Do you know how to change the air filter in your home? It's a simple process that can help you save money on energy bills and keep your air clean. Victor Belavus, an air conditioning specialist and owner of 212 HVAC, shares his tips on how to replace your home air filter in the blink of an eye. The first step is to identify the size of the filter. The filter size, called the “nominal” size, is printed on the side of the existing filter.
However, it is important to note that the nominal size will be different from the actual size. A good rule of thumb is that an air filter is ½ smaller than the indicated size. So, for example, a 20x20x1 filter actually measures 19.5x19.5 inches. Once you have identified the correct size, you can place the filter with an arrow pointing towards the oven, in the direction of the air flow. Studies have shown that maintaining a clean air filter in your HVAC system can reduce electricity bills by up to 15%.
During periods of heavy use, a clogged air filter can significantly increase your electricity bill, while a new filter costs just a few dollars, so it's definitely in your best interest to stay on top of replacing your oven filter. When buying a new air filter, you should also consider its MERV rating. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values and measures the efficiency with which the filter captures particles that act as contaminants that would otherwise pass through your heating and air system. In general, for medium quality filters and to ensure that you and your family enjoy good indoor air quality in your home, it is good practice to replace them with new filters every 90 days. Buying replacement parts in bulk or organizing a regular shipment can also help you maintain consistency with replacements and to reduce the likelihood of delays. Believe it or not, these mistakes with HVAC filters are quite common and can be avoided by following the steps described above. Before removing the existing air filter, notice the arrow on the filter frame that shows the correct direction of air flow.
If you can't find the right nominal size, you may need to order a custom air filter size to ensure a proper fit. Changing your home's air filter is a quick and easy way to keep your air conditioner, boiler, or central air system running efficiently. Central forced-air heating and cooling systems rely on filter maintenance to work optimally in the long term. Air quality is important, and you need an oven filter and air conditioning filter that eliminate allergens without being too expensive. The unit will use more energy if it has a clogged or dirty filter so make sure to replace it regularly for optimal performance.