Selecting the right 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 vital function in keeping its system running safely, efficiently and for a long time.
A clogged furnace filter loses its effectiveness, permitting potentially harmful particles to flow through your home. It also slows airflow, which can damage your furnace and decrease its life span.
Making sure your furnace uses a clean filter that is appropriate for your needs is not just about keeping your furnace operating efficiently. It’s also about delivering excellent indoor air quality for your residence.
The quality of the air your family breathes is important to the heating and cooling specialists at Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. We've long been dedicated to bettering indoor air quality in Phoenix. Here, we’ve answered common questions about HVAC filters, including that especially 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 is vital to replace dirty air filters in a furnace or air conditioner periodically. Soiled filters cause the system to worker harder than it should because it takes extra effort to force air through the plugged-up filter.
Officials suggest examining your furnace filter every month and replacing it if it’s dirty. You’ll know if it is dirty because it will be gray or black from dirt or dust. People who have pets will probably have to replace their furnace air filter more often, because a quality air filter will trap pet hair circulating in a home.
How to Find the Furnace's Air Filter
In general, a furnace air filter is commonly located in the return air duct or blower compartment before the return air goes back into the furnace. This is so air being pulled into the system is filtered before it moves through the furnace components and is heated.
Depending on the type of furnace, the filter may be found on the right, left, bottom or in some cases, inside the furnace. It's usually housed inside of a slot, frame or cabinet for easy access and replacement. Always refer to your furnace's owner manual for details concerning filter location of your furnace.
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 conditioner filter are basically the same. While they might be called different things based on the current season— hot or cold—they are all filters that clean the air in your residence.
They each eliminate dust, allergens, bacteria and other particulates from the air that is drawn into the furnace and air conditioning system, making certain the air circulating throughout your home is clean and safe.
What Is the MERV Rating System and What Rating Is Best for Me?
Once you track down your old furnace filter and determine when it should be substituted for a clean one, it’s time to select a replacement. That means determining the level of filtration that you need. One approach to this is by choosing an appropriate MERV rating for your needs.
MERV is short for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values. The MERV rating calculates the effectiveness of air filters at trapping airborne contaminants. The rating scale ranges from 1 to 20, with bigger numbers indicating a greater ability to filter smaller particles.
Experts say a filter with a MERV rating between 8 and 13 offers an ideal balance between having adequate indoor air quality without overly restricting airflow. However, people with certain health conditions might need to purchase a filters with a higher MERV rating.
Where to Insert the Air Filter in a Furnace or AC Unit
Positioning an air filter in a furnace or air conditioner the proper way is crucial for the efficient operation of the system. Air filters are supposed to face a particular direction, indicated by an arrow located on the side of the filter frame. The filter should be placed in the unit with this arrow pointing toward the furnace or air conditioner, which is the direction of the airflow. If you're doubtful about the airflow direction, remember that air always moves from the return duct to the heat or cooling source. Therefore, make sure the arrow points in the direction of the furnace or air conditioner.
Many people are confused by which direction to face their system's air filter. To help remember, consider snapping a quick photo with your cell phone after the filter has been correctly 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 ask about this is during a regular furnace maintenance call.
How to Change a Furnace Air Filter
Replacing the filter on your furnace or air conditioning system is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step rundown of how to retreive a dirty air filter and swap it for a new one:
- Turn off your furnace: Make sure to shut off your furnace before starting up the process.
- Locate the furnace filter: Typically, the filter is positioned in the furnace or in the air return vent. Make note of which direction the arrow points on the filter, because you’ll want the arrow on the replacement filter to point similarly.
- Remove the old filter: Be careful not to knock out any dust or debris.
- Document the date: Write down the date you changed filters on the new filter's frame. This will help you keep track of when it's time for you to change it again.
- Put in new filter: Put in the new filter with the arrow pointing at 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 hold it in the unit.
- Turn on your furnace: Once the clean filter is completely installed, you can turn your furnace back on.
Will a Dirty Air Filter Damage My Furnace?
The short answer is, yes, a dirty air filter can cause a furnace to cease working or reduce its lifespan. Changing your furnace or air conditioner filter is one of the simplest things you can do to keep your system running efficiently.