The furnace filter plays an essential role in keeping your home. However, if you are installing a new furnace filter, should it stick out? Not to worry because we have answered that question for you in this article!
Your furnace filter shouldn't stick out at all. If it sticks out, then your furnace efficiency can drop dramatically. If your furnace filter is sticking out, then you do not have the correctly sized furnace filter. The filter should fit into the unit and be easy to slide in and out.
Understanding how to install a furnace filter is essential for your furnace to do its job correctly. First, however, you need to know how to install it and the proper size for your specific furnace. In this article, we will take a closer look at these topics. In addition, we will discuss how often you should change your furnace filter, so read on!
Should Your Furnace Filter Stick Out?
No, your furnace filter should not stick out. If it sticks out even a few inches, then you might have an issue with the size and/or installation. If your furnace filter is sticking out from the unit, you do not have the right sized filter for your specific furnace. A properly sized furnace filter will be easy to slide in and out of your furnace.
A furnace filter should fit inside of your unit. The purpose of a furnace filter is to keep dust and allergens out of your home. However, if the filter sticks out of your furnace, it will allow dust and allergens to get in. Not only that, but it could increase the chance of fires occurring within your home.
You must find a furnace filter with the right size measurements. If you do not, then your furnace will not be able to operate at peak efficiency. You can contact an HVAC specialist if you need help choosing the right sized filter for your specific unit.
The best way to find the right size filter is to take the old one in with you. The HVAC specialist will look at the old filter and then give you a brand new one that fits in your furnace correctly. You can then put it in when you get home.
Why You Should Have a Clean Furnace Filter
You want to make sure that the furnace filter is clean when you replace it with a new one. This will help ensure that there are no more dust particles or allergens in your home. In addition, having a clean filter will keep the air in your home fresh and hypoallergenic, so it is a critical step to take when replacing the furnace filter.
A dirty furnace filter can have adverse effects on your health. If you have problems with breathing, asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues, a dirty furnace filter could be to blame.
If your furnace filter is not clean and you have any of these health problems, it is a good idea to find another method for transforming the air in your home. For example, you can take a look at an air purifier system.
How Tight Should a Furnace Filter Fit?
A furnace filter should fit snug inside of your unit. If it is too loose, then air will still come in even while your furnace is running. On the other hand, if it is too tight, you may not be able to remove the filter when it is time to change (if that's what you decide).
When you find the right-sized furnace filter, it will be easy to slide in and out of your unit when you need to replace it. However, if something is wrong with the installation or size of the furnace filter, then it could cause air leaks in your home when your system is running. You do not want to have leaks because they can be dangerous.
Which Way Should a Furnace Filter Face?
When installing a furnace filter, it should face the correct direction—the arrows or grooves on one side of the filter help indicate which way is up.
This ensures that your filter does its job efficiently. The arrows or grooves should face towards the furnace and away from the outflowing ducts.
If you have any questions about finding the correct direction for your specific model, then contact an HVAC specialist.
What Happens if I Put my Furnace Filter in Backward?
A furnace filter should not be put in backward; it can cause airflow problems and/or damage your system. In addition, more particles will build up in the air ducts, which is the exact opposite of what should happen.
If you mistake and place the filter with the wrong side up, you will notice a decrease in performance from your air conditioner or furnace.
This includes the air temperature that is blowing out and even how much noise it makes when it is running. In addition, there could be damage to your system if you leave it in too long without correcting the problem.
Why is my furnace filter not getting dirty?
This is a surprising problem for some homeowners. If your furnace filter does not seem to be dirt or dust, there is more than one possible explanation.
First, the quality of your furnace filter could be low quality. Generally speaking, you get what you paid for when it comes to filters—the cheap ones tend not to last long, and they allow more particles into your home.
Second, you may not need to replace your filter as often as you think. For example, if the filter is still in good condition after one year, it may be acceptable to keep using it for another six months. Again, your HVAC specialist can help you understand this only to replace the filters when necessary.
Lastly, your furnace filter may be installed incorrectly or is the wrong size. As we mentioned above, you want to make sure that the filter is snug inside your unit, and the arrows or grooves should point toward the furnace.
Should I Change my Furnace Filter Every Month?
Usually, you should change your furnace filter every three months. However, if you have pets, it is good to check the filter every month.
This is because the hair and fur from your pets can quickly get stuck in your filter, which leads to problems that are difficult to find. Sometimes, just cleaning or vacuuming off the furnace filter does not do enough to keep it clean—even if you have pets with short hair.
Larger furnace filters (3-4 inches thick) can be changed every six to nine months. Even thicker furnace filters (6 inches) can be changed every year.
When Should I Replace my Furnace Filter?
If it is time to change your furnace filter, you will notice that the air coming out of vents is not as cool or clean as before.
This does not necessarily mean you need a new filter, but it may be time for one. To avoid replacing the filter too often, you should have your HVAC specialist check it before springtime to see how well it filters out particles in your home. If the filter is catching many particles, it may be time for a new one.
Can You Reuse a Furnace Filter?
The type of furnace filter in your furnace will decide if you can reuse it. For example, a disposable furnace filter should not be cleaned and used again. Instead, it would help if you replaced disposable furnace filters when they are dirty. As stated above, this can vary depending on its size.
On the other hand, if you have a permanent furnace filter, you can clean it yourself; however often, you would like to ensure that your furnace is working efficiently.
You can clean permanent filters easily by wiping them down with a cloth or brush. If the filter is filthy, you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove the larger particles. Make sure that the filter is completely dry before reinstalling it in your furnace. After vacuuming the filter, you can rinse it under running water and let it dry before putting it back into your furnace.
Final Thoughts
Overall, it is essential when putting in a furnace filter that it is installed correctly. Be sure that the filter fits into the unit and doesn't stick out at all. In addition, make sure to follow the arrows on the filter to ensure it isn't being installed backward, as this will cause issues with your furnace running correctly.
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