How to Change an Air Filter

A couple weeks ago, Madison and I went to our Maryville house to sweep leaves off the porch, dust, vacuum, and do any other tidying up that was needed. We also changed the air filters, which is when I made the amusing realization that there are some simple “house maintenance” things my 20-year-old hasn’t ever learned. She didn’t know anything about “air returns” or how to change the filters which is why I’m partnering with Trane on this post.

I figure, there’s probably a lot of younger people (or older, no judgement from me) who have never learned how to do some of the simpler house maintenance that you really should do to make sure everything stays running safely and correctly. I’ve done a couple other beginner-ish tutorials, like how to patch drywall, and I plan to do more in the future for those of you who never had someone show you how!

Either Wes, Madison, Julie, or I go check in on the Maryville house every few days to make sure it’s in tip-top shape while it’s on the market. Apparently, we have been neglecting the air filters for over 4 months. And we’ve been using 1-month filters. Yuck!

We have the HVAC units serviced every 6 months, and we normally change the air filters every month. Unfortunately, now that we’re not living in that house, we kind of forgot about the filters. Imagine how happy I am about the new Trane Comfort Performance Filters that only need to be changed every 90 days. Very happy! Since we’re driving an hour each way to check on Richwood, having to change filters only every 3 months will be very helpful.

Trane’s Comfort Performance Filters catch unwanted airborne debris, but are porous enough to still maintain optimal air flow. A more efficient HVAC system means a more cost-effective system. That’s something I love because we keep the Maryville house cool for showings, even though we’re not living there.   

The Trane Comfort Performance Filters are not HVAC brand specific. You can use these filters regardless of the HVAC system you have.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS:

• 1000 Filter Performance
• Electrostatically Charged Fibers Attract and Capture Microscopic Airborne Particles
• Helps Maintain HVAC Efficiency Over the Life of the Filter, with Up to 90 Days Air Flow Performance
• Captures Lint, Household Dust, Dust Mite Debris, Mold Spores, Pollen, Pet Dander
• Fits Standard HVAC Equipment Brands
• Trane, America’s Most Trusted® HVAC System
• Available Sizes: 14x14x1, 14x20x1, 14x25x1, 16x16x1, 16x20x1, 16x25x1, 20x20x1, 20x22x1, 20x25x1, 20x30x1
• Merv Rating – 9

What’s a MERV?

If you’re like me, you read that last bullet point and said, “What’s a MERV?”. Well let me tell ya. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. MERV ratings range from 1-16. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles the filter catches. You might think you want the highest MERV rating possible in your filter. Not really. Using a super high MERV rating filter can create more resistance in airflow than your HVAC system can handle, which can actually damage your system. You want to use the highest MERV rated filter that will still allow for the best airflow.

Helpful Filter Changing Tips

First, when changing air filters, I always write the date on the filter. I actually write the date I installed it and then the date when it needs to be changed. It works better than just writing one date because sometimes I forget if that was the date I installed it or the date it needed to be changed…. you can see the issue here! Then I also write down in my calendar when I need to change my filters. (Something I obviously forgot to continue to do when we moved out of Richwood.)

Second, air filters have an Air Flow Direction so make sure you install the filter with the arrow facing the correct way.

How to Change an Air Filter

Step 1: Open the “levers” to unlock the decorative grille.

Step 2: Remove old filter. Madison was pretty grossed out by the old filter. I don’t blame her either. It was PRETTY dirty!

This filter hadn’t been changed for FOUR MONTHS! Goodness. I really do need to write “change air filters in the Maryville house” on my calendar until that house is sold.

Step 3: Install new filter with the air flow arrow pointing IN.

And with the date showing so you can easily check to see if your filters need to be changed. This step is good to do just in case you forgot to write it in your calendar.

Step 4: Close the grille.

It’s that easy! And in case you don’t know: this contraption where you’re changing the air filter– it’s an “air return”. When the HVAC system turns on, this is where air is sucked IN. They HVAC system “conditions” the air and then it is pushed back out into your home through the air vents.

One last helpful tip

When changing a filter in a ceiling return, change it when the air is on. The suction holds the filter in place while you close up the grille. Otherwise, it’s pretty difficult to keep the filter in place, and it keeps wanting to fall out on your head.

Trane’s Comfort Performance Filters are available at Walmart in these sizes: 14x14x1, 14x20x1, 14x25x1, 16x16x1, 16x20x1, 16x25x1, 20x20x1, 20x22x1, 20x25x1, 20x30x1