Here's How to Replace Your Home Air Filter

It’s a chore that often gets put off, but replacing your home air filter is an important task that shouldn’t be ignored. Not only do new air filters help keep your home’s air clean and healthy, but they can also improve your heating and cooling system energy efficiency and lower your energy bills. Continuing to operate your HVAC unit with a clogged filter or dirty air filter can not only cause indoor air quality problems within your home with higher concentrations of pet hair, pet dander, dust mites, mold spores, and other airborne particles, but it can cause damage to your air conditioner, furnace unit, or air handler cabinet.

If you’re due for an air filter replacement, here are a few tips to help make the process go smoothly. Thomas & Galbraith Heating, Cooling & Plumbing explains how to find the right size for your replacement filter and how to choose a good AC filter for your central air system, as well as how to install the new air filter the right way.

Determine the Correct Air Filter Size

Many homeowners don’t realize that the size of their furnace filter can have a big impact on their HVAC system performance. If the filter is too small for the furnace or air handler, it won’t be able to capture all the airborne contaminants circulating through your home and will leave more debris behind in the unit. This can lead to respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues. On the other hand, if the filter is too large, it won’t fit properly inside your furnace and won’t be able to do its job.

As a result, it’s important to choose a filter that’s the right size for your furnace. The best way to do this is to consult your furnace’s owner’s manual. The manual will list the recommended sizes for your particular model of furnace. Once you’ve got the right size, you can be sure that your furnace will be able to operate at peak efficiency.

Find the Right Filter for Your Needs

When it comes to choosing a furnace filter, there are many factors to consider. The size and type of filter you need will depend on the size of your furnace, the type of heating system you have, and the level of indoor air pollution you want to remove. The most important factor, however, is the MERV rating.

MERV Ratings

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and it is a measure of how effective a filter is at trapping particles. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter will be. However, it is important to choose a filter with a high enough rating to trap the particles you want to remove but not so high that it restricts airflow. A good rule of thumb is to choose a filter with a MERV rating of 10 or higher if you have allergies or other respiratory problems. Otherwise, a filter with a lower rating will be sufficient. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your particular furnace model before making your purchase.

When it’s time to replace the air filter in your home’s HVAC system, you may be tempted to choose the highest MERV rating available in an effort to get the best possible air quality. However, it’s important to remember that more isn’t always better. In fact, for most residential systems, a MERV rating of 13 is the highest you’ll want to choose. The reason for this is that some high-efficiency filters can actually restrict air flow, leading to energy inefficiency and potentially damaging your furnace or air handler. If you want to use a filter with a higher rating, make sure that your HVAC equipment is specifically designed to do so. Otherwise, you could be doing more harm than good.

Fiberglass Air Filters

Fiberglass air filters are a popular choice for homeowners and businesses alike. Fiberglass air filters are made of interwoven fibers that trap particles as air passes through them. The fibers can be arranged in different ways to create filters with different levels of efficiency. Fiberglass filters must be replaced periodically to ensure that they continue to work effectively. Depending on the environment and the level of filtration required, fiberglass air filters may need to be replaced as often as every month.

Pleated Air Filters

Pleated air filters are a type of air filter that is made of pleated paper or other material. The pleats help to increase the surface area of the filter, which improves its efficiency. In general, pleated air filters are more efficient than non-pleated air filters, and they can trap smaller particles. However, they can also be more expensive, but they do not need to be replaced as often. When buying a pleated air filter, it is important to consider the size of the unit and the specific needs of your home. Pleated air filters are an effective way to improve the indoor air quality of your home, and they can help to reduce allergies and asthma symptoms with efficient allergen removal.

Washable Air Filters

Washable air filters are a type of HVAC air filter that can be reused after being washed with soap and water. Unlike disposable filters, which must be replaced every few months, washable filters can last for years with proper care. In addition to being more cost-effective in the long run, washable filters are also better for the environment since they eliminate the need for disposable filters. If you’re looking for an air filter that will provide long-lasting protection while also saving you money, a washable air filter is the way to go.

How to Replace Home Air Filter Units

Replacing your furnace filter is an important part of keeping your home’s heating and cooling system running smoothly. Here are a few simple steps to follow when replacing your furnace filter:

  1. Start by turning off your furnace. This will help to prevent any dust or debris from getting into the system while you’re changing the filter.
  2. Next, locate the old filter and remove it from the furnace filter slot or air handler cabinet. Some filters may be held in place with screws, while others simply slide out. You can dispose of the existing air filter.
  3. Once the old filter is removed, insert the new filter into the furnace. Insert it into the filter slot according to the arrows printed on the cardboard frame, which tell you the direction of airflow and which way to insert the new filter.
  4. For accordion-style air filters, remove the old filter from the frame and secure the new filter within the frame.
  5. Make sure that it is properly seated and secure before turning on the furnace again.
  6. Finally, turn on the furnace and check for any leaks or drafts around the filter housing. If everything looks good, you’re all set!

Reusable air filters are a great way to save money and help the environment. However, they do require some maintenance to keep them working properly. Here are the steps to wash a reusable air filter:

  1. Start by removing the filter from your air conditioner or furnace. Be sure to turn off the power before you do this.
  2. Next, rinse the filter with warm water to remove any surface dirt and dust.
  3. If the filter is very dirty, you may need to soak it in a mixture of warm water and mild soap for a few minutes.
  4. After soaking, rinse the filter thoroughly with clean water.
  5. Allow the filter to air dry completely before putting it back in your air conditioner or furnace.

Change Your Air Filter the Right Way

Replacing your home’s air filter is an important part of maintaining your HVAC system and keeping your family healthy. We hope this guide has helped you understand the different types of filters available and how to find the right one for your needs, as well as how to change your air filter correctly. If you have any questions or need help finding the right air filter for your system, please contact us. We would be happy to help!

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