How dirty is your air filter?
Pick the picture that looks most like yours. We will tell you what it means and what to do next. It is a quick visual check, not a diagnosis.
Clean
Looks new, or close to it. Nothing to do right now.
Check again in about a month.
Filter life varies with the filter type, pets, dust, and how much the system runs. Check the size and label printed on your filter's frame.
Why the filter matters
A clogged filter blocks airflow. The system then runs longer, rooms heat or cool unevenly, and parts that depend on moving air, such as the blower and the coil, are stressed.
How to check yours
- Turn the system off at the thermostat.
- Slide the filter out of its slot at the furnace, air handler or return grille.
- Hold it up to a light. If you cannot see light through it, it is time to replace it.