Save Money this Winter! Change Your Furnace Filter

Man holding a Dirty Furnace Filter

Changing your furnace filter is the single easiest way to lower your Ohio heating bills and prevent an unexpected mid-winter breakdown. In Ohio's cold climate, your furnace works hard; a clogged filter can force it to run longer and hotter, increasing your energy bill by 5% to 15% and potentially damaging the blower motor.

Follow this guide to keep your home efficient and your wallet happy.

1. Safety First: Power Down

Before you touch the furnace, turn it off. This prevents the system from kicking on while the filter is out, which could suck dust and debris directly into the sensitive internal motor.

  • The Switch: Look for a red or white "light switch" on the side of the furnace or a nearby wall. Flip it to OFF. It may also be on your Thermostat. You’ll hear the noise “kick off” so you can change the filter.

  • The Breaker: If there is no switch, turn off the furnace breaker in your electrical panel.

2. Locate Your Filter

Most traditional furnaces in Ohio (gas or electric) have the filter in one of two spots:

  • The Slot: Look for a narrow 1-inch to 4-inch slot where the large return air duct meets the main furnace unit.

  • The Grille: In some homes, the filter is located behind the large intake grille on your wall or ceiling.

3. Identify the Size and "Airflow"

Slide the old filter out.

  • Size: Look at the frame for numbers like 16x25x1. You must buy the exact same size.

  • The Arrow: Notice the Airflow Arrow printed on the side. It always points TOWARD the furnace and AWAY from the ductwork.

    Tip: Use a Sharpie to draw an arrow on the furnace itself so you never forget which way the air flows!

4. Choose for Efficiency & Savings

For the best balance of cost-savings and protection, look at the MERV Rating:

  • MERV 8: The "Sweet Spot." It captures dust and pollen without straining the motor.

  • MERV 11–13: Better for allergies but slightly more expensive.

  • Avoid MERV 1–4: These are cheap fiberglass filters that only stop "boulders." They don't protect the furnace's efficiency well.

5. Install and Restart

  1. Slide it in: Ensure the arrow on your new filter points toward the furnace.

  2. Seal it up: Make sure the door or cover is snapped tight. Gaps allow "unfiltered" air to bypass the filter, leading to costly repairs.

  3. Power on: Flip the switch back to ON.

Pro-Tips for Renters

  • The "Monthly Check": In Ohio winters, check the filter every 30 days. If it looks gray or "fuzzy," change it.

  • Date the Filter: Write the installation date on the side of the filter with a marker.

  • Save Your Receipts: Keep a record of when you changed it. If the furnace ever fails, showing you've maintained the filter proves you aren't at fault for the repair.