by Douglas Black

Created on: October 25, 2009

As winter fast approaches, so does the need to ensure your furnace is running at peak performance. Now, depending on whether or not you use your furnace year-round can determine how often you will need to change your filter. For those that don't utilize central air conditioning, changing filters should be done in October, and thereafter every 1-3 months, depending on usage.

Replacing your furnace filter at the recommended interval, can increase the lifetime of your unit, and decrease the overall cost to operate it. Dirty filters can drastically decrease how easily air passes through it, which in turn will require your furnace to stay on longer, working harder to distribute the warm air throughout your home.

HOW TO CHANGE YOUR AIR FILTER

Before beginning, it is important that you have a new (never re-use filters) filter ready. Most furnace filters are designed by size or model, which will have the size listed on the sides of the filter, such as "17x16x1". Tip: Use recommended filters, unless directed by your local hardware or furnace supply store.

Step one: Ensure your furnace is turned off before replacing your filter. Most furnaces have an external switch, which will ensure the blower does not come on during the changing process. Otherwise, check your electrical breaker panel, which should have your furnace labeled to turn it off.

Step two: Locate your filter compartment, which should be located between the blower compartment and the main vent return, which will look like a section of rectangular sheet-metal, almost the same size as the furnace unit itself. If you cannot find it, refer to your owners manual. Still having troubles, consider: www.filtersamerica.com or www.filtersusa.com , which offer instructions for a multitude of different furnace types and models.

Step three: Normally the filter will be found behind a small, long rectangular panel, which is often secured by a knob or other locking mechanism. Important: Make note of the directional arrow located on the face or top the old furnace filter, which will indicate the direction to install the replacement. Tip: Arrow should normally be pointing towards the direction of the blower compartment.

Step four: Carefully slide out the furnace filter. Tip: have a garbage bag ready, to avoid unnecessary cleanup after, caused by dirt and dust collected by the filter. Once the filter has been removed, you should use a vacuum cleaner or other duster, to clear away the area within the filter compartment.

Step five: Slide in the new filter, again paying attention to the required direction of airflow. Ensure the filter is inserted securely into place, which should be almost flush with the compartment opening. Now, close the compartment, ensuring fasteners, clips or knobs are closed firmly.

There now you can be confident that once the winter winds begin to howl outside, you will be safe and warm inside, basking in the coziness of your freshly installed furnace filter. Remember, it is not only a healthy choice to regularly change your filter, reducing dust and other particles; it is also economical, saving you a few dollars on your heating and cooling expenses.

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