When’s the last time you checked your furnace filter? If you can’t say for sure, it’s been way too long. The system air filter is a vital link in the process of generating optimum heat at lowest cost, as well as safeguarding indoor air quality. A neglected furnace filter, conversely, can lead to problems ranging from soaring heating expenses to major component failure to increased allergies and airborne irritants.
There aren’t many DIY procedures a homeowner should attempt on a furnace. For safety’s sake, most need to be done by qualified professionals. However, checking and changing the furnace filter is quick and easy, and may provide more benefits in the long run than any single maintenance procedure. Once a month during heating season, take a few minutes to get this done.
Where is It?
Most residential furnaces are gas-fired, upflow models. In these units, the filter is located in a vertical slot at the bottom where the return air duct enters the furnace cabinet.
How Do I Change it?
- Turn off the furnace at the thermostat.
- Open the filter slot and slide the old air filter out. Throw it away — attempting to clean and re-use a filter will not work.
- Vacuum any residual dust from the filter frame inside the duct or wipe it out with a soft rag.
- Slide the new filter into place, making sure the directional airflow arrow printed on the edge of the filter points toward the furnace.
- Close the filter slot and turn the furnace on at the thermostat
What’s the Best Replacement Filter?
Bargain-priced fiberglass panel filters provide little benefit beyond protecting moving parts of the blower. For best filtration, healthy air quality and lowest operating costs, choose name-brand pleated cotton or polyester filters with a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating around 8. These filters are efficient enough to remove the smallest airborne particulates without restricting system airflow.
If you need assistance changing your furnace filter the first time, contact Paitson Bros. We’ve been here to help since 1922.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Terre Haute, Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnace filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 812-645-6859.
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “ulegundo/Shutterstock”
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922