Changing Those Filters

Today I would like to talk about changing filters in your furnace. We get several calls a month for people experiencing heating problems. Sometimes we will get to the customers property and the problem is as simple as a dirty filter causing the furnace to shut down from overheating. Filters come in all shapes and sizes let's discuss the three basic types of filters: 1. Fiberglass filters. These filters are made to be thrown away and changed monthly. They are the most common type, some have metal grating that supports them from getting sucked into the furnace blower cabinet. These filters are recommend to be changed monthly. 2. 1" wide Pleated filters. These are gaining in popularity because they do a better job at taking finer particles out of the air and fit in place of a standard fiberglass filters. In doing a better job, however, they have a higher resistance to airflow which can be very problematic if they are left for too long in the duct system. We recommend changing these every two or three months. 3. HEPA filters. These are our favorite type of filters. They typically come four or five inches wide. This filter type filters the air passing through them at very fine level. To install these in the system, it usually requires some fabrication of the sheet-metal ducts to adapt to the existing furnace. Although they require a little extra work initially, they do the best job in filtering the air you breathe as well as protecting your HVAC investment (aka the equipment). These should be changed every 3 to 6 months depending on filter particle build up. To find a 1" filter on your system look for a small slot on either the left, right, or bottom of the furnace (rarely they are actually in the blower compartment of the furnace). Some filter tracks will have a cover, others are left open. Make sure the dimensions are correct then simply slide the Old one out and insert the new filter in its place. Pay close attention to the arrow on the frame of the filter it should be always be pointed in the direction that the air is flowing (usually towards furnace).

To change a HEPA type filter, look for a small sheet metal cabinet attached directly to the furnace. It should have a door that opens towards you to access the filter. Again, pay close attention to the arrow on the filter.