How to Change a Furnace Filter

If you don't know how to change a furnace filter, this is an easy task. Every home is different. Part of the battle is locating where your filter goes. You may be used to accessing the home air filter through the utility room, and now you've moved, and your HVAC system is in the attic. Do you know where to access your furnace filter now?

It's likely in the ceiling underneath the HVAC system. In other cases, homes may have the HVAC system hidden away on the main floor, and they only allow access to the furnace filter through a wall grille. Easy tasks like this are not always as obvious as they seem. Follow these general guidelines below, and you will have the job done in no time. Please give us your feedback, and we urge you to send us pictures of the completed job.

5 Easy Steps for Changing Air Filter in Home

Obviously, when buying a filter, you need to make sure you get the right dimensions for your unit. If you don't know what dimensions you need, the easiest solution is to look at the filter you are currently using (see step 4).
This step is optional, but I like to mark the change date on the new filter with a sharpie. Indicating when you should replace it will help save you from a lot of wonder down the road. This step isn't as important for those who change home air filters monthly, but some of you will want to change every 90 days, so this is probably the most simplified way to track.
Many suggest turning off your unit, but I see no problem with making the change during the window of opportunity while the system is not running.

Removing the old filter is easy. If you are replacing it in a utility room (see photo above), you will see a vertical or horizontal slot where the home air filter slides into place. Slide it out. If you are replacing it through the ceiling (image to the right), you will need to unscrew the return air grille. It is likely hinged on one end, but be careful not to drop it on yourself. Just pull the filter down towards you to remove it. In our experience, these filters will typically be the monthly variety.
Slide the new filter into place, and you are done.

How Often Should I Change My Air Filter?

Check the recommendation on your filter, but it will typically vary with a suggestion of either monthly or seasonally. Some systems work more efficiently with a filter that is replaced monthly, so you will want to stay on top of your changes in order to ensure top performance. Please give us your feedback about your experience putting this information into action. Changing the filter regularly will ensure the ducting and the diffusers, and other types of vents stay cleaner and operate more effectively.

Remember to save on all your replacement HVAC parts with us at PlumbersStock. If this how to change a furnace filter tutorial was helpful, please share it on social media!