Table of Contents
How often should you change your furnace filter?
In general, this is how often changing furnace filters needs to be done: For 1- to 2-inch filters, replace them every 1 to 3 months. For 3- to 4-inch filters, replace them every 6 to 9 months. For 5- to 6-inch filters, replace them every 9 to 12 months.
How much does a furnace filter cost?
Although flat filter designs offer the most savings upfront, they need to be replaced more frequently and may cost you more in the long run. Replacing these filters can cost anywhere from $40 to $200 a year.
How do you know what furnace filter to buy?
First, locate the filter slot in your furnace/air handler. Some homes have filters behind their return vents as well. Furnace filter size is measured using length, width, and depth. For example, a furnace filter that measures 18”x16”x1” is 18 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 1-inch deep.
Can I replace furnace filter myself?
To Change Your Home Air Filter, You’ll Need To Turn Off Your Furnace. To prevent the HVAC unit from turning on while you are changing the filter, make sure you turn the thermostat to the “off” position. For maximum safety, disconnect power from your furnace system while you are doing maintenance.
What happens if you don’t change your furnace filter?
Short Cycling. If the air filter is not serviced often enough, it will eventually become clogged to the point that air cannot pass through it. When the furnace is operating, the lack of air flow will trap the heat in the system. Without a new air filter, the furnace will overheat every time it starts up again.
What happens if you put your furnace filter in backwards?
When a furnace filter is placed backwards, the fibers can’t do their job properly. This means your furnace has to work harder to generate the same air flow, resulting in increased energy costs. Particles are also allowed to build up irregularly, making the furnace working even harder to draw air.
Are furnace and AC filters the same?
Your furnace and your air conditioning system use the exact same filter, so there’s no need to worry about purchasing separate filters for each piece of equipment.
What is the most common furnace filter size?
Here are some of the most common furnace and AC filter sizes: 10 X 20 X 1” 14 X 20 X 1” 16 X 24 X 1” 18 X 30 X 1” 20 x 20 x 1. 16 x 25 x 1. 20 x 25 x 1. 20 x 25 x 4.
How do I know what size filter to buy for my furnace?
Almost always, furnace filter sizes are printed on the side of the filter. They are read as Length x Width x Depth. When inspecting furnace filters, homeowners may find two different sets of sizes. First, there is the nominal size expressed in whole numbers.
What size filter do I need?
Follow these 3 easy steps to measure your HVAC filter size: Step 1 – Measuring Length and Width (L x W). (If your filter is not a square, the smallest measurement goes first). Step 2 – Measure the thickness (Depth) of your filter from front to back. Step 3 – Put Your measurements together (L x W x D).
What MERV rating air filter should I use?
In general, the best MERV rating for a home is somewhere between 8-10. These filters will capture a large portion of the airborne particles and improve indoor air quality without making your energy costs rise significantly.
Can you run a furnace without a filter?
Technically, you can temporarily run a furnace without a filter. The consequences of running a furnace without a filter include: Poor air quality: For one, not having a filter in place means there is nothing to prevent dust and debris from being sucked into your furnace and recirculated throughout your home.
Why is the furnace blowing cold air?
A clogged filter is one of the leading reasons for a heater blowing cold air. But even if you swap the air filter with a brand new one, dirt and debris can still be found within the unit. This could eventually lead to overheating. If your furnace looks pretty dirty, call an HVAC provider for a professional clean.
Can you vacuum and reuse furnace filters?
Some air filters — permanent and semipermanent models — can be cleaned as part of regular HVAC system maintenance and replaced for continuous use. At regular intervals, you must remove it from the HVAC cabinet, throw it away, and install a fresh filter. Disposable air filters shouldn’t be vacuumed or moistened.
What problems can a dirty furnace filter cause?
Furnace Issues Caused By Dirty Air Filters Damage to the Heat Exchanger. High Heating Bills. Poor Indoor Air Quality. Clogs May Cause the Furnace to Shut Down. Inability to Reach a Comfortable Temperature.
Is no air filter better than a dirty one?
Running your air conditioner without a filter is worse than running it with a dirty one. Instead, get to the store as soon as possible for a replacement or call an HVAC professional for replacement. Without a filter, your air conditioner is at risk for severe and expensive problems.
How do I know which way the air flows in my furnace?
If you are looking at a furnace filter, find the arrow that indicates the proper air flow direction. That arrow must always face toward the furnace and away from the return duct that carries the air in need of heating or cooling.
Why does my furnace filter get dirty so quickly?
When the thermostat’s fan setting is set to “ON” the indoor blower will run 24/7, constantly circulating air over the air filter. So now the filter is constantly catching airborne contaminants, causing it to quickly get dirty. Furthermore, your energy bills are higher because running a blower nonstop ain’t cheap.
Which side of furnace filter should be dirty?
In all cases, the furnace filter should be dirty on the side that the air comes into the furnace from. If your air filters are dirty in some other fashion, it is likely your furnace is not working properly, or the filter was installed incorrectly.
