How To Replace A Furnace Filter Mid-Winter

If you became a new homeowner in the last year, then there’s a good chance you’re still trying to figure out how to maintain your appliances. One of the biggest learning curves for new homeowners is trying to remember how, when, and where they need to conduct maintenance on a heating and cooling system.

One of the most frequently asked questions we get from new homeowners is “Where is the furnace filter located?” Rest assured, the professionals with Roth Heating & Cooling, Plumbing, Electrical, and Drain Services will be more than happy to walk you through how to replace your filter this winter as well as where your filter is located.

If you’re looking for a faster solution outside of a furnace maintenance appointment, then we encourage you to follow the steps listed below.

Steps To Replace The Furnace Filter

1. Plan ahead so your furnace stays off for as little as possible. You’ll need to gather your new furnace filter before getting started so your home doesn’t get cold. If you’re experiencing moderate to severe winter weather conditions with snow, ice, and cold temperatures, then it’s better to conduct this task once conditions slightly improve. Should you make a mistake during this process, your home won’t be left in the cold for hours as you try to complete this task.
2. Search for the blower compartment between your home’s furnace and the ventilation system leading away from it. The filter is inside this compartment and is set either horizontally or vertically depending on the positioning of your vent system and the furnace.



3. Turn off your furnace before opening the blower compartment. Once your furnace is off, undo the latch or cover of this compartment and carefully slide the old furnace filter out.
4. After you’ve set the old filter aside, inspect the new one to look for any furnace filter directions. Find the arrow on the filter pointing to the side that should be facing up. Once you’ve got the arrow pointing upwards or toward your ventilation system, you will either slide the filter vertically or horizontally into the furnace.
5. Shut the compartment door or cover once the new filter is in place and turn your furnace back on.

Why is it important to routinely change your filters?

These filters are designed to protect your HVAC system from dust, debris, and other particles that could damage the inside. Air filters do an excellent job of keeping your home’s air ducts and overall air flow, free and clear of these particles that could affect your health.

Replacing your existing filter every few months also extends the lifespan of your HVAC unit. Over time, this will keep your energy bills down and help you avoid nuisance air conditioner or furnace repairs since your system won’t be forced to work as hard.

If you’re looking to do less home maintenance, then you should consider investing in a thicker, higher-quality filter that can last between six months and a full calendar year.

Schedule Your Cleaning and Maintenance With Roth

If you’re not sure what type of furnace filter to purchase or where to even begin with home maintenance, our experts with Roth will be more than happy to show you. For over 40 years we’ve been in homes from Portland to Albany for furnace maintenance.

Not only will we thoroughly check and clean your system, but we will gladly walk you through every step of our process before we leave.

To schedule your maintenance appointment, call our office or book online.