When we think about heater problems, a grungy, clogged air filter is frequently the top culprit.
If your filter is too grungy:
- Your heat won’t keep heating your home, or it might get too hot from restricted airflow.
- Your utility bills may be higher because your heat is running more often.
- Your furnace might fail sooner than it should due to the fact a dusty filter causes it to work overtime.
- Your furnace might be cut off from power if an overly dirty filter is the cause of a tripped breaker.
Based on what model of the heater you own, your air filter will be in the interior of the blower compartment of your heater, an attached filter case, or a wall-mounted return air grille.
To replace your filter:
- Cut the power to your heater.
- Remove the filter and tilt it toward the light. If you can’t view light through it, replace it.
- Put in the new filter with the arrow pointing toward the heater to keep damage from happening.
Flat filters need to be replaced once a month, while pleated filters should last about three months. If you have children or pets, you may have to change your filter more often.
To make the process easier down the road, use a permanent writing tool on your heater exterior or ductwork to indicate the airflow direction and filter size.
