How to Change Air Filters

The air filters in the home need to be periodically swapped out or there could be consequences. Luckily, you can swap out your air filters in a quick and easy process. Use the owner's manual to find where the air filter is off and be sure that whatever system it is in is not on while you are changing filters. Afterwards, just follow the steps every as often as needed with a new replacement filter.

The Steps for How to Change Air Filters

Air filter swapping only requires that you follow some easy steps:

Access the filter by removing the protective covering on top. There may be a metal strip on top that needs to be removed as well.
Use your screwdriver to remove any screws or clips that are keeping the old filter in place.
Remove the old filter carefully so no dirt or debris is re-released back into the air.
Put the old filter into a sealed bag for later disposal or recycling.
Put the new filter in place. The new filter must be a similar size to the old one or there may be issues putting it in place. The replacement filter should match the nominal size the old filter has printed along its cardboard edge. Filter King offers filters in a variety of sizes able to match any home.
Slide the new filters in to place, bear in mind that there are arrows telling you which direction the filter needs to be facing.
Place the metal strip, clips and screws back where they were before to lock the new filter into place.
Recover the filter and reactivate the air ventilation system to enjoy that cool, refreshing air.

What Does an Air Filter Do?

The new air filter you install helps keep the air passing through into your home clean and fresh smelling. Outside contaminants, irritants and allergens are constantly trying to make their way inside your home. The filter works by trapping or absorbing passing through airborne issues into its tight mesh weave. The now clean air travels through the duct system into your home providing healthy breathing and enhanced indoor air quality. However, air filters do not last forever and eventually need replacement to avoid any airflow issues.

The Need for Regularly Changing Your Air Filters

When an air filter becomes dirty, the result is a blockage in your ventilation system. The blockage keeps air from moving forward efficiently and disrupts airflow to the entire home. The ventilation system needs to compensate for blockages by powering its processes with extra energy.

The additional energy used ends up adding to your bills at the end of the month, with costs stacking up over time as the problem is not fixed. Air filters need frequent replacement, the pace of replacement depends on your home's environment and the filters MERV rating.

MERV Ratings

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) ratings provide a clear, structured system describing filter effectiveness. Filters with higher ratings are tightly woven and prevent airborne elements from coming through an air system. The average home uses filters of average ratings in order to prevent airflow issues similar to what blockages cause. Filters with lower MERV ratings last longer and require less frequent replacement. You should determine what sort of air filter you need before ordering a replacement.

Finding the Right Filter for You

Filter King offers filters in a variety of sizes and qualities available for ventilation systems of any size. The standard filter model will be able to block out the standard airborne dirt and debris, it rated as an 8 on the MERV scale. The recommended Filter King premium model filter is able to keep basic contaminants out and more including:

Dust
Dust Mites
Pollen
Pet Dander
Bacteria
Viruses
Smoke
Mold

Have Your Air Filters Delivered to Your Front Door

We are offer replacement air filters in a variety of sizes and qualities to match your needs and budget. You can also order a subscription that conveniently brings fresh, new filters on a monthly basis straight to your home. You can change your home air filter on time with a provider who delivers new, ready-to-use filters right on time.

Furnace Air Filter Replacement Guide

The traditional home furnace works by pumping in air via your duct system and heating it up. The furnace heats the air temperature to match the number on your thermostat before redistributing it into the vents.

During this process the air coming into a furnace goes through the furnace filter before going to the blower fan. The furnace filter acts as a guard keeping outside contaminants out while keeping indoor air quality up. A furnace filter protects the home but over time they end up becoming too dirty or ineffective to properly work.

Why You Need to Replace the Furnace Air Filter

A furnace air filter is vital to a heating system’s ability to pump out air that is not contaminated with outside irritants or allergens. Clean air is especially important for homes that see residents or visitors that have issues breathing or allergies. You must also consider the additional costs that stack up as well.

The filter usually needs replacement after the amount of dirt and debris it has blocked has started disrupting airflow. When the airflow through a heating system becomes affected, then that leads to an increased electrical burden that shows up on your home’s monthly energy bill. A furnace air filter needs periodic replacement in order to avoid any complications.

How Often Should You Replace the Furnace Air Filter?

A furnace filter becomes dirtier or less effective as time goes on due to all the dirt and debris that it traps. The average filter usually lasts three to five months. The time frame varies depending on your home’s environment and the filter's effectiveness. You should plan a replacement schedule with the MERV rating in mind.

Furnace Air Filter MERV Rating

A filters MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, rating is the calculated value of its ability to block outside contaminants. The higher the MERV rating the smaller the particles a furnace air filter will be able to catch. Standard furnace air filters are able to block average dust and debris. Premium filters can prevent smoke, pet dander or ever bacteria from coming inside.

How to Replace the Furnace Air Filter

You can replace your furnace air filter by following a few, easy to follow steps:

Turn off the furnace, keeping it on during filter replacement is dangerous and could lead to injury.

Remove the filter carefully, the dirt and debris caked on could be re-released back into the air and cause problems.

You can then put the new filter in place. You need to be mindful of the arrow symbol on the filter that determines what direction it should be facing.

If you do not know what air filter size you need, then read the size off the old filter. The replacement furnace filter should have the same dimensions as the size printed on the cardboard.

For Washable Filters

A furnace filter with a plastic frame is a reusable and washable. You will be able to clean out the filter using a vacuum and water. A washable furnace filter can be cleaned using plain water or a mild detergent on either side of the filter. Rinse the filter out and shake off any excess water, repeat if detergent was used until none is left. A furnace filter can be dried out by either letting it air dry naturally, or by placing it back in place so that the airflow will dry it.

Have Your Furnace Filters Replaced Regularly

Furnace filter maintenance needs to be done on a consistent schedule in order to prevent any complications with your home’s heating system. You may find that replacing your home’s furnace filter to be an annoying, and tedious. Our subscription service eliminates your issues with periodic filter delivery. We ship fresh, new replacement filters for your furnace straight to your home before the old filters can start becoming a problem.

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