A Short Guide to Changing Your HVAC Filter

• Cleaner air
• Lower energy bills
• Long lifespan of your HVAC system

AC filters have two typical sizes of thickness–1 inch and 4 inch. You should change your furnace filter regularly following the below schedule based on your filter size. 

• 1 Inch Filter Every 6-9 weeks. If you have indoor pets, we recommend the earlier side of the timeframe.
• 4 Inch Filter Every 3 to 6 months. The same rule applies to the 4 inch filter as the 1 inch filter; if you have pets, change your 4 inch filter out every 3 months. 

Filters are rated by MERV; the higher the MERV the better your filter will clean your home's air. For residential systems, choose a filter with a rating between 4 and 12 out of the maximum 20-point scale.

Regular maintenance will keep your furnace and air conditioner running efficiently while ensuring the air you breathe is as clean and healthy.

If special considerations, such as allergies or germs are a concern, you may want to choose a more efficient filter with a higher MERV rating; filters with MERV ratings between 13-16 are considered “hospital grade.” However, consult an HVAC technician first to ensure your fan can support the additional filter.

Even if you don’t suffer from allergies, a higher MERV-rated filter can help reduce the dust and dirt in your home. The higher the MERV rating the better the filter will be at trapping small particles.

1. Locate the filter: The air filter for most heating and cooling systems is located in your home, either in a basement, utility closet, or garage, and is attached to the blower section of your air handler (usually a furnace or fan coil). It can also be found inside the furnace or fan coil cabinet. It may be located outside the cabinet in the return air vent, with a separate access panel or door.
2. Turn the system off: You can turn off the system using the thermostat or the power cutoff switch, typically located on the side of the furnace or air handler. The cutoff switch often looks like a light switch.
   
3. Remove and inspect the filter: Before removing the filter, make sure the system is turned off and take note of any airflow arrows. Remove the filter and examine it. It's time to replace the filter if there's a visible buildup of dirt or dust or if you can't see light through it. Go to your local Home Depot or Lowes to find a replacement filter. I recommend taking your old filter with you to make sure you get the correct size. Use your discretion if there is only light buildup or if you can see light clearly through the filter. 1-inch filters are inexpensive and should be changed every 6-9 weeks. 4-inch filters should be inspected every quarter and changed every 3-6 months.
4. Replace the filter and cabinet door as follows: Slide the new filter into place with care, making sure the airflow arrows are correctly oriented toward the indoor unit, and close the air handler or filter cabinet doors.
   
5. Restore power: Turn the power cutoff switch to ON from OFF. As a reminder, the switch is on the side of the furnace or air handler.
   

Once you get into the habit, you'll discover that replacing your heating and cooling air filters is a simple and inexpensive way to keep your home and HVAC system looking and operating at peak efficiency.

• Changing your filter regularly is essential to maintaining a healthy home and keeping your furnace/air conditioner running efficiently.
• Dirty filters can contribute to poor air quality in the home, as they trap dust, mold spores, pollen, and other airborne particles.
• A dirty filter reduces airflow to the unit and causes the unit to work harder than necessary, resulting in a shorter lifespan and higher energy bills.
• By changing your filter regularly, you can help ensure that the air in your home is free of pollutants and that your furnace/air conditioner is running as efficiently as possible.

When replacing the filter, make sure to observe basic safety precautions.

• Wear gloves and safety glasses, 
• Keep your hands away from moving parts of the unit

If you need help changing the filter, contact a professional HVAC technician for guidance. Most local HVAC companies can walk you through the process over the phone.

By following these tips, you can keep your surrounding air clean and healthy while ensuring that your furnace and air conditioner are running as efficiently as possible.