Home Removal Services Blog

If you live in a home with furnace heat that you use regularly, or are getting set to use your heater throughout the winter, then of your major home maintenance priorities is to make sure that your heater’s filters are changed regularly. There is no reason to worry however; changing your furnace’s filter is a quick and simple task that you can perform by yourself.

The guidelines state that a filter should be changed a minimum of once per month. This is only a guideline though, you’re can change them more frequently if you wish but leaving them any longer is risky. When the time comes to change your filter, check through your instructions to familiarise yourself with the method. I’ve outlined a simple guide.

There are several steps to take to clean your furnace filter.

Switch off the gas or power supply. This is a critical task that you must carry out to ensure your safety. Locate and open the furnace door. For guidance on this, your service manual will give full instructions.

Your filter is not the only place where dirt collects however, especially if your filter is extremely clogged. Be sure to check for other accumulation in the blower itself, and in the venting system immediately surrounding your heater unit. Any obstruction of the furnace airway can cause not only inefficiency, but is also a major fire hazard.

Once you’ve assessed whether the filter needs replacing or not you should check within the blower and venting system. Any obstructions should be removed to prevent fire risk and improve efficiency. Once you’ve ascertained whether to replace the filter or not it’s time to consult the service manual to ensure the one you replace it with is the exact same one. Furnace air filters generally don’t interchange between models so it is vitally important to make sure the correct one is reinstalled. Washable filters can be hosed down in the garden then reinserted.

After purchase, simple replace the new filter into your furnace system in the exact same way that the old one came out. This is very important, as the filtration is unidirectional, meaning that the filter must be inserted so that the airflow is directed through it in the proper direction. Do not put your filter in backwards. Most filters are fiberglass, with one side that is slightly oily. This side usually faces the blower, and the other side collects the filtered material for disposal. If the texture (and of course your manual’s description) does not give you an indication of the correct installation direction, then you might simple look at the filter itself. Most models will have printed arrows on them to show you which direction you should insert your filter.

Once you’ve put the filter back inside, close the door and secure it in position. Only once you’ve closed the door is it safe to turn the gas supply or electricity back on. Congratulations, you’ve just learned how to clean your first filter.

Are you avoiding the inevitable need to change your furnace filter? Is it one of those tedious tasks that you feel you wish not to undertake because you are no master of mechanical ability? Well, you can stop worrying and change your furnace filter in a matter of a few minutes, and in just 3 simple and easy to follow steps. You might think that changing your furnace filter is more of hassle than it is worth, but in reality, your heater’s filter is a very important piece of household property. A properly cleaned furnace filter can not only protect the respiratory health of your family by filtering harmful and agitating substances out of the air, but it can also help your furnace to run more efficiently due to an open airflow, not only saving you money, but also reducing the risk of a home fire as a result of a clogged filter.

Everyone should fit the task of swapping their furnace filter into their monthly routine, think of it as you do mowing the lawn, it has to be done. There are two main varieties of furnace filter, disposable and non disposable.

Here’s a list of 3 simple and easy to follow steps to help change your filter.

The following is a short, easy to follow filter changing guide.

1 – First of all, and by far the most safety critical step is to switch the gas or electricity supply off. The last thing you want is a nasty shock. 2 – Next you need to locate the furnace filters service panel. It’s possible the door is locked with a special key so you should dig out the instructions manual to check the tools you’ll need. 3 – Take a look inside and find the spongy panel, this is the filter. Take it out of the unit and hold it up to a light to see if you can see through it. A light source passing through is a good indication that the filter is in good condition and doesn’t require heavy cleaning. Shake it off and reinsert it in the exact same position you found it in. If it is clogged up it’s going to need a good clean through so take it out in the garden and hose it down to clear out all the dust and debris. Getting rid of all the blockages is really important.

If your filter is a disposable one be sure to replace it with the exact same type. For reusable filters give it a good thorough rinse or hose down in the garden, clean out all the dirt and replace it. Make sure the filter is bone dry throughout before reinserting it into your furnace. This will improve its efficiency and stop it attracting dirt and reclogging virtually immediately.

That’s really all there is to it. It’s a simple and crucially important task which must be carried out.