Are you finding the air in your home a little dusty? Is your furnace running more often than it should be? It could be time to change furnace filters in your home.
Furnace filter replacement does more than improve air quality, it also helps keep your furnace running efficiently. This can save you hundreds of dollars over the lifetime of your furnace. This means keeping to a furnace filter replacement schedule and doing regular checks to make sure it isn’t clogged.
In this article, we will review tips on how to install a furnace filter and how you enhance the air quality in your home.
Signs the Furnace Filter Needs to be Changed
The furnace filter is usually hidden away next to your heating unit, which means people often forget to change it until they begin to notice signs of an issue. Some of the most common signals that it is time to change the furnace filter include:
- Poor air quality
- The furnace filter is black or covered in dust and hair
- Allergies are acting up
- The smell of dust or mold in the air
- Low air flow or furnace turning on frequently
If you have pets, smoke, or don’t have as many windows to open, it is recommended to change your furnace filter as often as every two months. Conducting a regular inspection of the filter will help you make sure you change your furnace filter before it impacts air quality and your health.
What Type of Furnace Filter Should You Use?
Furnace filters differ in size and shape depending on the size of your unit. There are also a variety of furnace filter material options that offer different levels of filtration.
Fiberglass – This lightweight, cardboard framed filter can be found at most hardware stores and is excellent at catching dust and dirt. It is recommended to toss this type of filter every two months.
Double pleated filter – This longer-lasting filter only needs to be changed every four months to a year. It removes dust, dirt, and pollen for added air quality protection.
Electrostatic filters – This reusable filter offers exceptional filtration capturing dust, pollen, smoke, and other airborne particles.
Before choosing a filter, check the packaging to see if they offer additional antimicrobial protection which can prevent the spread of bacteria, algae, mold, and other harmful microorganisms.
How to Change Furnace Filter
Changing a furnace filter only takes a few minutes. Start by turning off your furnace, then remove any packaging from the furnace filter before installing.
Look for the service panel or lift the furnace filter access door if you are in a condo unit. Remove the existing filter and slide the new filter in. Switch the furnace back on and you are done!
If you have changed your furnace filter and still find it isn’t performing properly, contact the experts at One Stop HVAC. We can do a complete inspection of your furnace to ensure it is operating and make any necessary repairs. Contact us today for a free estimate.
