How to Choose and Replace Your Air Filters

You’ve been sneezing and coughing for the past two weeks. You’ve also noticed that the dust on the tables and television has been gathering more quickly recently, causing you to dust more often. It finally dawns on you that it’s time to replace your furnace air filters. Actually, you were supposed to replace the air filters in October, but it slipped your mind.

Now, it’s almost January and you aren’t exactly sure what kind air filter you should buy, or even how to properly install it. Luckily for you, Central Indiana’s HVAC leader for over 30 years, Action Air has built a reputation for providing stellar service at a fair and honest price. Today, we’re going to show you how to choose and replace your air filters.

Choosing the Right Kind of Air Filter

1. Sizing Them Up.

The first thing you’ll need to do is to determine the size of your air filter. If you have an old one, you may be able to tell by looking at the sizing information on the air filter itself. However, consult your furnace owner’s manual if you want to be absolutely sure that you’re buying the correct size filter.

Filters that are not the correct size will either not fit, or may not stay in place, once they have been installed. For example, if the user manual says you need a filter that is 16x25x1, you will need to purchase a filter that’s that exact size. The last number is the width.

2. Which One Bites the Dust?

The next thing you’ll need to do is to determine which air filter will work best in your home.

• Fiberglass Air Filters: Fiberglass air filters are the thin, flat – usually all blue – air filters that you can pick up for under a buck. The problem is, they only filter out about 10 percent of the contaminants from the air. In a pinch, they’ll do.
• Pleated Air Filters. Pleated filters work much better than the flat ones, but they can cost more than double. Because these filters have pleats, the surface area is larger – meaning they’ll remove upwards of 45 percent of the contaminants from the air.
• Pleated Air Filters with Static Charge. These filters are easy to spot, because they have a metal honeycomb over the filter to hold the static charge. They are great at removing small particles of dust, mold, pollen, and other contaminants from the air. These filters will, in fact, remove more than 85 percent of the contaminants from the air you breathe.

How to Install Your Furnace Air Filter

1. When Do I Replace My Air Filter?

Generally speaking, air filters last between 30 and 90 days of use. The packaging should tell you how long your new air filer is good for, but they should be changed at least every three months.

It’s important to not let your air filters go longer without being changed. Dirty air filters will send the dust and allergens right back into your home and will also cause your HVAC system to work harder than it needs to, costing you more money on your energy bill.

2. Step-by-step Replacement.

• First thing you’ll need to count the number of filter grills (large return air vents) inside you house.
• Open Vent. Flip the two small latches on the ends and open each filter grill and make note of the sizing for each filter, as it is possible that you may require two or more different sized air filters.
• Remove Old Filter and Replace. Once the filter grill is open, remove the old air filter and throw it away. Now, install the new filter in place. Make sure to note which way the arrows on the box are pointing. The correct position is with the arrows pointing toward the wall and away from the room.
• Close the Vent. Now that the filter is in place, simply close the filter grill, making sure the two latches on the end have been pushed back in place and the grill is secure. That’s it. You’re all done. Only thing left to do is pop the top and set a reminder on your phone to replace the filters again in 90 days.

While these DIY tips should help you change your air filters and keep your indoor air quality great, the best way to ensure your system is in peak condition is to schedule regular maintenance checkups with a qualified HVAC professional.  If you want to have the peace of mind and security that comes from knowing Central Indiana’s most trusted HVAC company is taking care of your system, call the experts at Action Air at (317) 585-8981, or email us at info@actionairfishers.com to schedule an appointment today!

 

Air Filters, IAQ, indoor air quality