Most of us (ourselves included) have never touched our furnace; NOW is the time to dig in there and figure out your furnace filter.
How to Replace Your Furnace Filter:
First, locate the air filter. Depending on the furnace design, it can either be located in the blower door unit itself or located between the blower and the return air duct. You may need a screwdriver to help pry open the access panel or blower door.
Steps to Changing a STANDARD Furnace Filter:
1) TURN OFF YOUR FURNACE! (Throw the breaker or pull the fuse to it, also).
2) Locate your furnace filter and determine the type. If you are lucky, there will be a diagram label on your furnace showing where. If not, it can either be located in the blower door unit itself or located between the blower and the return air duct. (There may be screws holding the panel on; use a screwdriver to remove them).
3) Remove the old filter.
4) Wash reusable filters; go out and buy a new filter for single use filters. If you are replacing a disposable furnace filter; think about putting a cleanable filter in instead. Make sure to purchase one that is electrostatic. This will reduce your overall landfill waste, and these filters are better than the standard cheap panel filters.
5) Install new furnace filter. Close furnace back up, turn power and furnace back on.
6) Every 30 to 60 days, clean or replace the new filter.
Everyone, go and change your furnace filter and start your winter out right!
Notice these are the steps for a modern furnace. Our furnace at Tiny Old House is not so modern, and uses a hammock type filter. I'll discuss this later, as I figure it out!
Again, if you would like to join us...
1 comment:
If you're doing renovation work, especially drywall work, expect to change filters more often, as that dust really clogs a filter quickly.
The filter in my furnace runs about $25.00, but luckily it usually lasts about 6 months. I usually buy two at a time and write the date on the 2nd one that I want to put it into service.
The pleated style of filter (like mine) gives you additional surface area, and possibly longer time between replacement.
The fiberglass style filters will pick up the larger dust particles, but won't do squat for allergens.
Most reasonably modern furnaces can use either style. My 5" wide filter could be replaced with a couple of 1" filters sandwiched together in a pinch.
Shiny objects amaze and confuse me. Jus' sayin'.
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