Filter FAQ: How to Change Your Filter

We talk a lot about changing your filter on this blog. No, this is not an apology for that, it’s incredibly important to change your filter every 1-3 months and we’ll announce it to the world until we go hoarse!

What we will say though, is that not many contractors talk about the step by step process it takes to replace your air filter. So, if you’re one of the many homeowners who already have changed your air filter in the past then perhaps you can keep reading for a little refresher. Or, if you’re a homeowner that’s never replaced your air filter and you’ve been dying to do so, follow along below and we’ll give you the necessary steps it takes to have it done correctly.

Keep in mind that any problems you might have can always be solved by a trained HVAC professional. If you encounter difficulty performing this task, just give your local Durham HVAC team a call!

Replacing Your Air Filter Properly

Before we get into the step by step process of replacing your air filter, we’d like to be very clear. While this is usually a service that can be done by homeowners and is encouraged to be done by homeowners, there’s no reason to force it.

If you’re frequently finding yourself having trouble locating your filter, trying to fit a new filter in that doesn’t seem the right size, or encountering other problems, give our team a call. No need to break something through confusion.

1. Turn off your furnace. This is always the first step, since you don’t want to run a furnace while you’re changing the filter. Once your furnace has been turned off, or in some cases disconnected from the power, you’re free to start a filter change.
2. Locate your old furnace filter. This can easily be located inside of the blower compartment. In layman’s terms, that’s basically where the return air that needs to be heated gets drawn into your furnace. If you’re having trouble locating this area, since many furnace models are different, give a professional a call.
3. Purchase a new filter or clean the existing one. Depending on the type of furnace you have and the filter it requires, you might be doing something different than a neighbor. Permanent filters, usually made of aluminum or plastic, should be cleaned and placed back into the filter location. Disposable filters must be bought, but remember the size of your filter so you can choose it correctly!
4. Make sure it’s facing the right way. It’s incredibly important to remember the way airflow travels in the blower compartment so you can replace the filter exactly how it was. A filter facing the wrong direction won’t work effectively.
5. Turn your furnace on. Once the filter has been adequately replaced and everything is in order, it’s time to plug your system back in or turn the switch to on. At this point, regardless of whether you feel a difference or not, your system should be healthy enough to run for another 90 days before you need to replace the filter again!

Have any questions? Feel free to call the experts at Raleigh Heating & Air!