Air filters provide the first line of defense against pollen, dust, fine particles, and other particulates from entering the air in your home.
Air filter replacement is a shared responsibility of all tenants as outlined on page 4 of your lease. Housemates are expected to coordinate replacements every 90 days and share the cost of filters among themselves. Neglecting filter changes can lead to system failure. If a technician determines dirty filters caused damage, all roommates will share repair costs equally, per your lease terms.
How do I locate where my air filter(s) are located in my home?
Your air filter may be located next to your furnace or air conditioning handler. The handler is a metal box containing the fan and motor and can be found in the basement, attic or closet. Once you locate the handler, you may find a spot where the filter will fit.
If you do not see a place for the filter, it is likely that you will place your air filter(s) at the return vents. Return vents are usually located in the wall or ceiling. Return vents are square or rectangular and larger than your regular air vents. The grate or cover can be opened and the filter will be inserted.
How do I determine which size air filter I need?
Check the size printed on your current filter
If you have a filter currently in place, the size will usually be printed on the side of the cardboard frame. You will see the nominal size (the whole number, i.e. 20” x 20” x 1”) and an actual size in smaller print (usually a fraction or decimal, i.e. 19.5“ x 19.5” x .75”). You will usually identify the filter you need by the nominal size.
Measure the existing air filter
If the size is not printed on the air filter, you can measure the existing filter using a tape measure.
Measure the air filter opening
If a filter is not in place, you can measure the space using a tape measure. You will need to determine the length, width and depth. For purposes of depth, standard 1" filters are actually cut to .75”.
What quality of air filter should I buy?
When purchasing an air filter for your home, you’ll notice a MERV rating (a number between 1 and 20) printed on the packaging.
The MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is an industry standard rating system used to compare filters made by various manufacturers and helps you choose the best furnace air filters to fit your home’s needs. Each rating dictates the effectiveness of a filter.
THE HIGHER THE MERV RATING, THE MORE EFFICIENT THE FILTER.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioner Engineers (ASHARE) recommends a MERV 6 or higher. Most people go with a MERV 8 filter while most hospitals use MERV 14 to MERV 20. Based on the numbers you think you’ll probably need the highest filtration, this is actually false. If the filtration is too high it could negatively affect your HVAC system; typically the highest it should be in a home is a 13.
Why is it important to change your home's air filters regularly?
Did you know that 82% of Americans forget to change their HVAC filters every month? Not only can dirty filters cause poor air quality in the home, but they can also lead to health issues, as well as higher energy bills and maintenance costs.
Here are 5 reasons you should change your air filters often:
- Cleanlier, healthier indoor air: The purpose of a filter is to trap pollen, dirt, dust and (if you have a pet) pet dander from circulating throughout your house. When clogged, these unwanted particles can cause respiratory issues, allergies and allergens.
- Lower Electricity Bill: Dust and debris also slows down the flow of air, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. This wastes energy and adds up to 15% to your utility bill; for the average family, that’s $17 a month.
- Longer HVAC System Lifespan: As dirt accumulates on a filter, air can’t pass and the system can overheat. This shortens the life of your heating system.
- Reduced Maintenance Costs: The dust and dirt that bypass a clogged filter can land on system components. This not only reduces system performance but can increase maintenance costs as well.
- Less Indoor Odor: Mold and bacteria can grow in dirty filters causing your home to smell musty or stale. Change them and the smell will go away.
How do I install or replace my air filters?
Locate your air filters in the home
Most home HVAC systems use a standard 1" or 2" pleated air filter. They come in many sizes, including custom options to accommodate a variety of systems. You might find your filters in the wall or ceiling if you have return vents. Other times, filters are found in the HVAC system's main unit. Take a look in your basement, closets, attic, or crawlspace to find the main unit. If your filter is located on the HVAC unit, it's most likely close to the unit's air supply. You'll see your filter inside once opening up the unit.
Access the Filter
Before you access the filter, make sure you shut off your unit. Doing so will prevent particles and dust from entering your system during the replacement. Open up the panel on the air return vent by prying back the tiny metal levers. The levers keep the grill closed and usually sit on the panel's top or side of the panel. The placement of the levers depends on where the panel is in the room. Make sure to have a small flathead screwdriver on hand. Use it to help unlock the levers if they’re closed too tightly and hard to open.
Remove and discard the old filter
To remove the old filter, simply lift it out or slide it out. Pay attention to the direction that the arrows on the filter are pointing and make a note. Expect your old filter to be covered in a lot of dust depending on how old it is. Be careful and try to avoid breathing in any debris from the filter. Have a trash bag or plastic bag on hand so that you can properly dispose of the filter. Some of the materials are recyclable, but we suggest disposing of the filter in the trash.
Install the new filter
Make sure the arrows on your new filter point in the exact direction as the last filter. The arrows should point toward the ductwork of the units or the unit's blower and note the air flow direction. Never push the air filter into place harder than necessary. Using too much force might cause bending or creasing. FILTER ARROWS To finish the installation, replace the grill and lock each of the levers back in place. For filters inside the unit, simply close and lock the filter slot. Turn your HVAC system back on. You might need to adjust the placement of your filter if you hear any rattling or strange noises.