Knowing where your furnace filter is located is your first step to changing it regularly, assuring your furnace is running at top efficiency. Some people choose to have a qualified heating technician, like those at MTB Mechanical, change their filter for them as a benefit of ongoing professional maintenance. But plenty of others do it themselves. Whichever you decide, be sure your furnace filter gets changed often to ensure efficient movement of heat inside your home.
Why does my furnace need a filter?
As the air inside your home is pulled into the ductwork of your HVAC system, a filter works to rid it of particles and debris before it comes into contact with your sensitive furnace components. Additionally, your filter cleans the air that’s pushed out of the furnace before it’s blown into your home, removing pollen, allergens, and dust mites. It’s important to change your filter to ensure your HVAC system is working properly and to keep its components clean. The recommended frequency is once a month for standard one-inch filters, every three months for one-inch pleated filters, and once every six months to a year for five-inch media filters. Consistent filter changing will extend the overall life of your equipment and improve your indoor air quality.
Where is my furnace filter?
Furnace filters can be tricky to find because there are a variety of factors that impact their location. In fact, your HVAC system’s filter may not be found in the attic or basement by the system itself. Many systems’ filters can be found in the ceiling or wall of your home, sometimes in a hallway. In much older setups, filters may be in a slot on the system itself. If your HVAC system includes a media air cleaner you would find that incorporated into the return air duct.Still can’t find the filter? Call an HVAC professional like the technicians at MTB. Not only will MTB techs make sure your system is well maintained, they’ll take the guesswork out of finding your filter and will answer any questions you have about your system.
How do I change my furnace filter?
Once you locate your furnace filter, you need to measure its size. Your filter can measure anywhere from one to six inches in thickness, but the designated slot will determine its ultimate size constraints. If you can’t find measurements printed directly on the old filter, use a tape measure to get its exact size and purchase the closest replacement you can find.
Before changing the filter, turn your furnace fan OFF to ensure any dust that’s dislodged doesn’t get sucked into the HVAC system. Most filters can only be inserted one way into the filter slot so check for an airflow arrow printed directly on the side of the filter itself.
Need help locating or changing your furnace filter? The expert technicians at MTB Mechanical help homeowners all over the Charlotte region maintain their furnace systems from install to replacement. Make an appointment online or give our technicians a call today at (704) 459-4066 .
