Otis Singleton
Replacing an electric furnace filter is a simple task that can improve the efficiency of your heating system and the air quality in your home. Basic furnace filters trap dust, dirt, and airborne particles, while more expensive filters can also trap bacteria, pollen, and mildew and mold spores. To replace your furnace filter, first turn off the furnace and open the panel. Locate the filter, which is usually between the air duct and the blower, and remove it by sliding it out or unscrewing it. Inspect the filter to see if it needs to be replaced—if light cannot pass through it, it needs to be cleaned or replaced. If you need to replace it, purchase a new filter of the same size, and slide it into the correct position, following the arrows on the filter to ensure it is facing the blower. Close the panel and turn the furnace back on. Depending on the type of filter, you should replace your furnace filter every one to four months.
Characteristics and Values Table for Replacing an Electric Furnace Filter
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of Replacement | Every 1-4 months, depending on the type of filter and other factors such as pets or smoking habits |
| Tools Required | Screwdriver (in some cases) |
| Steps | 1. Turn off the furnace and locate the service panel. 2. Open the panel and find the filter, usually between the air duct and blower. 3. Remove the old filter by sliding or unscrewing it. 4. Inspect the filter by holding it up to a light source to determine if it needs replacement. 5. Purchase a new filter of the same size, considering factors such as material, cost, and specific needs like allergy protection. 6. Insert the new filter, following the arrows for correct positioning and direction. 7. Close the panel and turn the furnace back on. |
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What You'll Learn
Turn off the electric furnace
Turning off an electric furnace is a simple task that can be done for maintenance purposes or to address issues with the furnace not shutting off when it should. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to turn off an electric furnace:
Locate the Furnace Switch:
Find the furnace's main unit, which is typically located near the furnace blower. The furnace will have an on/off switch that you can use to turn it off. This switch is often located on the outside of the unit for older furnaces, while newer furnaces may have electronic controls.
Turn Off the Power:
Before proceeding, ensure that all electrical power entering the furnace is turned off for safety reasons. You can do this by flipping the furnace switch to the "OFF" position or by turning it off at the circuit breaker to cut power completely. This step is crucial to prevent any accidents or issues during maintenance or repairs.
Adjust the Thermostat:
Check your thermostat to ensure it is not set too high. Adjust the temperature down to your desired setting. If the furnace still doesn't turn off, proceed to the next step.
Manually Turn Off the Furnace:
Locate the electrical panel on the main body of the furnace, which contains the internal control settings. This is where you can manually turn off the furnace completely. Adjust the settings to turn off the furnace, ensuring it is not just set to cooling but is entirely powered off.
Turn Off the Gas Supply (For Gas Furnaces):
If you have a gas furnace, locate the knob or lever that controls the gas supply to the furnace. Turning off the gas valve is essential when performing maintenance or during the off-season to prevent any accidental gas leaks.
Additional Tips:
- If your furnace has a separate blower motor, check the fan settings on your thermostat. Ensure it is set to "AUTO" instead of "ON" to prevent the blower from running continuously.
- Regularly inspect your furnace and perform maintenance tasks, such as changing the filter, to ensure its longevity and efficient operation.
- If your furnace is not turning off, contact a professional HVAC service for assistance in identifying and resolving any underlying issues.
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Locate the filter
Locating your furnace filter can be tricky, even for those experienced in the HVAC industry. Furnace filters are usually located somewhere near the fan, within the duct system, and upstream of the air handler.
Begin your search by locating the furnace itself. This is usually found in a centralised location in the basement, garage, or utility closet. In homes without a basement, the furnace may be in the attic or crawlspace. It is often installed near the water heater, washing machine, or other large appliances.
Once you have located the furnace, the filter is usually found inside a metal casing, within the blower compartment, in the path of the airflow. If your HVAC unit is configured horizontally, the furnace filter will be in a slide-in rack on the intake side, or in a dedicated sliding compartment next to the air handler. If your unit is vertical, the filter may be in the bottom or top half of the furnace, behind a metal door.
The furnace filter will be somewhere near the grill opening that draws air into the furnace return duct. It is important to note that some furnaces may not have a filter installed, so if you cannot locate the filter, have your furnace examined to ensure everything is safe.
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Remove the old filter
Before starting, ensure that all electrical power entering the furnace is turned off. This is for your safety. You can do this by flipping the furnace switch or setting the thermostat to the "off" position.
Next, open the panel of the furnace. There will be a door on your furnace that either swings open or slides off. If your door slides off, simply lift it up until it comes free and set it aside. Once you have accessed the inside of the furnace, locate the filter. It is usually marked, or you can look for the area between the air duct and the blower.
Now, remove the old filter. You may need to slip and slide it out, or use a screwdriver to unscrew it. If there is any resistance, there may be a locking mechanism in place, so check for this and slide the lock out of the way to release the filter. Once you have removed the filter, inspect it to determine if it needs to be cleaned or replaced. If it is made from a material that cannot be cleaned, and it is dirty, you will need to replace it.
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Buy a replacement filter
Buying a replacement filter for your electric furnace is a straightforward process. It is recommended to buy the same filter as the one you are replacing, especially in terms of its dimensions. Take the old filter with you to the hardware store to ensure you buy an identical replacement.
You can buy furnace filters from your local hardware store, or you can order them online. Online retailers such as DiscountFurnaceFilter.com and FilterBuy.com offer a wide selection of filters from major manufacturers, including various sizes and MERV ratings. You can also buy filters from online retailers such as Amazon.
Basic fiberglass furnace filters are inexpensive and disposable, typically one or two inches thick and available in a variety of sizes. More expensive filters are reusable and can trap smaller particles, such as smoke, bacteria, pollen, and mildew. These filters are a good option if someone in your household has allergies.
It is important to change your furnace filter regularly, as this will improve your heating and air conditioning and prevent costly repairs. How frequently you need to change your filter depends on your home's air quality, the type of filter, and your HVAC system usage. Basic fiberglass filters should be changed every one to two months, while paper furnace filters can last up to a year. Electrostatic furnace filters last the longest and only need to be replaced every few years if properly maintained.
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Insert the new filter
Inserting a new furnace filter is a straightforward task. First, make sure you have purchased a replacement filter of the correct size. Take the old filter with you to the hardware store to ensure that you buy a new one that is identical, especially regarding its dimensions.
Once you have the new filter, open the panel of the furnace and find the area where the filter is located. Usually, this is marked, or you can look for the area between the air duct and the blower. The filter should be right next to the blower, as it regulates the air as it exits the furnace blower.
Now, take the new filter and follow the instructions to insert it into the furnace. This usually involves sliding it into the correct gap, and it will click into place. The filter typically has arrows that show the correct positioning and direction it should be placed in. For good airflow, the filter must be facing the blower.
Finally, close the panel and check that everything works normally. You have now successfully replaced the electric furnace filter.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of filter you use. Basic fiberglass filters should be replaced every one to two months, while paper furnace filters can last up to a year. Electrostatic furnace filters can last several years if cleaned every four to six weeks.
Inspect the filter by holding it up to a light source. If light can pass through it, then it is still clean. If not, it needs to be cleaned or replaced.
First, turn off the furnace and open the panel. Remove the old filter by sliding it out or unscrewing it. Insert a new filter of the same size, making sure to follow the arrows that indicate the correct positioning and direction. Close the panel and turn the furnace back on.
