When and How to Change Your Furnace Filter

If the indoor air quality isn’t quite what you’re used to, if the furnace seems to be ineffective, or if your utility bill is unusually high, a dirty furnace filter could be to blame. Changing the furnace filter doesn’t take much time, and the filters themselves are relatively inexpensive. Learning how to change a furnace filter is an important part of maintenance for your New Lenox, IL, home and could increase your quality of life by creating a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment. These tips from our HVAC service team at Climate Master Mechanical Contractors, Inc. will help you know when and how to change the filter on your furnace.

Step By Step Instructions for Changing Furnace Filters

Before doing any maintenance on your furnace, turn the heating system off. Refer to your owner’s manual for any other safety issues. The owner’s manual will also show a diagram of the location of the filter and the filter size specifications that you need for purchasing the new filter.

• Locate the furnace filter. It’s usually located within a metal housing. In forced air furnaces, the air filter is in the air return portion of the system. In a gas furnace, it’s within the furnace itself.
• If the housing around the filter is screwed closed, use a screwdriver to take off the front piece.
• Slide the filter out of its housing.
• If the filter is disposable, place it into the trash and slide in the new filter. Be sure that the filter is correctly oriented.
• If the filter is reusable, clean the filter according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Then replace it into the housing.
• Replace the front of the housing if you removed it.
• Restore power to the furnace.

When to Change a Furnace Filter

Replace the furnace filter before it’s time to run the heating system. Continue to check the filter on a monthly basis. It will need to be replaced about every 3 months during the cold weather season. If it looks dirty before 3 months have passed, go ahead and replace it sooner. Filters may become dirty more quickly if there are furry pets in the home, so if you own a pet, keep a few extra filters on hand for convenient filter changes.

Fall Furnace Maintenance

Changing the furnace filter is just one part of furnace maintenance. Be sure to schedule a fall tune-up of the entire heating system to ensure the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of the furnace. For more information on scheduling a fall tune-up of your furnace and to learn more about our current heating system specials, contact us at Climate Master Mechanical Contractors today.