Furnace filter
Have you dusted lately, but still find yourself cringing when you give your furniture the white glove test? Are you sneezing despite allergy season being months away? It might be time to change your air filter!
Your air filter needs to be replaced or cleaned regularly.
Your Househappy account can help you stay on top of this important home maintenance task. Add a reminder to your maintenance calendar so that you never forget when it’s time to change or clean your filter. You can also add your filter model information to your account so that you always have access to it wherever you are — you’ll never again be at the hardware store wondering which one is the right one! Keep scrolling to find out how.
Is it time to replace or clean your filter now? Keep reading for step-by-step instructions for the most commonly used models.
Do you have some time but would love a reminder? Click here to skip ahead for how to add your filter information to your Househappy account and instructions on how to set up helpful home maintenance reminders.
How to change your filter
Swapping out your filter is typically a quick and easy task. Consult your system’s manual, but usually the process for a furnace filter change is:
Turn off power to the furnace.
Remove the service panel.
Pull out the dirty filter — usually located near the blower fan — and take a look before disposing of it. Is it really dirty? You may need to replace it more frequently.
Insert new filter.
Turn on the furnace.
How to clean your electrostatic air filter
Here are general directions for cleaning an electrostatic air filter on a monthly basis, but please check the instructions for your specific model and needed cleaning frequency. You will need a hose with good water pressure, but not so much that it will damage the filter. Water pressure from a sink or tub is typically not enough to properly clean your filter.
Turn off power to the furnace. Your electrostatic air filter may have its own power source. If so, turn this off also.
Remove the service panel.
Pull out the dirty filter and take it outside to where your garden hose is located. Your filter should have an arrow indicating which direction the air flows — first spray from the opposite side of the arrow. Then spray from the other side, alternating several times until the water runs clear.
Shake out the filter and let airdry.
Replace the filter in the furnace and turn it on.
If your filter is particularly dirty, spray it with an approved detergent first and let soak a few minutes before moving on to step 3.
If you do not have access to a garden hose or the weather is too cold to have your furnace turned off for long enough to let air dry, carefully use a good vacuum with an attachment to clean the air filter until you can clean with water.
How to add your filter details to your Househappy account
How to add a reminder to your Househappy account
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