by Christopher Knight

Created on: October 25, 2009

Changing a furnace filter is a simple project. So simple that most filters go unchanged for far too long. It is an easy thing to forget to do but the best time to change a filter is when the season changes. Most of the better filters are made to last approximately three months. There are many different manufacturers of furnaces, but they all operate on the same principle. The furnace brings in air from outside, heats the air and blows the heated air throughout the house. The purpose of a furnace filter is twofold, the first is to protect the furnace from dust particles and contaminants in the air that can cause problems in the unit itself. The second is to filter the air that is blown out of the furnace and distributed throughout your house of allergens, dust and other particles that are harmful to you.

The first step to changing a filter is to find where the filter goes. Locate the furnace and look between the main part of the furnace and the ductwork. Usually there is a panel or door or slot of some sort that houses the filter. Remove your old filter and take note of the size of the filter. The most common size is 16 x 25 or 16 x 20. There are many sizes of filters so don't go to your local Home Depot or hardware store and expect the salesperson to know your size.

Finding the size is the first step. The next is selecting the type of filter. There are different kinds of filters, but the four main kinds are fiberglass, pleated, electrostatic and metal. Metal filters are made to be reusable. They are meant to be washed and then replaced. Fiberglass filters are made to filter approximately 30% of harmful particles and allergens out of the air and last approximately one month. Pleated filters can filter approximately 90% of allergens and harmful particles and electrostatic filters work to filter 95 to 99% of allergens and the smallest harmful particles in the air. Both of these types usually last at least three months. Spend the extra few bucks for a better filter. It's worth it in the long run.

The last step to properly installing your new furnace filter is to make sure you have the filter facing the correct way. If you look at the filter, you will see an arrow that points which way the air flow is supposed to go. Make sure you insert the filter the correct way, and your job is complete.

Having a clean filter prolongs the life of your furnace and improves the quality of the air you breathe in your home. This article hopefully answered any questions that you had regarding filters in general, and give a clear explanation on what to look for when changing out your furnace filter.

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