Hey Tenants! Don’t Forget to Change Your Furnace Filter!
Hey there, Renti residents! It’s that time of year when we remind you to do one of the most thrilling tasks in home maintenance—changing your furnace filter. Okay, maybe it’s not thrilling, but it’s definitely important. And as with all general maintenance and consumable items in the house, it is the responsibility of tenants to replace filters. Let’s get down to business and talk about all things furnace filter-y.
How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Filter?
So, you’re probably wondering, “How often should I do this?” Great question! For most folks, changing your furnace filter every 1 to 3 months is the sweet spot. You might need to swap it out monthly if you’ve got pets, allergies, or a bustling household. But hey, if you’re a minimalist living alone, you might get away with every three months. Just don’t forget about it completely, or you might end up with a filter that’s more dust than filter, and a furnace that doesn’t work!
How Do You Change a Furnace Filter?
Changing a furnace filter isn’t rocket science, but it requires some attention. Here’s a quick guide to keep you on track:
- Turn off the furnace: Safety first! Nobody wants a surprise blast of hot air. The best way to do this is to locate the light-switch-looking receptacle, usually mounted at a higher point than a typical switch and typically close to the furnace. If you’re struggling to find it, you can often trace the electrical wire out of the furnace to the switch. Or, as a far second option, in the event you can’t find the switch, turning the thermostat from Cool or Heat to OFF works, too.
- Locate the filter slot: It’s usually in the air return vents, adjacent to the furnace.
- Remove the old filter: Carefully slide it out—try not to inhale all that dust. Note that furnace filters are typically garbage and not recyclable.
- Insert the new filter: Make sure it’s facing the right direction (more on that in a sec).
- Turn the furnace back on: Voilà! You’ve done it.
Which Way Should the Furnace Filter Face?
Speaking of filter direction, this is crucial. Filters have an arrow indicating the airflow direction. The arrow should point toward the furnace, not away from it. If you install it backwards, your furnace will have to work extra hard, which is not good for its health—or your heating bill. Not to mention, the structure of the filter is designed to prevent the filter from being sucked toward the blower motor; if you install it backwards, the integrity of that structure is not as effective. Double-check that arrow before you call it a day.
Cheap Filters, Expensive Filters: What’s the Deal?
Now, let’s discuss the great filter debate: cheap versus expensive. Cheaper filters are usually thinner and less restrictive, which means more airflow. This is generally better for your furnace’s longevity. The downside? You need to change them more frequently.
On the other hand, those high-end, expensive filters might seem like a good investment, but they can restrict airflow, putting more strain on your furnace. This isn’t ideal unless you have severe allergies and really need the extra filtration. For most people, a middle-of-the-road filter that you change every 1 to 3 months is the way to go.
Pro Tip: If you find that the airflow in your home is lacking, or the furnace and AC are unable to keep up with demands, especially during times where it would require more effort, such as when you’re cooking a five course meal and hosting two dozen of your closest friends, a more expensive filter can be swapped out for a cheaper one to increase air flow.
What Happens if I Don’t Replace the Furnace Filter?
As furnace filters become full of debris and dust, the air flow is restricted, causing more strain on the blower motor. This strain can result in premature wear and even failure of the furnace. We’ve also experienced old filters where the cardboard and metal structure gave out and got sucked into the blower motor, causing complete failure of the furnace. Negligence in proper maintenance could mean that subsequent related damages fall upon the responsibility of the tenant, so be mindful to properly maintain your property.
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it, folks. Changing your furnace filter is a small task that can have a big impact. Keep your furnace happy and your air clean by staying on top of it. If you have any questions or need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Renti. We’re here to make sure your home is as comfortable as it can be!
