Changing Your Furnace Filter

This only applies to apartments with forced air heating or cooling. Some buildings have heating systems that don’t require filter changes. If you’re unsure which type you have, just give us a call; we’ll let you know if changing a filter should be on your radar.

You’ll know it’s time to change your filter if you notice more dust around your home, reduced heating or cooling efficiency, reduced airflow, or a filter that looks dirty, gray, or yellow. Homes with pets often need filter changes more frequently.

It’s a good idea to check your filter at least once a month to see if it needs to be replaced or cleaned.

Below is a YouTube resource: 

• How to change your furnace filter: CLICK HERE or HERE. 

Here’s a basic guide to changing your furnace filter:

1. Turn Off The System.

Switch your thermostat to OFF so the furnace/AC isn’t running while you change the filter. This isn’t mandatory, but it is the safe option. When working on any device, turning it off first is almost always the right call.

2. Locate The Filter.

In apartments, the filter is usually in one of two places:

• Inside a return air vent. This is a big vent on a wall or ceiling (often in a hallway). You’ll see a latch or screws holding the vent closed.
• Inside the furnace/air handle. This is a tall metal closet unit (often in a hallway, bedroom, or closet). The filter will slide into a slot next to where the air goes in.

Behind the grille cover on portable, window or built-in wall heating/ cooling units.  For this type, they need to be cleaned, not replaced.  You can turn off the unit, pull out the filter, and clean it with a vacuum or hot soapy water.  You then simply dry the filter and replace it into the slot. 

Most units of this type will have an indicator light letting you know when the filter needs to be cleaned, but cleaning the filter every 2-4 weeks is a good practice to keep the air filtered and the unit working at its best.

3. Open The Cover.

• For a vent, flip the latch or remove two small screws.
• For a furnace slot, just pull open the small door or slide out the old filter.

4. Remove The Old Filter.

Slide it straight out. Check the size printed on the edge (for example: 16×20×1 or 20×25×1).

5. Insert The New Filter.

• Make sure it matches the size exactly.
• Look for the airflow arrow on the filter’s frame.
• Point the arrow toward the furnace or into the vent (same direction the air is moving). Putting the filter in backwards is a common mistake, so make sure you pay special attention to this instruction. 

6. Close Everything Back Up.

Latch or screw the vent closed, or shut the furnace panel.

7. Turn The System Back On.

Set your thermostat to HEAT or AUTO again.

Again, your unit might not require you to follow these instructions, so if you’re not sure, just give us a call. Many of our buildings vary based on the type of heating and cooling system, so it may not be obvious whether this applies to your unit. For apartments with furnaces, however, changing the filter is a common task we encounter.