How to Replace Your HVAC Air Filter Easily and Effectively

Changing the air filter in your HVAC system is one of the best things you can do to keep your system running efficiently and help improve the air quality in your home. To replace your HVAC air filter, you'll need to turn off the HVAC unit, remove the access panels to get to the filter, remove the old HVAC filter, insert the new HVAC filter, and close the access panels. Be sure to pay attention to the arrows on the sides of the filter. If you don't have the operating manual for your unit, most air filters are located in the blower compartment of the oven (remove the oven cover, usually lifting it up) or integrated into the metal duct network before the blower fan.

It's a good idea to draw the airflow direction arrow with a permanent marker on the oven housing or duct network. Basic household oven air filters are designed to trap dust, dirt, and airborne particles before they enter the system and can damage the fan or heating coil. When the filter becomes clogged, this can block airflow and cause the system to work harder than necessary, consuming more energy. When you replace your air filters, you'll move toward cleaner air in every room.

This will help protect your HVAC system from loose debris or perhaps a loose filter attachment leaking into the duct. In fact, there may not be a quicker and easier way to maximize the efficiency of your HVAC system while helping to improve the air you and your family breathe day in and day out in the comfort of your home. Because of their relative ability to improve indoor air quality, filters receive a minimum efficiency report value and a MERV rating. As time goes by without a filter change, it could cause the entire system to fail, which would entail costly repair or replacement.

The most time-consuming part of this project is likely to be finding the filter size you need and running to the store to buy a replacement. A dirty filter isn't good for your home's air quality either, as it allows pollutants and allergens to build up in your home. Central forced air heating and cooling systems rely on filter maintenance to help them perform optimally in the long term. Ideally, if you still have the HVAC system manual, you will find the dimensions of the filter in the list.