Changing Furnace Filters

Your furnace filter (or air filter if you have a heat pump) does double duty:  it helps improve indoor air quality by reducing the dust, dander and debris in the air, but more importantly it keeps the heat exchanger and coil clean.  A dirty heat exchanger or coil will reduce the efficiency and decrease the life of your heating and air conditioning system.

A dirty air filter will also reduce the efficiency of your system and lead to premature breakdowns.  A clogged furnace filter restricts air flow which makes the system work harder and less efficiently. Changing your furnace filter regularly will help keep your central air conditioner, forced air furnace or heat pump in top operating condition.

How often do you need to to change your furnace filter?  The short answer is to change the filter whenever it gets dirty which can vary greatly depending on how often your system has been running, whether you have pets, and other things. As a general rule, a standard fiberglass furnace filter should be changed every one to two months during the heating and cooling seasons.  A pleated or high efficiency filter will capture more dust and dirt particles and should be changed a little more frequently.

Your HVAC technician will replace the furnace filter during your scheduled spring and fall service visits, but you will need to change the filter between service visits.  Changing the furnace filter is a job that almost every homeowner can handle.  If you have never changed the filter, ask your HVAC technician to show you how to do it during your next service visit.

Furnace filters come in many different sizes so write down the size for your system and buy half a dozen air filters next time you are at your local home improvement center.  That way you will be sure to have one on hand when you need it.

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