How to change your furnace filter
More information about changing your furnace filter
Regularly changing your furnace filter is the easiest (and cheapest) way to keep your HVAC running in tip-top shape. Plus, a clean filter keeps your home's air quality clean and healthy. Clogged filters prevent air from flowing freely through your system, leading to higher energy bills and expensive repairs.
Below, we break down the basics of how to change your furnace filter.
Where do I start?
The best place to begin is by learning how often you should replace your HVAC system's filter. You can do this by checking the manufacturer's recommendation in your furnace's manual. If you aren't able to find a recommendation for your model or you can't find a manual, a good place to start is every 90 days. (Yes, even during the summer!) During winter months when your furnace is running more regularly, you may want to replace it every 30 days.
How do I know which brand and size of filter?
You can check your furnace's manual, or simply pull out the previous filter and snap a photo to take to your local hardware or home improvement store.
How do I change my HVAC filter?
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Before you get started, make sure your system is turned off. You can do this by simply flipping the switch on the side of your furnace, or waiting until it's no longer running
- Take the filter out of its packaging to make sure it isn't damaged and write down the date on the filter to help you remember the last time you swapped it out
- If your furnace has a cover for the filter, also known as a grille, remove that as well. If the cover is dirty, take a moment to wipe it down with a microfiber cloth or vacuum with a brush attachment
- Insert the furnace filter. There will be an arrow on the filter to make it clear which direction to place the device
- Once the filter is in place, you can re-attach the cover and turn your system back on