Selecting the correct furnace filter and changing it when it becomes dirty is as important to your HVAC system as changing the oil is to your car. Each plays a critical role in keeping its system working safely, efficiently and for a long time.
A dirty furnace filter loses its effectiveness, enabling potentially harmful particles to move through your home. It also slows airflow, which can damage your furnace and decrease its life span.
Making certain your furnace uses a clean filter that is ideal for your needs is not merely about keeping your furnace running efficiently. It’s also about providing excellent indoor air quality for your residence.
Your health is important to the heating and cooling professionals at Appalachian Heating. We've long been dedicated to bettering indoor air quality in Beckley. Here, we’ve answered common questions about HVAC filters, including that very tricky question of what direction do you point a filter in your furnace or air conditioner?
When Should I Replace My Furnace Air Filter?
It's vital to replace dirty air filters in a furnace or air conditioner regularly. Dirty filters cause the system to worker harder than it should because it takes extra effort to force air through the plugged-up filter.
Officials advise inspecting your furnace filter monthly and replacing it if it’s dirty. You’ll know if the filter needs to be changed because it will coated with dirt or dust. Homeowners who have dogs and cats will likely need to replace their furnace air filter more often, because an effective air filter will trap pet hair circulating in a home.
Where Is the Air Filter in My Furnace?
In general, a furnace air filter is usually installed in the return air duct or blower compartment before the return air reaches the furnace. This makes sure air entering the system is filtered before it moves through the furnace components and is heated.
Depending on the type of furnace, the filter may be located on the right, left, bottom or in some cases, on the inside of the furnace. It's usually housed within a slot, frame or cabinet for easy access and replacement. Always refer to your furnace's owner manual for facts about filter location of the furnace in your home.
Are Air Filters and Furnace Filters the Same Thing?
The straightforward answer is, yes. In HVAC, a furnace filter and an air filter or air conditioning filter are essentially the same. While they might be called different things based on the current season— warm or chilly months—they are all filters that clean the air in your home.
They each eliminate dust, allergens, bacteria and other contaminants from the air that is drawn into the furnace and air conditioning system, making certain the air flowing through your home is clean and safe.
What Is a MERV Rating and What MERV Rating Should I Have?
Once you find your old furnace filter and figure out when it should be changed, it’s time to choose a replacement. That means deciding on the level of filtration that you need. One way to do that is by selecting an appropriate MERV rating for your needs.
MERV is short for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values. The MERV rating measures the effectiveness of air filters at trapping airborne particles. The rating scale ranges from 1 to 20, with greater numbers indicating enhanced capabilities to filter tinier particles.
Experts say a filter with a MERV rating between 8 and 13 offers an ideal balance between having healthy indoor air quality without needlessly restricting airflow. However, people with specific health conditions could need a a higher MERV rating.
How to Place the Air Filter in a Furnace or Air Conditioner
Positioning an air filter in a furnace or air conditioner correctly is necessary for the efficient operation of the system. Air filters are supposed to face a specific direction, indicated by an arrow printed on the side of the filter frame. The filter should be put in with this arrow pointing toward the furnace or air conditioning unit, which is the direction of the airflow. If you're unsure about the airflow direction, remember that air always moves from the return duct to the heat or cooling source. Therefore, make certain the arrow points in the direction of the furnace or air conditioning unit.
Many people have difficulty remembering which direction to point an air filter. To help remember, consider taking a quick picture with your cell phone after the filter has been properly installed by a professional. Or, you also could ask a technician to use a marker to write on the outside of your furnace which direction the filter should go. A perfect time to do this is during a scheduled furnace maintenance call.
How to Replace Your Furnace Air Filter
Replacing the filter on your furnace or air conditioner is an easy process. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how to retreive a dirty air filter and replace it with a new one:
- Turn off your furnace: Make sure to turn off your furnace before starting the process.
- Locate the furnace filter: Typically, the filter is located in the furnace or in the air return vent. Take note of which direction the arrow points on the filter, because you’ll want the arrow on the new filter to point the same way.
- Slide out the old filter: Be diligent not to knock out any dust or dirt.
- Note the date: Write down the date you replaced the filter on the new filter's frame. This will help you keep track of when it's time for the next change.
- Insert new filter: Put in the new filter with the arrow pointing toward the furnace, which is the direction of airflow and should be the same direction the arrow pointed on your last filter.
- Secure the filter: Make sure the new filter fits nicely and close any latches or clips that lock it in the compartment.
- Turn on your furnace: Once the new filter is properly installed, you can turn your furnace back on.
Will a Dirty Air Filter Cause Problems for a Furnace?
The simple answer is, yes, a dirty air filter can cause a furnace to stop working or reduce its lifespan. Changing your furnace or AC filter is one of the simplest things you can do to keep your system working efficiently.
