Performing regular maintenance on your home furnace is essential for equipment longevity and efficiency. One of the simplest, easiest and most important tune-up items any homeowner can do is to check and change their furnace air filter.
Finding the Right Filter
Located between the blower and the cold air return (at the bottom of the furnace), the air filter is an inexpensive, disposable part that lessens the strain on the furnace motor. It also helps maintain good air quality in your home by trapping dirt and allergens.
While many furnace air filter manufacturers recommend changing your filter once or twice a year, HVAC professionals say regular monthly change during the heating season is necessary whenever you can’t see light passing through your filter anymore.
Sizing and Changing the Filter
Make sure to turn your furnace off before changing your filter. Then, take the old one out of the air box in the cold air return, and check the edge for its size.
Purchase several filters at your local hardware store. Most people use fiber glass filters, which trap dust and dirt. Others may choose more costly pleated filters, which collect airborne allergens, such as pet dander and pollen.
To insert the new filter, look for the manufacturer’s arrows on the edge, and place them toward the blower motor or in the same direction as the air flow. Finally, turn the furnace on.
Please contact one of our professional HVAC technicians with any questions you may have concerning your furnace and its maintenance. Around the Clock Air Conditioning & Heating has specialized in managing the air quality and comfort in Los Angeles area homes since 1967.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnace air filters and other HVAC topics,download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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