How to Change Your Air Filter
Heating systems such as forced-air furnaces come equipped with air filters to strain out dust and contaminants from the air. That helps keep the blower motor and other key components free of dirt, as well as improving the indoor air quality in most Bronx, NY homes. Over time, filters can become clogged with excess dirt and debris, and need to be changed out for fresh filters.
A trained technician can perform this operation as part of a regular maintenance plan, but such plans usually involve servicing once or twice a year. The filter needs to be changed much more often than that: ideally once a month. That means that homeowners must take it upon themselves to change the filters and ensure that their furnaces are running as advertised. That helps eliminate more serious problems with the furnace, and when applied regularly can even extend the system’s life.
Changing the filter varies slightly, depending on the model of the furnace, but most can be found either inside the furnace itself or inside the return air vent. The old furnace filter is typically held in place with a series of clips, which can be loosened in order to slide the filter out. A fresh filter can then be slid into place and secured with the clips.
Replacement filters can be purchased at any hardware store or home improvement center. The new filter should be sized to fit the furnace in question. Buyers should also pay attention to the MERV rating, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The higher the rating, the more efficiently the filter strains out dust and dirt. If possible, homeowners should purchase the filter with the highest MERV rating they can afford, in order to give the system the best protection possible
For quality heating service, rely on Yost & Campbell Heating, Cooling and Generators.