How To Clean Your AC Furnace Filter

As your home furnace ages, it can become less efficient. A malfunctioning furnace will not only affect the central heating in your home, it will also hamper the production of the air conditioner. So, if you use your AC during the summer and your heater during the winter, an inefficient furnace can become costly over the year. Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to immediately increase the efficiency of your furnace. One of the simplest and most effective jobs is to replace your furnace filter. This article explains how to properly replace your AC system's furnace filter and clean out the compartment.

Cleaning the Filter

Every furnace has a filter. The filter is usually very easy to find because it is located in a separate compartment that is easy to access.  in most cases, you simply open a small door to access the filter. It will slide right out without any tools. The first step is to examine your filter. If it looks dirty, dusty and dark, you should replace it. You might be tempted to clean your furnace filters, but it is much easier and more effective if you replace it outright. Filters are very affordable and they come in generic sizes, so you can usually find them at your local hardware store.

Cleaning the Filter Compartment

However, you should not just remove your old filter and put a new filter and before you clean out the empty compartment. Within the compartment, there could be a lot of built up dirt that could instantly soil the new filter, causing it to be ineffective. You will need a hose vacuum and a small flashlight you can actually see what you're trying to clean. There will be an input and output tube on each side of the compartment. These are usually shaped like the inside of a funnel and most clocking will occur where the tube is at its narrowest. If you can snake your vacuum into the funnel, you can suck out any dirt (even that which is not visible).

Once the compartment is cleaned out, you can put the new filter in place. It should slide right in and you can immediately run your air conditioner or here to make sure everything is still functioning properly. Obviously, this job will not take up too much time or money, but it could help reduce your utility bills in the long run. If you need help, visit Kassel Appliance & Ac Repair.


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