Furnace Filter Replacement

One of the integral parts of gas furnace maintenance is filter replacement. This article details the procedure, for those of you who need to know.

Function
The gas furnace takes in cold air, filters it, heats it and then distributes it inside the house. The filter plays a very important role in the functioning of the gas furnace overall. For proper functioning and energy efficiency , what one needs is regular furnace maintenance. The filter's function is to sift large dirt particles out from air entering the furnace and ensuring clean air supply. It is placed at the position of cold air intake entry point.

These filters are generally made up of a type of fiber mesh, which is affixed in a cardboard frame. Filters are generally marked with an arrow symbol, that indicates the direction of air flow. It is pointed from the return air duct towards the blower inside. It is a good practice to replace disposable filters, before the beginning of heating season, or before start of rigorous use every year.

Dirt in general is the bane of your gas furnace's efficiency. That is why one needs to check an air filter periodically, as it is the prime entry point of dirt and dust. The filter should be checked regularly, by removing it and holding it up against the light. If it is immensely clogged, you need to go for a filter replacement immediately. Doing this will ensure that your gas furnace is functioning efficiently and less of dirt accumulates inside.

Replacement Procedure
Now that we know something about air filter's functioning, let us focus on air filter replacement procedure. First thing you need to do is locate the old air filter and ensure that it indeed needs replacement. It is usually placed exactly between the cold air intake point and the furnace inside.

The procedure hardly requires any tools. All you will need is a replacement filter, which is a replica of the old one. You can check and note down the furnace filter dimensions from the old one, before you go to buy a new one. If you have a furnace maintenance manual, then you may find the dimensions of the filter mentioned in there. Buy one from the nearest hardware store.

Before you go ahead and remove the old filter, shut down the gas furnace. This is because, when the gas furnace is operational, the blower action along with the cold air intake, makes it hard to pull it out. Once you switch off the gas furnace, wait for the heat to subside and then remove the filter out. Then place the new filter in exactly the same way as the old one.

Once you have ensured that the filter is installed properly, you can switch on the gas furnace back again. It is good practice to note down somewhere, the date on which you replaced the filter. This will give you an idea about how long a particular type of filter lasts and when is the next replacement due.

As you can see, fuel filter replacement is one of the simplest furnace maintenance and trouble shooting jobs, which you would undertake. Doing the job on your own, will save you some money, reduce the replacement cost and also ensure that your home gets cleaner air.