’ve answered frequent questions about HVAC filters, including that especially tricky question of what direction do you point a filter in your furnace or air conditioner?
How Often to Replace the Air Filter in a Furnace
It is critical to replace dirty air filters in a furnace or air conditioner regularly. Soiled filters cause the system to worker harder than it should because it takes extra work to pull air through the plugged-up filter.
Officials advise inspecting your furnace filter every 30 days and replacing it if it’s dirty. You’ll know if it is dirty because it will filled with dirt or dust. Those who have pets will likely need to replace their furnace air filter more often, because a quality 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 gets to the furnace. This makes sure air flowing into the system is filtered before it goes through the furnace components and is heated.
Depending on the furnace model, the filter may be located on the right, left, bottom or in some cases, within the furnace. It's generally housed within a slot, frame or cabinet for easy access and replacement. Always refer to your furnace's owner manual for details regarding filter location of the furnace in your home.
Is a Furnace Filter the Same as an Air Filter?
The simple answer is, yes. In HVAC, a furnace filter and an air filter or AC filter are effectively the same. While they might be called different things based on the current season— warm or chilly months—they are all filters that clean the air in your HVAC system.
They each get rid of dust, allergens, bacteria and other contaminants from the air that is drawn into the furnace and air conditioning system, making sure the air circulating throughout your home is clean and safe.
What Are MERV Ratings and What MERV Rating Should I Have?
Once you locate your old furnace filter and determine when it should be substituted for a clean one, it’s time to pick a replacement. That means deciding on the level of filtration that you need. One method to do this is by choosing an appropriate MERV rating for your needs.
MERV is short for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values. The MERV rating calculates the effectiveness of air filters at trapping airborne molecules. The rating scale ranges from 1 to 20, with greater 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 adequate indoor air quality without unnecessarily restricting airflow. However, people with certain health conditions may need a a higher MERV rating.
How to Place the Air Filter in a Furnace or Air Conditioning System
Positioning an air filter in a furnace or air conditioner properly is crucial for the efficient operation of the unit. Air filters are supposed to face a certain 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 AC, which is the direction of the airflow. If you're doubtful about the airflow direction, try to remember that air always moves from the return duct to the heat or cooling source. Therefore, make sure the arrow points in the direction of the furnace or AC.
Many people have difficulty remembering which direction to install an air filter. To help remember, consider snapping a quick photo with your cell 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 be installed. A handy time to inquire about this is during a routine furnace maintenance appointment.
How to Replace Your Furnace Air Filter
Switching out the filter on your furnace or AC is an easy process. Here is a step-by-step list of how to take out a dirty air filter and swap it for a new one:
- Turn off your furnace: Make sure to shut off your furnace before beginning the process.
- Look for the furnace filter: Typically, the filter is found in the furnace or in the air return vent. Make a mental note or write down which direction the arrow points on the filter, because you’ll want the arrow on the replacement filter to point the same way.
- 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 help your family keep track of when it's time for you to change it again.
- Put in new filter: Put in the new filter with the arrow pointing in the direction of the furnace, which is the direction of airflow and should be the same direction the arrow pointed on your last filter.
- Secure the filter: Make sure the new filter fits securely and close any latches or clips that lock it in the compartment.
- Turn on your furnace: Once the new filter is completely secured, you can turn your furnace back on.
Will a Dirty Air Filter Cause Problems for a Furnace?
The simple answer is, yes, a dirty air filter can cause a furnace to quit working or shorten its lifespan. Changing your furnace or AC filter is one of the easiest things you can do to keep your system running correctly.