How to Install an Air Filter in a House

Air filters are important for keeping your home's air clean. Unless you live near a busy highway, the air in your home is more polluted than the air outside. Installing an air filter in your home prevents bacteria, dander, dust, mold and pollen. An air filter cleans the air in your home leaving you feeling fresh and well. Air filters do get dirty and demand cleaning or exchanging. Respiratory difficulties and allergies can occur if the filter is damp, so having a dry, clean and mold free air filter is important.

Things You'll Need

• Air filter

Instructions

1. Check the size of the old air filter before purchasing a new one. The size is written on the top of the air filter casing.

2. Turn off your heater or air conditioning unit.

3. Locate the air filter access door on a wall of your house, usually found in the hallway.

4. Remove the vented panel from the wall. If it has screws, unscrew it. If it has a latch, unlatch it. Take out the used air filter.

5. Notice the arrows on the old filter so you know which way to install the new filter. The arrows indicate airflow.

6. Place the new air filter into the channel paying attention to the direction of the arrows found on the filter's casing.

7. Replace the air filter access door. Either screw it back into place or latch it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you write the size of your air filter on the ductwork inside the access door, you won't have to remove the air filter to see the size. You can remove the access door and look at the ductwork when it's time to replace the air filter.

• An air filter must be replaced every three months for maximum effectiveness.