5 Steps for Cleaning your Furnace Filter

Heating season is just around the corner, so it is time to prepare for it. One of the best things you can do is schedule a furnace inspection, but the next best thing is to ensure that your furnace has a clean filter. Forced air heating and cooling systems share the same filter, so you should have been keeping up with filter maintenance over the summer, but in case you haven’t been, be sure to start with a clean one this fall.

There are several different kinds of furnace filters. Disposable filters can be thrown away and replaced by purchasing a new one at a hardware store. Reusable filters can be cleaned with a hose. But how do you get to your furnace filter and clean it? East! Follow these five steps:

1. Turn off the furnace- from the main circuit breaker or the service panel on the furnace
2. The filter can often be found near the blower, and it is a square/rectangle type mesh device. You will recognize it when you see it.
3. Remove the filter from the furnace.
4. Now it is time to either throw it out or wash it. (This is somewhat like pulling the “lint catcher” out of the dryer, just a little bigger and messier). Be sure to check what kind you have before throwing it away!
5. Either wash the filter and put it back when it is dry or purchase a new one! If you are buying a new one, don’t forget to measure the old one so you know what size to get.

This task may sound overwhelming initially, but as you can see, it is quite easy. You should clean or replace your filter every few months. However, if you have any other questions regarding it- do not hesitate to contact FLAME. We are happy to help with your residential heating and cooling needs.