by Clint Rogers

Created on: October 30, 2009

With temperatures dropping in areas around the country and Winter fast approaching, changing your furnace filter now will save you time and money when it's time to turn the heat up inside your home. Since clean filters reduce your electricity bills in much the same way as automotive air filters increase fuel mileage, it is always a good idea to check your filters regularly and invest in better, typically longer lasting, filters when it is time to purchase one. Because some people forget where the filter on their unit is located and even how to change them, below are a few simple steps that will help to locate and replace your existing filter before the cold season is upon us.

Turn Off the Power

Usually there is a switch next to the furnace similar to a light switch. If this is not present, check the circuit breaker for the appropriately labeled switch to turn off in order to avoid any shock hazard associated with coming into accidental contact with any wires or exposed boxes inside the unit. While it sounds more dangerous than it really is, if you're unsure of where a filter is and begin inspecting the wrong area of a furnace you can inadvertently expose certain electrical components that may pose a shock hazard. To avoid this it is always a good idea to remove the danger completely by turning off the power to the unit.

Locate the Filter

Because most furnaces are simply large metal boxes, some people might find this step intimidating, especially since they have the idea that they're dismantling the furnace in some fashion to get to the filter. Also, they may become nervous that if they open the wrong compartment they might break it, not be able to get the panel back on, etc. To avoid any confusion, all a person needs to remember is that the filter will always be installed inside the furnace at the point where the air duct is attached. Open the panel on the front of the unit that is on the same level as the attached air duct and the filter will be held in place on the air duct side by brackets.

Change the Filter

To change the filter, first select a filter that's of a higher quality than the simple 30 day filters found in most grocery stores. The grocery store filters are usually green in color and only good for 30 days. Since most people forget about the filter soon after installation, more allergens will be taken out of the air and more money will be saved by purchasing a more expensive filter up front, especially if the homeowner forgets to check it for a few months.

After the filter is located in the unit, slide it out and discard in the trash. Take your new filter out of the plastic, locate the installation directions which is typically an arrow on the side of the package pointing in the direction of the air flow and slide it into the appropriate slot inside your unit. While air filters are effective either way they're installed, they're more effective if installed correctly since one side of the filter is rougher and more able to hold onto particles, removing them from the air easier.

While a simple and cost effective step, it is often one that is most overlooked by homeowners. Changing air filters in your home will have a noticeable effect on your electricity bill and, if you have allergies, a positive effect on your health as well.

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