When And How To Replace An Air Filter
Heating and cooling your home can be expensive. If you are reliant on central air, you are really at the mercy of your major appliances, specifically the condenser and the furnace. If they are not running efficiently, your electricity bills will spike. While most people regularly call HVAC technicians from companies like Marcotte Air Heat & Refrigeration to service their appliances and perform major repairs, you might be able to make some basic repairs on your own. Instead of having an HVAC technician come to your house just to replace the furnace filter, why not just do the work yourself? This article explains how to replace a furnace filter.
Regular Filter Replacement and Monitoring is Key
Replacing the furnace air filter is one of the easiest DIY HVAC projects. It will probably only take you a matter of five minutes. The trick to filter replacement is doing it regularly and not slacking. It is a good idea to buy a bunch of filters in bulk so you always have replacements on hand. It is also important that you regularly inspect your filter and change it whenever it looks dirty. Filters are typically bright white, so you can instantly see if they are dirty and caked in dirt. During the summer, when you are using your air conditioner on a daily basis, you might need to change your filter every month. However, if you live somewhere where you're only using your heat or air conditioner once or twice a month, your filter could last a full year before it needs to be replaced. Basically, the key to keeping a clean filter is always checking on it.
Cleaning the Empty Filter Compartment
Besides regularly replacing your filter, you will occasionally want to clean out the compartment. Furnaces have different types of filter compartments, but they are usually quite similar and they often have the same problem. Dust can accumulate along the side of the filter and remain within the compartment after the old filter is removed. This dust can cause problems because it might prevent the filter from being properly installed. Also, the dust can instantly get blown into the new filter as soon as it is installed. So, when you change your filter, make sure that the compartment is clean and free of dust buildup. You will occasionally need a hose vacuum on hand so you can clean out the compartment before putting the new filter in.
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