How Often Should You Change the Furnace Filter?

In many ways, your HVAC system forms the centerpiece of your house. It heats the home in the winter and cools things down in the summer. Keeping the system operational at all times is critical to your health and contentment. 

While some repairs require the expertise of a technician, there are many things you can do to keep your furnace in good shape. One of the most important actions you can take is to change the furnace filter promptly; a clean furnace filter can make the difference.

Why Filters Must Be Changed

Old filters in your unit can cause harm to the calibrated technology of the furnace, as well as discomfort to those in your house. A dirty filter can have several negative consequences:

• Restrict airflow into the HVAC system

• Cause components such as fans and motors to work harder

• Increase soot and dirt particles in the vents

• Cause premature failing of components

• Increase energy use and utility bills

• Bad indoor air quality and contaminants

New furnace filters are an inexpensive way to improve the performance of your HVAC system. Regular filter replacement is much better than dealing with an expensive and disruptive breakdown of the fan or motor.

When Is the Right Time To Change Furnace Filter

Change your filter too soon, and you are just wasting money. Change it too late, and the filter gets dirty and impairs performance. There are many different types of filters, so it is essential to match the right product with your machine.

The type of filter you have determines to a large extent when it should be swapped out for a new filter. In general, the thinner the filter more often it should be replaced. 1- to 2-inch filters might need replacement every couple of months, while thicker filters can sometimes go as long as six months to a year. Flat filters also need to be replaced more quickly than pleated filters.

Lifestyle makes a difference as well. Those homes with pets, lots of occupants, or people who have allergies or other air-quality concerns may need to replace a filter more frequently than standard guidelines suggest. Every few weeks, it is a good idea to take a look at the furnace air filter; if it appears dingy and dirty, it should be replaced.

How To Pick the Right Furnace Filter Sizes

While it is OK in most circumstances to use different brands of filters, you should always use the correct size. To figure out what size you need, ask your furnace technician, look at the current filter in the unit or speak with an experienced HVAC representative.

Filters should fit snugly in the filter cabinet. They typically have three dimensions: height, length, and thickness. A common size is a 20X20X1 furnace filter, and these can often be purchased in packs of 12. Here are a few more quality filters that fit several types of furnaces in use today:

• The AAF Flanders 14X24X1

• The BestAir 25X20X4

• The AAF Flanders 18X24X2

Furnace filters will also come with a MERV rating, which stands for minimum efficiency rating value, a system designed in 1987 to measure the effectiveness of filters. The higher the number, the better the filter takes out impurities in the air. High-efficiency filters often have a MERV rating of higher than 10. These filters get rid of more dust, but they can make the furnace work harder and should be used only in certain situations or with particular HVAC systems.

Fiberglass filters are commonly used in many homes. Both Precisionaire and AAF Flanders make quality fiberglass furnace filters that have been in use for many years.

How To Change Furnace Filter

Once you have the right size filter in hand, the next step is to locate the furnace and the furnace filter cabinet. For extra safety, always consult your service manual for exact instructions, which may instruct you to turn off the furnace before changing the filter.

Remove the cover of the filter cabinet and slide out the old filter. Then simply slide in the new filter, making sure to have the right airflow direction. Record when you replaced the furnace air filter, so you know when it is time for a new one. Keeping the record close to the furnace ensures that you have quick access to it.

When throwing out the old filter, it is best to place it in a garbage bag right away to prevent small particles from escaping into the home. Most furnace filters are not recyclable and should simply go out with the trash.

How To Get the Best Deal on Furnace Filters

When it is time to change a dirty furnace filter and buy a new one, you can often purchase them in handy packs to reduce the price per filter. You also may have options with different manufacturers, allowing you to pick the best price. 

Max Warehouse has a large selection of quality furnace filters at competitive prices, visit the complete collection for great deals!

Shop Your Furnace Filter Today