Cool Experts recommends checking your filter every four to six weeks and changing it as needed. When it’s time for replacement, locate the filter size and specifications in your owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website. Avoid buying the cheapest fiberglass or paper air filter. To protect your furnace and your indoor air quality, upgrade to a HEPA filter with a medium (5 to 8) MERV rating. Families with allergies or asthma issues should consider a high-MERV filter (9 to 12). A higher MERV rating means the screen captures more particulates, including tiny bacteria and other pollutants that impact health. Once you have the new filter, follow these steps for your furnace filter change:
Turn off power to your furnace and unplug it or shut down the breaker for added safety.
Open the blower compartment where the filter is typically located. (If your filter is not found in this compartment, check the owner’s manual for location.)
Before removing the dirty filter, look for the arrow printed on the filter frame. The arrow indicates the direction of airflow, and it should always point toward the furnace.
Slide out the dirty filter and put the new filter in with the arrow pointing the correct direction. Putting the filter in upside down can impact performance and air quality control.
Close the compartment tightly, restore power to the furnace, and turn the furnace back on.