Does your furnace have to be off the change the filter?
Yes. It is best to turn off your furnace before you change your air filter.
There are a couple of reasons for this.
1. When you take out your dirty filter, it knocks off and disrupts dust and dirt that will then be sucked into your HVAC system. (Which is the point of having a furnace filter.)
2. Due to the air pressure of your furnace blower when your furnace is on, the filter will be easier to move and change out when the furnace is off.
How do you turn off your furnace?
Turn the blower off at the thermostat and then turn the power switch to the furnace off. Then be sure to turn the power to the furnace back on as well as the thermostat when you are finished.
If you do not have a switch near your furnace, it may be powered with an electrical plug into the wall.
Which way does your furnace filter go? Is there a right way or wrong way to replace your air filter?
Yes. Look at your air filter. There should be a small arrow on the edge. The arrow points toward the furnace.
Everyone’s filter is in a different location so the important thing to keep in mind is airflow direction.
How often should you change your filter?
Honestly it depends on a variety of factors. Let’s assume you use a standard one inch filter. According to Better Home Guides, “in a home occupied nearly all year round, most professionals recommend changing your home air filter every 60-90 days depending on a number of factors …including pets, allergies, etc.”
They go on to say that “every home is slightly different in its makeup, which can alter the answer to this commonly asked question…A good rule of thumb is to change your air filter every ninety days. You should be replacing your air filter with a fresh and clean version at least once a quarter. However, that rule of thumb may not be the safest option if you have pets, allergies, or even a vacation home.”
