Cleaning and Replacing Furnace Filters

The wintertime in and around Fairfax, Arlington, Centreville, and Reston, VA can produce close to subzero temperatures, which makes it very important that your furnace is working efficiently and optimally. One of the most common questions we receive from our customer is how to clean or replace a furnace filter. Not only will cleaning or replacing your furnace’s filters on a monthly basis maximize the unit’s efficiency and lifespan, it will minimize your energy bills.

Cleaning a Furnace Filter

Properly cleaning a furnace filter can cut your heating bill by between 5 percent and 15 percent; it’s a cheap way to reduce your energy costs and improve the air quality in your home. To clean the filter, begin by turning off the power to your furnace. Locate the service panel and open it—it’s possible you may need a screwdriver. You can pretty easily locate the filter, which is usually a framed-mesh rectangular screen located either horizontally or vertically near the intake-outtake blower. Slide the filter screen out and check for brown dusty buildup on the mesh screen. If you have a reusable plastic or metal filter, use a garden hose to rinse away dust particles on the screen. Allow the filter to dry before inserting it back into your unit.

Replacing a Furnace Filter

Replacing a furnace filter is fairly easy. Follow the same steps as above up until you’ve removed your disposable frame filter. Write down its size and then throw it away. Buy a new furnace filter of the same size and type and reinsert it into your unit.

There you have it—this is how you can clean or replace your furnace’s filter. As we really get into the heating season here in Northern Virginia, it’s important you clean or replace your filter once every month. If you have any questions or require assistance of any kind with your furnace, contact John Nugent & Sons. We’ll send over a licensed, professional electrician who can help you out.