How to Clean a Furnace Filter

Posted by Esterly on March 21st, 2021

If you have a house with a furnace, your filter will need routine cleaning to remove dirt, dust, and other debris. Ensure your filter is recyclable. Multiple-use filters need to be identified as such and are usually made from plastic-like products. If your filter is not multiple-use, replaceable/disposable filters are available to acquire online or at hardware shops. To clean a reusable filter, eliminate the filter thoroughly, run it under water, and set it out to dry. When you're done, your filter must be tidy and can be reinstalled.

A. Eliminating the Filter

Step 1: Switch off the heater. Never ever remove a heater filter while the heating system is running. Make certain to change the heating system off before you start. There is normally a deal with someplace near the heating system that can be turned off. If you're uncertain how to turn off your heating system, call your proprietor or the manufacturer.

Action 2: Find the filter. Inside the furnace, you ought to see a filter. Usually, the filter is either just inside the heating system or simply inside the air vent. The filter needs to have an arrow on it suggesting airflow instructions.

Action 3: Mark the instructions of air circulation. Prior to you get rid of the filter, take a sharpie. Draw an arrow pointing in the instructions of airflow somewhere on or near the heating system. This way, you will reinsert the filter in the best direction.

Step 4: Remove the filter. Once you've located the filter, you can remove it. You should not need any special tools. Merely grab the filter with your fingers and slide it out of location.

B. Cleansing the Filter

Action 1: Ensure the filter is multiple-use. If your filter has a plastic frame, it's a recyclable model. You can clean it out and position it back in your furnace. Disposable filters tend to have cardboard frames. For non reusable filters, dispose of the old filters. You will need to get the very same type of filter at a hardware shop to change the old one.

Ensure to note the type and size of filter if yours is not recyclable. You will require to buy the same type/size to change it.

Step 2: Rinse away the dust with water. Filter cleansing is really extremely basic. No unique cleaners are needed. You just wash your filter under running water water to remove any dirt, dust, or particles caught in the filter. When required, turn the filter around to get all the sides clean.

Step 3: Let the filter dry completely. Set the filter somewhere to dry when you've cleaned it. It's best to let the filter air dry. Drying times will vary depending on the temperature level of your home, but ensure the filter is totally dry prior to reinserting it in the heater.

Step 4: Put the filter back in place. Once again, no unique devices is needed to reinsert the filter. You just require to move it back in place. Ensure to pay attention to the arrow you drew. Place the filter in the best direction of air flow.

C. Caring for the Filter

Step 1: Determine how often your furnace filter requires cleansing or replacing. Various kinds of heater filters ought to be cleaned more or less often. Inspect your filter's label to see what type it is and clean it accordingly.

- Electrostatic filters require to be cleaned every three months.

- Electronic filters should be cleaned weekly.

- Mechanical filters are not multiple-use and need to be replaced when a month.

Action 2: Keep records of when you cleaned your filter. Each time you clean your filter, take down it. Write it down on a physical calendar or one in your house. Take down when the filter requires to be altered next. This will help you remain proactive about cleaning your furnace filter.

Step 3: Replace hvac contractor calgary your filter routinely. Even recyclable filters have a shelf life. Examine your filter's label or read your furnace's guidelines manual. This will tell you the length of time your filter will last. Electro-magnetic filters, however, do not require replacing unless they are severely damaged.