Home Maintenance: How To Change Your Furnace Filter

[@kristineheim4710]

THANK YOU. The furnace filter videos all remind the homeowner to put the filter in according to the air flow. But no one has explained which direction the air flow goes. You did, so now I know.

[@steve.videos]

I'm thinking is it arrow to the left or right and this video explains it very well. I just took mine out and the arrow was pointing left towards the furnace. Left to right it's Furnace, unit that holds the filter than a long silver-colored vent coming down from the ceiling. The filter was very dirty after just 2 months so I guess I got it right. I looked up this video hoping to find some clarification and I found that so thanks to the person who posted this!

[@MGauthierKwan]

Ditto. Very clear and straightforward video.

[@brookst1993]

@@steve.videos yeer’

[@user-bp7qx3lg1b]

Thank you for being one of the only sources I found to tell me which way the arrow is supposed to face on the filter!

[@debbiekubiet4587]

This video is second to none. While I have been a homeowner for many years, with different houses and units, I always pause when changing the filter. THANK YOU for a great how-to video!

[@rcanton1884]

"Arrow towards the furnance!" Thank you for this easy to follow video! Not only did you explain things very easily, you were very patient in doing so.

[@lcowen7509]

I searched and searched for this one answer, too: "Arrow toward the furnace". Thank you for creating such an informative and complete tutorial for Newbies!.

[@RamblingsfromCanada]

Thank you for explaining the direction of the airflow. Great video, easy to understand and short.

[@debc3606]

Thank for the complete, clear instructions, greatly appreciated.

[@ouyant]

This was by far the easiest video to understand!!! Thank you

[@louissposato4539]

Thank you for explaining things so clearly it gives me confidence that I did things right when you take the time to explain things as clearly as you did thanks again

[@LibertyHomesSandy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@newfers]

You know, a lot of videos and how-to sites skipped over this important step, or were dead wrong. I realized that I'd been installing our filter backwards for years, pointing the arrow OUT (to the right) from the furnace, because I assumed that was the direction that air was being forced. I didn't realize that it was the return air duct!! I know that many furnaces are different, but it seems as though, in most situations, the arrows should point TOWARDS the unit, as they should like between the return air and the furnace...so air flows into the furnace from this point. For years, I had assumed the exact opposite. Duh. Thanks so much for your video!

[@steve.videos]

I always thought it was right also but I just took mine out and for some reason I pointed it left. Most videos show you how to put it in but they don't go over that important detail, the left vs right.

[@melissabarry8995]

I had to watch six videos to get to the one that was the awesome thank you so much for explaining very well

[@tracyteel8233]

Thank you for the help. I've been doing this correctly, but now I understand the directionality of the air flow. That makes so much sense.

[@larrainelenoir772]

Thank You!! This was an easy instruct to follow!

[@bryndiriggs836]

This was great! Thank you for sharing. We like Marty and would love to see more helpful hints from him. Thanks!

[@arehimjose]

The way I figured which way air is flowing was by turning the furnace ON and holding in a piece of paper inside the compartment. The paper will bend in the direction of airflow

[@spacecowboiiiiii]

I just used my hand to see the air direction.

[@LisaB6184]

This was very easy to follow. Thank you!

[@MeRia035]

Thank you. Appreciate your time & help

[@RoofRepairSpecialist]

Very helpful video!

[@chriswilson5491]

Thank you for clarifying the direction of flow of the air. Even my manual didn’t address it.

[@ivylee1211]

Thank you, sir👍🏿

[@ZestyLemonBoi]

Brilliant!

[@Lewtuube]

Nice video. Easy to understand. Thanks alot.

[@nerdam9]

awesome very simple to comprehend

[@theintruder77]

The air filter chamber on the furnace shown seems large enough for a much larger filter. Filters will last or work longer than 90 days. If you buy a good electrostatic one with a metal frame that is washable. The reason you need to change your furnace filter so often is that your house is not clean enough. Use your vacuum cleaner to clean as far as you can into the return air ducts by removing the covers on them. Wash the covers once a week when you vacuum the house. Your furnace is not a vacuum cleaner. When you have the furnace filter out clean out that chamber also with your vacuum. Don't forget to clean out or change your condensation tubes as well. A clogged condensation tube can shut down your furnace. Don't call a service guy for a $5.00 beverage hose from Home Hardware.

[@TrevorStreete]

Thanks awesome directions

[@Osayannx]

Thank you....phew, thought I'd been doing it wrong.... ☺

[@indianajonesfamilywi]

Thanks so much for sharing this video.

[@jennychen3713]

This was very helpful. Thank you

[@iluvusa4266]

Thanks a lot. Very nice video.

[@50hellkat2]

Arrow towards the furnance. Thank you.

[@Rooftop_Korean_159]

Thanks Marty

[@JH-ni9jw]

Thanks for this. I was a little confused.

[@MannySantosJr]

Perfect

[@luckyleo3924]

First time home buyer here. Thank you for the extremely well detailed video for this. Also question, I noticed there’s a few inches in the video you posted where the filter seems it should be much bigger, or maybe it’s the perfect size? Am I supposed to be putting in a filter that fits snug? Or am I supposed to leave a gap, like this video shows? I know this is from a few years ago, hopefully notifications are still on🤞🏻

[@LibertyHomesSandy]

Different systems have different filter chambers and sizes, so it's hard to say with 100% certainty how yours is set up. The one in the video has a slot where the filter slides in, so even though there is more space in that chamber, the filter area is smaller, and the filter fits more snugly (you can kind of see the brackets when we slide the filter in), but not all are set up that way. Our best recommendation with not knowing your system specifically is to just buy and use the same size filter that is already in the system. If you feel that isn't working right for you and have access the manual for your furnace, there should be guidance in there (you may also be able to find the manual online). Another option is to do a routine system check-up with an HVAC, which most manufacturers suggest doing each year anyway, and have them verify the filter you are using is the right one.

[@drpoundsign]

Easy with vertical filter,s but mine is horizontal.

[@kevintillack1396]

Top tip, write the air flow arrow on the unit itself with a marker. U can even write "always make sure the arrow is facing towards the unit"

[@chaank1069]

Thank you.

[@123wtfwth]

thank you !!!!

[@srisai6123]

Thank you so much/ I am always confused about just there is 2 choices

[@50hellkat2]

Supply air is coming from the outside into the furnace and return air is putting it to the house after the air gets warmed or cooled? I get that you want the error facing to the furnace. I think it might be because the blower is inside the furnace? Thanks for that. I am just not sure of what the term supply air is and what return air is. Return from where? Supplied from where? Thanks to anyone who wants to answer this. I am a bit of a dummy as you can see.

[@LibertyHomesSandy]

It is a convection type process…return air comes from the centrally located return air grills throughout the house. The air is then run through the filter, gets heated/cooled and supplied back out to the home. The return air is the duct work to the side of the furnace and the direction of flow is from the return air into the side of the furnace. Arrow faces towards the furnace. None of the air comes from the “outside”. Hope that helps!

[@50hellkat2]

Ok. I finally get it. It does help alot. Thank you. Have a great day. Don't know how i got the idea the air came from outside.

[@rogerevans3183]

I have a Trane XE 90. The filter has to be changed but I can not open the furnace to get to the filter. Please tell me how to open

[@loridagostino8281]

My chamber for the furnace sits above the furnace. Does that make a difference?

[@LibertyHomesSandy]

No, the process is still the same. You'll want to remove the old filter and put the new one in its place with the arrow pointed towards the furnace (if you're unsure about what way to face the arrows, look when you pull the old filter out and put the new one in the exact same way).

[@rickrude6301]

Always handle the old dirty filter with care or you will release concentrated fine dust back into your air. Don't bump or shake it. Carefully take the dirty filter outside right away!

[@SamuelDaram]

Tap here 0:34 to get straight to the content about how to change a furnace filter. (18/2/2024)

[@JulieMoran1832]

Should I turn the air off in the house before opening and changing the filter in the furnace?

[@vapeking466]

Yes.

[@BuckeyetheCat]

No idea if anyone will see this but we can't figure out where our filter is located. Doesn't look like this video. Carrier 58STX090. Any help would be appreciated!

[@LibertyHomesSandy]

We're not 100% sure where the filter is located on that model, but if you do not have a setup like what you are seeing in the video, here are a couple of ideas. Some Carrier models have the filter at the bottom of the unit -- try removing all panels. We have also see similar units that have the filter inside the return chamber (the large silver box to the right of the unit in the video) -- look to see if your return chamber has a removable panel (the ones that we have seen are made of the same material as the chamber and slide up). Sorry we couldn't be of more help -- good luck!

[@BuckeyetheCat]

@@LibertyHomesSandy thank you SO much for replying. It was found after removing the main panel and then a second panel like you said. It laid flat (horizontally) in it. Thanks again for taking the time to reply. It's appreciated!

[@LibertyHomesSandy]

You're welcome -- we're glad we could help!

[@debimartines2215]

I don't think I'd ever use a 3-month filter after seeing how dirty that filter was. Use a cheaper filter and change it monthly and if you have pets, change it every couple of weeks. Turn off the unit so there's no air flow--you don't want junk sucked into your furnace. Also, if the air is moving, you'll have a harder time getting out the filter.

[@krunalpatel7255]

good

[@macvin8215]

Do you need to turn off your furnace when changing filter?

[@LibertyHomesSandy]

Yes, you should turn the furnace off to avoid the potential of causing damage.

[@maynardcortes1493]

do you need to turn off furnace before changing the filter?

[@LibertyHomesSandy]

Yes, to avoid potential damage, you need to turn the furnace off first. If it had been running right before, make sure it completely cycles off before changing the filter.

[@DrGalazkiewicz]

Would a dirty filter keep the pilot light from remaining lighted?

[@LibertyHomesSandy]

Not sure on that one. Doesn't seem like it would, but we suggest reaching out to an HVAC company and asking. Good luck!

[@thurm101]

Not really

[@speakeasypaw]

yes

[@srisai6123]

We think these are small stuff, but most of them not realized if we are little bit smarter thinking, & enjoyably doing small things on our regular basis life lead to healthy lifestyle. Otherwise, if not lead to unsolved, unknown inter connection complications

[@sku32956]

Folks I have seen 2 different units damaged from not changing filters one was Trane the other Goodman both were very dirty no air was being moved to speak of it can and will damage shit.First bill was 500 second one was 800.the main board on both were cooked they both got wet, one also had the motor damaged that sucked in fresh air and expelled dirty air.

[@okaythen001]

my gas furnace is 10 years old the brand is bryant. I went up to attic to look at it but can't find where to replace the filter. does it not have filter? or it's somewhere in there? the furnace is side ways and I haven't change filter in 2 years. but always changed the filters on 1st and 2nd floor.

[@LibertyHomesSandy]

Given the age you stated, I'm going to guess you have a Bryant Plus 80. Here is a link to an owner's manual that may give you some direction and images to follow. Head to page 6 to see filter info for upflow and downflow units: www.gogeisel.com/geiselonline/support/Bryant/373LAV_376CAV_383KAV_395CAV_Gas_OM.pdf

[@okaythen001]

thanks so much, I looked up the model/serial and it's Bryant Furnace 310AAV036045EAJA. I looked up the air filter in manual and the filter should be at the side or the bottom. but my furnace is on sidways and it looks a little different than manual one and doesn't seem to have the air filter compartment. very confused. imgur.com/fgAZMRq imgur.com/4RzMlRt could it be that house only have air filter on each ceiling of the floor and not in the furnace? (in the parts section of bryant site I did see frameless filter for my furnace) do houses have both filters in furnace and also on each floors? or it's only one of them. thanks so much for the help

[@jarryjayo]

why can't they just print on the box of air filters "hey stupid arrow points at the furnace. " I get so messed up because I have two furnaces and both of them are in different directions. be-sure to right the date on the filter, my tip.

[@pamelalightfoot7023]

Greetings, We have a Carrier Infinity 80. I've looked for several hours and can't find any type of small door with a screw for the filter. There isn't anything (at least visible from the outside of the system) between the intake metal stack and the main system. There are two intake filters in the house - one upstairs on the ceiling and one on the first floor on the wall. Could these be the only filters? Thank you! Pam L.

[@FlockOZombies]

People. I've never turned off the unit before replacing the filter nor do I know anybody that does. You're sliding a filter into an empty compartment, not doing anything with electricity.

[@steve.videos]

When you open the unit that holds the filter, the furnace shuts down automatically so it doesn't matter

[@marlimarlovalle5164]

9 days? I haven't replaced mine in 8 years lol

[@Fantasha01]

Omggggg me too I feel so bad I just replaced mine and it's been 8 years. Just one of those things you never think about. 😂🤣🤷‍♀️

[@vapeking466]

90 days he said. They sell 30 day and 90 day filters however keep in mind they may have to be changed before that depending on conditions like dust, dander, and how often your windows and doors are open. Rule of thumb for pleated filters you can hold them up to a bright light to see how dirty they are.

[@juanroaroa58]

I can find my filter on mycarrier furnis

[@vidmaster011]

Mmkay so my furnace sits upstairs in an attic like room and right now it’s summer so that room is at least 140 degrees. Changing it during the day is out of the question. Now come nightfall the portal to hell in that room has closed so the temp drops below 80 so its doable. I have a carrier furnace as well and I’ve checked all sides of it and can’t seem to find where the air filter is. I don’t want to go up there and break it because I can’t live through summer with no air. My air is blowing as best it can with that dirty filter and the house never drops below 81 degrees. Need. Help. Also I am EXTREMELY careful in that room because I’m warned that the cotton stuff up there that “insulates” is dangerous and I shouldn’t touch it. One false move and I’m in for hell. I can’t spend more than a few minutes at a time in there because I don’t want to touch that stuff.

[@LibertyHomesSandy]

Sometimes A/C units located in an attic or on a ceiling/roof have filters right where the air comes out of the register. Our homes in AZ have these type of units, and if you unscrew the vent on the ceiling or wall where it comes out, you should be able to see the filter and change it. However, each manufacturer and model is a little different, so we would recommend contacting Carrier or looking up your model number online to get further instruction if your unit is not like the one we show in our downstairs video. Good luck! No A/C in the summer is not fun!

[@vidmaster011]

Liberty Homes thanks! I’ll do that. I will have a cold house this summer!!!

[@Barlieboy]

Dont forget to Lube the flux capacitor!

[@karenwhilden1183]

Y

[@brandonvandine1695]

lol

[@LibertyHomesSandy]

Tip: Save money on your bills by changing your furnace filter helping it run more efficiently. Here is how: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4qTZ4yApbuNmNk #savingmoneytips #libertyhomes #utahhomebuilder #howtovideos #changingfurnacefilter

[@1906Yogi]

Thanks! Arrow towards the furnace!

[@mariogayoso]

Great video! What happens if I don't have or can't find the filter chamber next to the furnace ?

[@gordonjames8811]

My mistake was to order from Amazon i paid 125 for 6 filters Costco was 3 for 39.00,make sure you compare.

[@julienielsen3746]

I wish mine was this easy. I have a Carrier furnace that has two filters above the motor that sit angled in a V . And it's hard to get them in there.

[@JY-tq4ir]

great, arrow pointing away from return air .. toward supply air - 2023 0126

[@inderk6082]

I cant see where filter supposed to go. How it looks from front when it's inside.

[@jcwhimzie]

OMG, you're not even using the right size filter for this video. it is way to thin and short!

[@fc2790]

what happened if the filter chamber is at the bottom of the Carrier Unit? No one seems to demonstrate this. Does the arrow point to the FLOOR or to the UNIT? Thanks.

[@LibertyHomesSandy]

Air flows into the HVAC system, so your arrow would point towards the unit to keep dust particles from entering it and giving you a clean air flow that helps the system operate properly.

[@starsnmoon49]

Thank you. All I wanted to know was whether the arrow was supposed to be pointing towards the furnace or away. You made it so simple. You would not believe how many confusing videos there are on this simple question. lol

[@KendraPagliaroli]

Do I have to turn my unit off? It only takes 5-10 seconds, can I change it wile it’s running?

[@LibertyHomesSandy]

It is best to turn the system off while you are changing the filter. Filters keep dirt out of the system, which will prolong the life of it and keep it running efficiently. Even a few seconds can allow dirt to be pulled into the system, and over time that could build up and create costly problems for you.

[@MrMpiquette]

Thank-you! Very well explained - I always was not 100% sure of direction.

[@guardbrandon5005]

Thank You. I never knew what direction to put the filter.

[@lowercentenary]

My central heat/air filter is placed horizontally (not vertical/sideways like your video). Which side should the arrow point? Up or down? Any idea?

[@shaetinabond8536]

Thank you!

[@Trex505shorts]

Thank you sir

[@Ladylaini]

Thank you! So glad I found this video. Very informative!

[@LibertyHomesSandy]

We're glad it was helpful!

[@jessezheng7198]

Some furnaces don't actually have a chamber needed to be unscrewed. This video is still great though and that won't make any difference.

[@whipkeys]

Thank you very much! I appreciate this information. This was the BEST informative video that we have ever seen! Thanks!

[@blackwidowotilia]

I'm still confused. My furnace is a very old old one outside. The house is probably 1954, filter is on the floor-hallway and there's no way to point the arrow to the furnace being outside. The filter is however on the same side with the furnace. I need help, please... I want to make sure I'm installing properly. The return is where the air gets sucked in right? The coil side should be same side with the air pulled in? I'm so confused. Like I said arrow towards furnace does not apply here since furnace is outside. I doubt anyone understands what my situation is.

[@LibertyHomesSandy]

Sorry you are having an issue. Each furnace works a little different, and a model in that year sounds like was configured totally differently. This one shown is a typical new construction furnace and filter, so it may not be the same for all furnaces. The best thing to do is contact or google your manufacturer to see if they can walk you through directions or have any instructions online. Good luck!

[@lindalarkin5617]

On my new filter it shows the arrow pointing away from the wired side. That would have the reinforced, wired side facing the return air instead of the furnace side. This seems backwards to me. Shouldn't the reinforced, wired side be toward the furnace rather than toward the return air vent?

[@LibertyHomesSandy]

Hi Linda, we believe the arrow is pointing the right way on your filter (though without seeing the filter, we can't know for sure). The reinforced side of a filter should face away from the furnace. The non-reinforced side is more porous, which allows the filter to effectively trap airborne particles while also minimizing the slowdown of airflow through your system.

[@barbwilson7706]

The new filter I just bought has the air flow arrow pointing in the direction of the reinforced wired side which will in turn face up against the furnace. The response above states the reinforced side of a filter should face away from the furnace. What am I missing, can you clarify? Thank you.