How to Change an HVAC Filter
Maybe you’ve just spent $500-800 replacing your blower motor and coil because you neglected to change the filter since you got the unit 3 years ago, or perhaps you’re a first-time homeowner trying to learn the ins and outs of home maintenance. Whatever the reason, Parts Town can teach you how to change an HVAC filter in only 7 easy steps.
How Often Should You Change Your HVAC Filter?
Generally speaking, you should replace HVAC filters every 30-90 days. However, some exceptions can influence the frequency of your replacements. For example, if you or someone in your household has allergies, you own pets, you went on vacation and the season are all factors that can influence how quickly your filter gets clogged with dirt and dander.
If you’re not convinced, you can reference your unit’s manual or contact the manufacturer for model-specific advice. However, you can also hold your filter up to the light. If you can’t see any light through it, you should change the filter more frequently.
How Do I Know if My HVAC Filter Needs Replacing?
In a perfect world, HVAC filters would be changed like clockwork. But the reality is that unless it’s penciled in a calendar or programmed as a reminder on the phone, most people forget. However, there are warning signs that your HVAC filter is on its last leg:
- Higher utility bills – If you notice that your utility bill has spiked without a traceable reason, a dirty or clogged utility air filter is the likely culprit. The reason for this is the accumulated dirt on the filter blocks airflow, making your unit work harder and drawing more energy to function.
- Reduced airflow – Or maybe you’ve noticed that your home or building is not heating or cooling as effectively as it once did. Put your hand against the air vent. Does it feel weaker than normal? If so, check the filter.
- Dust on vents and registers – The HVAC filter is supposed to catch airborne particles, so if you notice that a lot more dust than usual is accumulating on the vents and registers, it’s a sure sign that the filter is at its maximum capacity.
- Unpleasant odors – A musty or burning smell is also another surefire sign that your HVAC filter needs to be replaced. A clogged filter can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, causing a musty odor, while a burnt smell often indicates the system is overheating.
- Frequent Cycling – This goes hand in hand with the reduction in airflow. Your HVAC system will have to work harder to circulate air and maintain its setpoint temperatures, which often results in kicking back on soon after it shuts off.
Where Is the HVAC Filter Located?
Before you can learn how to change an HVAC filter, you need to be able to find it first. There’s no uniform rule for where HVAC manufacturers like to hide those air and furnace filters. But there are a few common locations you can check before hunting down a manual:
- Air handlers – You should start the hunt in the utility closet, garage, attics or basement. Once located, try looking for a small slot on the top or bottom of the air return side of the air handler.
- Return ceiling or air grilles – You might have noticed a large, flat vent taking up wall or ceiling space in the hallway, closet, living room, garage or basement. Finding the HVAC filter here is especially common if you live in a small home or apartment.
- Return ducts – If you have an older unit, the filter might be hidden inside a return duct at its opening.
- Furnace systems – Filters for your furnace or heat pump can be found behind a door or drawer, on the unit or in the intake air duct or return duct.
If you still can’t seem to find the coveted location of your HVAC filter after much searching, hope is not lost. Parts Town has an extensive digital library of HVAC user and service manuals and diagrams for occasions such as these. Search by the manufacturer and find what you’re looking for within seconds.
How to Change an HVAC Filter
The hardest part about changing the filter on your air conditioner or furnace is locating where it’s hidden in your house or building. Luckily, we can guide you through pinpointing, removing and disposing of the filter in only a couple of simple steps:
- Step 1. Locate the HVAC filter – You can usually find the HVAC filter in or around the air handler, air vents, return ducts or furnace system. If your home or building has more than one HVAC unit, you’ll more than likely have to replace multiple filters.
- Note: Check out the section above if you’d like a more detailed explanation.
- Step 2. Turn off your HVAC system – To prevent dust, pollen and other allergens from entering the HVAC system, make sure you turn it off before making the switch.
- Step 3. Remove the old filter – Open the vent or filter compartment and slide out the dirty filter. Some covers and doors might be secured by screws, latches or a simple flap, making removal easy. Immediately place it in a plastic trash bag to minimize air contamination.
- Step 4. Check the filter size and type – The filter type and size should be printed on the outer edge or border for you to reference. However, if you’re not sure, you can reference the manufacturer’s manual or contact an authorized service technician.
- Step 5. Install the new filter – Take care to note the orientation depicted by the little arrow on the filter. You’ll want to make sure this is pointed in the direction you’re installing it.
- Step 6. Vacuum the filter slot – It’s a good idea to vacuum out the filter slot with a long nose or soft-bristled brush attachment, especially if it’s been a while since your last replacement.
- Step 7. Dispose of the old filter correctly – Most HVAC filters can be disposed of in a garbage can. However, there are some filters, like HEPA and carbon filters, that may not be accepted by your local waste management. If you’re unsure, you can always contact them or the manufacturer for more specific instructions.
- Step 8. Turn your HVAC unit back on – Lastly, don’t forget to turn your air conditioner or furnace back on after you’ve finished your filter installation!
Can I Clean & Reuse my HVAC Filter?
Whether you can clean and reuse an HVAC filter entirely depends on whether you’re working with a reusable filter. Most are disposable, meaning they can only be used once before they need to be replaced with a fresh one. However, there are ways to tell whether you have a disposable or reusable filter on your hands.
If you have a reusable filter, it’s usually labeled on the packaging or the filter itself and is made out of more sturdy materials, such as foam and metal. On the other hand, disposable filters are generally made out of pleated paper or fiberglass.