Trystan Casey
Changing an electric furnace filter is a quick and easy task that can improve the efficiency of your heating system and help purify the air in your home. Furnace filters are designed to trap dust, dirt, and airborne particles, preventing them from entering the system and causing damage to the fan or heating coil. Depending on the type of filter, you should generally replace or clean them every one to three months. This guide will cover the steps to change an electric furnace filter, including locating the filter, removing the old filter, and installing a new one. By following these simple steps, you can ensure your furnace runs smoothly and maintains good air quality in your home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to change a filter | Check the furnace filter monthly and change it every three months, depending on the type of filter used. Basic fiberglass furnace filters should be changed every one to two months, paper furnace filters every four months to a year, and electrostatic furnace filters every several years. |
| When to change a filter | Change the filter when no light shines through it when held up to a light source. |
| How to change a filter | 1. Turn off the furnace. |
| 2. Locate the service panel and remove it. | |
| 3. Slide out the old filter. | |
| 4. Replace with a new filter, ensuring it is facing the correct way. | |
| 5. Turn the furnace back on. |
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What You'll Learn
Turn off the electric furnace
Before you change your electric furnace filter, it is important to turn off your furnace. This is a crucial safety step to prevent the furnace from turning on while you are checking or replacing the filter. If the furnace turns on without a filter in place, it can suck up potentially damaging loose debris.
To turn off your electric furnace, locate the furnace switch. This should be on or next to the furnace and will look like a standard light switch. Simply flip the switch to the off position.
Additionally, you should set the furnace's thermostat to the "off" position. This is another important safety measure to ensure the furnace does not accidentally turn on while you are working on it. The thermostat is typically located on or near the furnace as well. By adjusting the thermostat to the off setting, you provide an extra layer of protection against unintentional activation.
Once you have turned off the furnace and adjusted the thermostat, you can proceed with confidence to the next steps of changing the filter. Remember to always refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines pertaining to your particular furnace model.
By following these instructions, you can ensure that your electric furnace is properly turned off before proceeding with maintenance or filter replacement.
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Locate the filter
Locating the furnace filter is the first step in changing it. Furnace filters can be found behind panels, inside the opening of a duct, or even behind other equipment to keep them completely shielded from view. The original purpose of furnace filters was to prevent stuff from damaging components by getting into the fan section of the furnace, which is why they are usually located somewhere close to where the fan is located. Manufacturers of furnaces and furnace filters usually choose a designated location where their filters can be installed just in front of the fan components.
The furnace filter will be somewhere near the grill opening that draws air into it; this is your return duct. The filter will be somewhere between the grill opening and the air handler. The best place to start is at the location of the air handler, and to work your way back from that point until you find the furnace filter because it can be pretty much anywhere. Furnace filters are often located within the duct system, somewhere upstream of the air handler location.
The exact location of the filter depends on the type of furnace you have. If you have a vertical HVAC unit that moves air upwards, look behind a metal door at the bottom (the top and bottom doors will need to be opened). If it’s a vertical unit that moves air downwards, open the top door to access the air filter, which is installed near the blower (such a furnace often uses two filters). If your HVAC unit is configured horizontally, the furnace filter will slide into a rack on the intake side, or into a dedicated sliding compartment next to the air handler.
The furnace filter is usually located inside the blower compartment, where the return air enters. The filter is usually inside a metal casing. It’s often in the blower compartment in the path of the airflow so dust, pollen, dander, and other airborne particles can be removed.
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Remove the old filter
To remove the old filter from your electric furnace, start by turning off the furnace. This is important to prevent the furnace from turning on while you are removing the filter, as it may suck up potentially damaging loose debris. You can do this by setting the furnace's thermostat to the "off" position, or by flipping the furnace switch, which should be on or next to the furnace and looks like a standard light switch.
Next, locate the service panel and remove it. The filter is usually located near the vents where the air enters the furnace system, either near the air return duct or the entrance to the blower chamber. You may need to remove the cover or door to the filter service rack or the lower of the two metal panels on the front. The filter location is horizontal at the very bottom of the furnace, and there may be a metal loop resting on it to keep it in place.
Once you have located the filter, slide it out. If there is resistance, there may be a locking mechanism keeping it in place, so check for this and slide the lock out of the way. Hold the filter up to a light source to check how dirty it is. If there is no light shining through, it is time to replace it.
After inspecting the filter, dispose of it and prepare to replace it with a new one of the same size.
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Insert the new filter correctly
To insert the new filter correctly, first, locate the arrow on the filter's edge and point it toward the blower motor. Putting the filter in backward will decrease its efficiency. You can mark an arrow on the furnace panel to remind yourself which direction to place the filter. Next, slide the new filter into the slot, ensuring that it is secure and properly seated. If there is a metal loop holding the filter in place, you may need to remove it temporarily to insert the new filter, then replace the loop to secure the filter. Once the new filter is in place, replace the cover or panel that you removed earlier. Now, you can turn on the furnace by setting the thermostat back to the "on" position. Your furnace will now be protected from loose debris by the new filter and is safe to run as usual.
It is important to note that the direction of the arrow on the filter is crucial. Furnace filters are designed to be inserted in a specific direction to ensure proper airflow and maximum efficiency. Therefore, always ensure that the arrow is pointing toward the blower motor or in the direction of the airflow. Additionally, some filters may have specific installation instructions, so it is recommended to refer to the owner's manual or the manufacturer's instructions for any additional guidelines or precautions.
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Turn the furnace back on
Once you have installed a new filter, you can turn the furnace back on. Make sure the arrow on the filter is pointing in the correct direction, towards the unit, before closing the door panel of the furnace. The arrow indicates the airflow direction, and it is important to ensure the filter is facing the right way to prevent it from collapsing or deforming.
Now, close the furnace's access door by swinging it closed or sliding it back on. If your furnace has a power switch, turn the power back on. If not, it may be plugged into an electrical socket, in which case you can simply turn the furnace back on via the thermostat. Set the thermostat to the “on” position. Your furnace is now ready to use for at least another month.
It is important to note that the frequency of filter maintenance depends on several factors, including the type of filter, the number of people living in the home, the presence of pets, and the amount of dust. Most disposable filters need to be replaced every one to two months. However, electrostatic filters can last several years if cleaned every four to six weeks. Therefore, it is a good idea to check your filter every month and replace it when necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of filter you use. Basic fiberglass furnace filters should be changed every one to two months, while paper furnace filters can last between four months to a year. Electrostatic furnace filters can last several years if cleaned every four to six weeks.
First, turn off the furnace by flipping the furnace switch. Then, locate the filter service rack or door, which is likely on the side with the intake and outtake blower fan. Remove the cover, slide out the old filter, and replace it with a new one, making sure to check the arrow on the filter so you know which way it goes in. Finally, turn the furnace back on.
Basic furnace filters are designed to trap dust, dirt, and airborne particulates. More expensive filters can enhance air quality by trapping bacteria, pollen, and mildew and mold spores. If someone in your family has allergies, you may want to invest in an antimicrobial or high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which is specially treated to trap microorganisms.
