How To Install An HVAC Filter

One question homeowners ask is how to install an HVAC filter. This question is no surprise as it is one of the essential components of the HVAC system. If this part of your system is damaged, it’s normal to seek ways to make the filter function perfectly. Here, we discuss how to change an HVAC filter efficiently. 

Start by turning off the HVAC system, then removing the new filter from its packaging. Next, unhook the grille cover and clean its slats until no debris or dust is left. Finally, insert the new filter, cover the grill and turn the system on. Note that your new filter must match the old one and be a perfect fit.

Why Should I Learn How to Install an HVAC Filter?

Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that their filters are everlasting. You might be lucky to get an excellent filter in your HVAC system, which will last a while. Still, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t change these devices when the time’s right.

If you’re wondering why you should learn how to replace an HVAC air filter, here’s why:

Clean Systems Have a Longer Lifespan

Filters collect dirt over time, particularly during the summer and winter when your heating and cooling systems work harder. Filters clog due to dirt buildup. When air can’t travel through readily, the system has to overwork, which causes overheating. 

Overheating can cause significant damage, and in some cases, you’ll have to change the entire unit. In addition, clogged filters can cause dirt to accumulate in other system parts, resulting in pollution and unnecessary maintenance.

Lower Your Energy Costs

Remember how we talked about how a clogged filter makes your system overwork? When this happens, the system consumes more energy resulting in high electricity costs. 

It’s already known that heating and cooling account for about half of the average home’s utility expenses. So, if you replace your air filter regularly, the fan motor will not have to work as hard. Therefore, you’ll save a lot of money on energy expenditures.

Healthy Air

Eye irritation, sneezing, disorientation, and respiratory issues can result from poor indoor air quality. Such air quality also substantially impacts those with respiratory diseases like asthma and allergies. People that react to such are also affected by dander if they have pets in their homes. 

Changing your furnace’s air filter ensures that dust, filth, mold spores, and soot are not accumulating in the air. 

Replacing your furnace filter is also an inexpensive method to clean your indoor air and avoid costly heating system maintenance. Therefore, learning how to install an HVAC filter becomes necessary.

How to Install an HVAC Filter Without Experience

If you’ve never learned how to install an HVAC filter, you might think it’s a daunting process. But, in reality, it takes only a few steps to complete the process. As long as you can follow the HVAC replacement guide, you’ll be done in a few minutes. 

Below is a step-by-step process of how to change an HVAC filter:

1. Turn the HVAC System Off

It’s compulsory to turn off the HVAC system before installing it. Even the HVAC filter replacement guide that comes in the user manual will specify this. This step is a safety precaution to take to avoid unforeseen circumstances.

2. Remove the Filter From the Packaging

Please take out the replacement you purchased and look through it to ensure it’s not damaged. Most times, it’s a good idea to do this at the store where you bought the filter.

3. Unscrew the Grille Cover

Remove the grill cover to get easy access to your filter.

4. Clean the Slats

Clean the slats with a microfiber cloth or if the grille itself is dusty and covered with air particulates.

5. Replace the Old and Used Filter With the New One

Make sure the new filter is positioned correctly before inserting it. Every filter includes a set of colors or arrows that indicate how it should be installed. The arrow must point toward the furnace and away from the return duct that draws in heated or cooled air. 

During changes, it’s good to use a marker to write the date anywhere on its cover. This date stamp helps track how long it’s been since you last changed it.

6. Secure the Grille Cover Again

Place the cover grille back in its original position and close the latch once the filter is securely in place.

7. Turn the HVAC System Back On

Turn on the system when you’ve finished changing the filter. 

This step is for HVAC systems with air return ducts, which are the most typical in American houses. 

The steps for replacing the air filter are slightly different if you have an air conditioner or an air handler. However, the other procedures are also easy to learn. 

Below are steps on installing an HVAC filter if you have an AC unit or an Air Handler.

How to Change an HVAC Filter In an Air Handler Cabinet

Follow these steps to proceed:

1. Remove the Door and Thoroughly Clean the Area

2. Check which kind of filter you’re taking out. If it’s a disposable one, replace it with the new one; If it’s a reusable one, clean it carefully. Remove all the dirt and lint particles from the surface using the soft brush attachment in your vacuum.

3. Pour some water over the filter in the opposite direction of the airflow

4. Once it’s dry, you can replace it

5. Be careful, do not turn the unit on until you are sure the filter has thoroughly dried

How to Replace an HVAC Filter In a Window AC Unit

Follow these steps to proceed:

1. Turn the AC unit off and unplug it

2. Remove the front cover and give it a thorough cleaning

3. Take the filter out, take it to the backyard or another open area and start shaking it to remove as much dirt and dust as possible.

4. Using only soapy water, give it a light rinse, and then wash the soap away

5. Let it dry completely before putting it back in its place

6. Once it has thoroughly dried, you can install it back on and secure the front cover

7. Plug it back in and turn the AC unit on

Sometimes, you might run into issues like the unit not turning back on. The unit might be emitting funny noises in some cases, or the fan stops spinning fast enough. Once you notice this, don’t panic. It’s probably a minor issue.

The best step is to call a technician to inspect the unit. It’s best not to try to fix this problem on your own.

Where to Find the HVAC Filter In the HVAC System

Learning how to replace an HVAC filter is one step to improving your air quality. But, here comes the tricky part – finding the air filter. Some filters are easy to find, while others are more hidden and difficult to find.

Here are places to find your filter depending on your unit:

Horizontal HVAC Units

Attics, huge basements, and garages are common to find horizontal units. As a result, the slot for the filter is often found on the unit’s air return side.

Vertical HVAC Units

Often these systems are found in cramped basements or crawl spaces. The filter usually slips into a slot above or below the HVAC unit.

Other Systems

To find the air filter in any other system, check for a return air grille on the wall or ceiling or a door to the utility closet.

Remember that some HVAC systems include a return vent in each room. So, there may possibly be an air filter located behind those return grilles.

It’s like a scavenger hunt to locate your air return ducts. However, it is worthwhile to stroll around your entire house, looking in every direction. Make a point of looking behind doors and other concealed areas to ensure you don’t miss one.

How Often to Change an HVAC Filter

Most air filter manufacturers and HVAC firms recommend changing your air filter every 90 days or three months. This timing varies depending on where you live. For example, if you live in dusty, dry areas or have several pets, you must change frequently. 

You should change your filter every 60 days or two months if you have pets. However, if you have several pets or persons with allergies or respiratory disorders, you should change your filter every 20-45 days. 

Filters can usually be replaced every 9-12 months in vacation homes or vacant homes that don’t get much use. So the more you use your home, the more frequently you should change your air filter and vice versa.

Determine the HVAC Filter Right Size

Before you learn how to install an HVAC filter, you should know how to check for its size. If you hit the store in search of a filter replacement, you’ll discover there are several sizes. Therefore, it’s essential to know which filter is the best fit. 

One of the best ways to know the size of your air filter is to take its measurement. With this, you know what you’re looking for when you get to the store. 

The air filter’s dimensions are usually printed on the frame’s edge. These numbers you’ll need when you buy the replacement at the store. 

However, these bold rounded numbers are the nearest approximate figures of the filter’s actual size. Therefore, these are not the exact figures indicating the filter’s size. 

Look closely; the actual dimensions should be written next to the nominal dimensions in smaller print. For example, an air filter may be 14.75×18.75×0.75 in actual size if the nominal size is 15x19x1.

If you get a filter that’s too small, you’ll have a large gaping hole at the top. On the other hand, a filter that’s too big will stick out. Getting the right size would be perfect to avoid these scenarios.

Essential Tips to Note When Learning How to Replace an HVAC Filter

Below are a few tips you should note before replacing the filter. Once you understand these essential tips, learning how to install an HVAC filter becomes a piece of cake.

Changing the air filtration in your home’s HVAC system is a straightforward job that shouldn’t take more than 10 to 15 minutes. However, depending on the equipment you have, the procedure may differ. So, first, determine the type of unit you have and proceed from there. 

Another point worth considering is that air filters come in various sizes. It ranges from 12 to 14 inches in width and 12 to 36 inches in length. As mentioned earlier, before you begin, double-check that you have the correct one for your system.

When learning how to install an HVAC filter, you should also consider the quality of the air filters. They are graded from one to ten, indicating how well they filter particles from the air. 

The best type of filter is usually rated between 8 and 10. Such rating implies the filter can effectively remove microscopic and large particles, smells, smoke, pollution, and other irritants.

One final tip is that air filters are made with different materials. While some might be effective in removing large particles, others might be better removers of small particles. Always purchase the most efficient filter for your system; it’ll save you money in the long run.

Once you’ve purchased the right filter and have all the tools, you can learn how to install an HVAC filter. Thankfully, we have provided all the steps you need to replace the air filters in your unit. Follow the processes to get it done in a few minutes.

How to Install an HVAC Filter Conclusion

Learning how to replace an HVAC filter is a very straightforward process. This HVAC filter replacement guide has all you need to get started. Once you’ve gotten your new filter, you can easily replace the old one and have your HVAC unit restored.

Aside from learning how to change an HVAC filter, don’t forget to note some essential tips. One of them is getting the correct filter size.

FAQs about How to Install an HVAC Filter

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