Most HVAC systems, whether central air conditioners, heat pumps, or furnaces, have air filters that collect airborne particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander before they can enter your home.
You should replace your HVAC system’s air filter at least every three months—more often during peak use months—to prevent harmful pollutants from contaminating your air. Swap it out more frequently if you live in an area that’s prone to wildfires, if you have pets or if someone in your family suffers from allergies.
Why Change Your HVAC Filter?
There are 3 good reasons to change your HVAC filter:
- It helps your HVAC system function well, which can reduce the chance of expensive breakdowns.
- It could help reduce energy costs, since efficient systems cost less than inefficient systems.
- It helps keep your home’s air clean, which can have positive effects on your health.
Here are 5 steps to changing your HVAC filter successfully.
1. Find Your HVAC Filter
Most HVAC filters are located inside the HVAC system’s blower compartment. The blower compartment is often located near the bottom of the HVAC system. However, if you can’t find it, search your system’s make and model online.
Some HVAC systems also have a filter inside the system’s return register. This is different from the filter mentioned above. If you aren’t sure whether you need this filter, search your system’s make and model online.
2. Find the Filter’s Size
Once you’ve located the filter, make sure you have the correct filter size for replacement.
- There are many different filter sizes of HVAC filters.
- The dimensions are usually indicated on the side of the filter.
- HVAC filters also have different MERV ratings. The higher the MERV rating, the more particulates the filter can catch. Read more about MERV ratings and how often you should change your filters.
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3. Are There Different Filter Types?
Fiberglass filters are the most common, cheapest, and typically least effective type of filter. However, there are others to choose from:
- UV light filters use ultraviolet waves to kill viruses before they pollute the air flowing through your home. They improve your indoor air quality, but they’re a little expensive.
- Washable filters are designed to last for years—but they need to be cleaned regularly.
- Electrostatic filters use a magnetic force to attract particulates. Their only drawback is that they may not be as effective in capturing larger dust.
- Pleated filters provide a larger surface area to capture more contaminants but that comes at slightly higher purchase price.
- HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters, while more expensive, are very effective and last for several years.
4. Turn Your Furnace Off
Do I have to turn off my furnace to change the filter? Yes.
You don’t want the system kicking on in the middle of a filter change. Changing the filter while running can allow all types of debris to enter the system. If your furnace has a built-in switch, flip it to the “off” position. Otherwise, go to your breaker box and turn your breaker to “off.”
5. Take the Old Filter Out, Put the New One in the Right Way
While preparing for the filter change, look for the arrows that should be on the sides of the filter. These arrows point in the direction the air flows. When you make your HVAC filter replacement, make sure the new filter’s arrows point in the same direction.
If you install the filters backward, they won’t work as efficiently. That could mean dirtier air, higher energy bills, or more strain on your HVAC system, which could lead to expensive breakdowns.
Install the new filter(s) in the correct direction:
- Note which way the air flow arrows are pointing. They should always point toward the HVAC’s blower motor.
- Then, remove the old filter(s).
- Before you discard old filters, compare them to a new filter. You may be surprised by how dirty the old filter is in comparison. Comparing your old filter to a new filter can help you determine the best time to change throughout the year.
- Once you’ve finished your filter change, close the access panel and turn your HVAC back on.
HVAC Filter Replacement Summary
Here’s a quick review of how to change a filter:
- Change your HVAC filter at least every three months.
- Locate your HVAC filter first.
- Then determine the size and type of filter needed.
- Always turn off your HVAC system before changing a furnace filter.
- Make sure the replacement filter’s arrow is pointing the right way, toward the blower motor.
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Changing your HVAC filter is an easy piece of routine maintenance. For bigger issues and expensive breakdowns, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10) can help.
When you have a 2-10 home warranty, you can protect your budget against expensive, covered HVAC breakdowns. You can also access a network of quality, independent repair Pros who can diagnose and help you resolve issues you may have with your HVAC system.
And it gets better. 2-10 offers a Pre-Season HVAC Tune-Up option that helps you stay on top of your HVAC maintenance every year.
