Changing your filter is one of the best things you can do for your HVAC system. When looking specifically at changing your furnace filter, the first place to start is locating it inside your blower compartment. Once it is located be sure to turn off power for safety reasons at the main circuit breaker. To get to the filter, remove both the top and bottom door, when re-installing the bottom door make sure it goes completely over the furnace frame so the furnace will start and run.
If you live in a hot climate (like Southern Mississippi) you may find that you don’t have a furnace in the traditional sense, but have an air conditioner with an air mover. In this case, the filter rack is located in the unit and will have a filter grill that is built in. If this is the situation, then changing your filter will be an easy task.
Remove the old filter, either by sliding it out, or removing the grill in front of the filter. Replace with a new filter (that can normally be purchased inexpensively from your local hardware store). Confirm that the arrow that indicates air flow is pointing the right way. It is recommended you change your filter every couple of months. This is the most effective way to make sure your heating and cooling system continues to run smoothly and is cost efficient. A dirty filter can cause the system to cycle in and out which in turn runs up your power bill.
