It’s Important—So Here’s How To Do It!

When was the last time you changed your furnace’s air filter? If it’s been more than a few months, or, worse, you don’t remember, it’s time to get to work.
Doing this is extremely important whether you use propane or heating oil for home heating. Fortunately, this task is fast, easy, and reaps a lot of rewards.

The Benefits of Changing Your Furnace’s Air Filter

You save money. A clogged or dirty air filter strains your HVAC system, forcing it to work harder—which results in higher energy bills. Changing your air filter and having regular, professional maintenance helps your furnace function at peak performance, ensuring that you spend the least amount of money possible on heating your house.
It prevents breakdowns. Did you know that a dirty or clogged air filter is one of the most frequent causes of furnace failure? If your filters are not replaced, they will overwork your heating system, causing more wear on components and increasing the risk of a breakdown and costly repairs. That wear also shortens the life expectancy of your furnace and forces you into having to buy a new furnace sooner than you should have to.
It improves indoor air quality. If your air filter isn’t clogged, it keeps airborne dust, dirt, and allergens from circulating in your house. It is essential to check and change your air filter on a regular basis if you or someone in your household has allergies, asthma, or breathing difficulties such as COPD.
An additional advantage of changing the air filter on a regular basis is that cleaning the house is faster and easier since there is less dust and dirt circulating!

How Do I Change the Air Filter?

The good news is that changing your furnace’s air filter is fast and easy.
Before you change it, you need to know what size filter you need so you can get a replacement. Check your furnace’s user guide for this information or check the filter currently in your furnace. The width, length, and thickness of a filter are generally specified.
For example: If the air filter is identified as 16x25x1, it is 16 inches wide, 25 inches long, and 1 inch thick.
HVAC air filters are sold at your local home improvement store. Buy a few to make replacing them is a breeze for the next several months.

Follow the Step-By-Step Process

1. Locate the filter rack. It is commonly at the return or at the entrance to the blower chamber.
2. Slide the filter out. If you need to pull, check for a locking mechanism, and disengage it. Disposable filters have a cardboard frame. If your filter has a metal or plastic frame, it is most likely washable. If it’s a disposable filter, promptly put it in a trash bag to keep the dust and dirt in it from spreading.
3. Replace the filter. Look for the arrow pointing to the direction of air flow. Make sure you install the filter the right way—which is towards the blower.
4. Secure the door or filter rack. Re-engage the locking mechanism if it has one.

You’re finished! Now bask in the satisfaction of a job well done.
Make sure your home’s furnace always has the propane or heating oil it needs to keep your home warm and comfortable. Need additional work or a system cleaning? Contact LG Jordan today. We’ll be happy to help.