Filters for gas furnaces and other HVAC equipment are vital for your system to operate efficiently during the winter. You should take the time to discover the furnace filter location and what types of furnace filters are required for your gas furnace or heating system. Knowing the filter types and their location will help you make informed buying decisions in the future and stay on top of changing them.
Find Your Furnace Filter Location
In general, the filter for a furnace is located inside the blower compartment but every location can vary. Below are the typical places for furnace filter location based on the installation of a unit:
- Horizontal Furnace: Check to see if your furnace has a slide-in furnace rack, built into the furnace where the filter is housed.
- Upflow Furnace: With air moving upwards, the filter will be located in the blower compartment next to the cold air return. Remove both the top and bottom door to access the furnace filter location.
- Downflow Furnace: The air is moving downwards, which means the filter will be located in the upper blower compartment. If you have a V-shaped filter system, you will need two filters for your system. Both filters are up in the plenum in a V-shape.
Types of Furnace Filters
There are several different filters used for furnaces, such as:
- HEPA filters
- Pleated filters
- Electrostatic filters
- Polyester filters
- Fiberglass/Synthetic filters
Signs Your Furnace Filter Needs Changing:
Your gas furnace or other HVAC system exhibits signs that indicate it’s time to change your filter. Below are signs:
- If you notice your filter is gray
- Dirt or dust is visible around the unit
- Gas furnace is cycling longer than normal
- Extremely dusty home
The most prominent sign your filter needs replaced is if it’s been awhile since you remember changing it! Schedule preventive maintenance seasonally with Douglas Cooling & Heating, and we will replace your filter before it affects the performance of your system.
Why Change Your Furnace Filter?
- Enhanced comfort: Filters are responsible for removing contaminants from your air supply and keeping the airflow smooth. A clogged filter restricts the airflow and prevents air, warm or cool, from moving throughout your home effectively.
- Improved performance: A clean filter allows air to move easily through your system, without forcing your unit to work overtime. Clean filters also reduce the buildup of dust and debris inside your HVAC unit, which compromises its performance. When a filter becomes clogged or dirty, and the airflow is restricted, your system has to work harder to control the temperature in your home, resulting in breakdowns.
- Healthier indoor air quality: Your indoor air will become polluted and cause health issues for your family when the filter isn’t changed regularly. The filter is responsible for removing airborne contaminants from your indoor air before circulating the air throughout your home. You will suffer from viruses, bacteria, mold, pollen, dust, and other debris when your filter is dirty.
- Increased energy efficiency: A heating system can only function efficiently when it’s not over-stressed. A clogged or dirty filter forces your system to work harder, which results in higher energy use. A clean air filter requires your system to use less energy and increases the energy efficiency of your entire system.
How Often Do I Need to Change My Furnace Filter?
Depending on the types of furnace filters installed in a unit, the recommendation of how often to change them varies.
- Standard efficiency filters: If you have a low MERV rating on your filter, you need to change it more frequently than high-efficiency filters, about once a month.
- Check the packaging: The packaging your filter comes in should have a recommendation from the manufacturer for when to replace your filter.
- System use: The filter should be changed before and after you use your system. Before winter, schedule maintenance on your furnace to have the filter replaced and following winter, change the filter once more.
- Higher pollutants: If you have pets or someone smokes inside your home, your indoor air quality is reduced more than homes without pets or smokers. Pet dander, pet hair, and smoke contaminate your filter and air quickly. Consider changing your filter more often to keep your indoor air quality healthy longer.
Locate your furnace filter and know which filter is best for your home. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule maintenance and have our NATE-certified technicians replace your filter before it compromises the performance and efficiency of your unit or your indoor air quality.
