Changing your furnace filter needn't be a daunting and worrying prospect. It's a simple task that only takes a few short minutes to accomplish. Your furnace filter is a vitally important piece of equipment that protects the health of your family, cleans the air and helps your furnace run at its optimum efficiency levels.
You should check your air filters for blockage at least once a month, especially if you use continuous heat throughout the winter season. While people still use disposable fiberglass filters, the reusable filters that are out on the market have several advantages over the old, use once and throw away fiberglass filters. They are dependable, are inexpensive (under $50), and as they can be easily washed and reused, save you money, as well as lightening the environmental impact that disposable products present. In no time you should see an increase in your furnaces efficiency (and thus lower bills), and without the need to buy a new filter for every filter change, you should see a direct financial gain from the use of reusable furnace filters.
Here's a list of 3 simple and easy to follow steps to help change your filter.
Number one - cut the juice! Never work on any electronic or gas powered appliance without first disconnecting the power and fuel sources. You don't want your first furnace filter maintenance job to be your last.
Number two - Locate and open your furnaces maintenance service panel. You might want to refer to your furnace user manual to see if you need any tools for this task. Some furnace doors open by hand, while others are screwed in or fastened in another way to keep unauthorized hands and heads out and away from danger. You may need a screwdriver or other simple tool.
Number three- Locate for the object that looks like a spongy piece of paneling or other large rectangular object with a width of 1" or slightly more. This is your furnace filter. Pull it out and see if it needs to be cleaned (if reusable), or replaced (disposable filters). Hold it up to a lamp, window, or other light source. If you can't see through the filter, then it is time for action. If it does not need replacing, then reinsert it, close the furnace up, and reconnect your electric (and also the gas if you have a gas fueled heater), or you can continue with the cleaning or replacement process. You can never clean or replace your filters too often, but if you fail to maintain them, you can run into serious problems. If you are using a fiberglass filter, buy the exact same make and model of filter for replacement as you removed, and follow the entire process discussed earlier, only in reverse. If you are using a reusable filter, you do not even have to head for the store, just take a garden hose or other water source (preferably outdoors), and clean the filter of all dirt and debris before replacing it instead of purchasing a new furnace filter. Make sure to let the clean filter dry completely before reinserting into your heater, to insure greater efficiency and to lessen the risk of causing immediate re-clogging.
That's really all there is to it. It's a simple and crucially important task which must be carried out.
You should check your air filters for blockage at least once a month, especially if you use continuous heat throughout the winter season. While people still use disposable fiberglass filters, the reusable filters that are out on the market have several advantages over the old, use once and throw away fiberglass filters. They are dependable, are inexpensive (under $50), and as they can be easily washed and reused, save you money, as well as lightening the environmental impact that disposable products present. In no time you should see an increase in your furnaces efficiency (and thus lower bills), and without the need to buy a new filter for every filter change, you should see a direct financial gain from the use of reusable furnace filters.
Here's a list of 3 simple and easy to follow steps to help change your filter.
Number one - cut the juice! Never work on any electronic or gas powered appliance without first disconnecting the power and fuel sources. You don't want your first furnace filter maintenance job to be your last.
Number two - Locate and open your furnaces maintenance service panel. You might want to refer to your furnace user manual to see if you need any tools for this task. Some furnace doors open by hand, while others are screwed in or fastened in another way to keep unauthorized hands and heads out and away from danger. You may need a screwdriver or other simple tool.
Number three- Locate for the object that looks like a spongy piece of paneling or other large rectangular object with a width of 1" or slightly more. This is your furnace filter. Pull it out and see if it needs to be cleaned (if reusable), or replaced (disposable filters). Hold it up to a lamp, window, or other light source. If you can't see through the filter, then it is time for action. If it does not need replacing, then reinsert it, close the furnace up, and reconnect your electric (and also the gas if you have a gas fueled heater), or you can continue with the cleaning or replacement process. You can never clean or replace your filters too often, but if you fail to maintain them, you can run into serious problems. If you are using a fiberglass filter, buy the exact same make and model of filter for replacement as you removed, and follow the entire process discussed earlier, only in reverse. If you are using a reusable filter, you do not even have to head for the store, just take a garden hose or other water source (preferably outdoors), and clean the filter of all dirt and debris before replacing it instead of purchasing a new furnace filter. Make sure to let the clean filter dry completely before reinserting into your heater, to insure greater efficiency and to lessen the risk of causing immediate re-clogging.
That's really all there is to it. It's a simple and crucially important task which must be carried out.
About the Author:
Howard W. Kingsbridge is a home maintenance specialist. He writes articles about the importance of maintaining your furnace air filter and also about changing your furnace air filter regularly.
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