How to Know When It's Time to Replace Your Furnace Filter

Your furnace filter is an essential part of your home's HVAC system, helping to keep dust, pollen, and other debris from circulating through the air. Over time, however, the filter can become clogged with dirt and grime, making it less effective. Knowing how to tell when it's time to replace your furnace filter is important for keeping your home comfortable and healthy.

Signs That You Need a New Filter

There are several signs that may indicate you need a new furnace filter. If you notice more dust than usual on furniture or floors in your home, this could be a sign that the filter isn't doing its job properly. Additionally, if you or someone in your family has been experiencing increased allergy or asthma symptoms lately, this could also be due to a clogged filter.

You should also check the condition of the actual filter itself for any signs of wear and tear. If there are holes or tears in it or if it looks dirty then it's definitely time for a replacement. Finally, if you haven't changed your furnace filter in three months or longer then it's probably time for a new one.

How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Filter?

The frequency with which you need to change your furnace filter depends on several factors such as the type of filter you have and the level of air pollution in your home. Some filters can last up to six months while others need replacing every three months, so make sure you check what type of filter you have and follow its recommended replacement schedule.

If there are pets living in your home or if there is high levels of dust or pollen in the area, then these factors may mean that you need to change your furnace filters more often than normal, so make sure that these things are taken into account when deciding how often to replace them.

How To Change Your Furnace Filter

Changing out an old furnace filter is actually quite simple and doesn't require any special tools or skills. Start by turning off power at the circuit breaker before locating the access panel and opening it up. Inside will be both dirt/debris around as well as an old worn-out filter – carefully remove this before discarding properly.

Next, insert the new replacement into the slot where the old one was located – make sure it is installed correctly so air can flow freely through without obstruction before closing the access panel back up again and turning the power back on at the circuit breaker.

Conclusion

Knowing when and how often to replace furnace filters is key for keeping your HVAC system running efficiently and effectively – pay attention to signs such as increased dust/allergies and check the condition of the actual filters themselves regularly (every 3-6 months depending on the type). By following these steps and taking into account factors like pet ownership/air pollution levels, you should ensure optimal performance from your heating/cooling systems!