Healthy Home Tips: Keep Filters Clean
Dear Yachad Homeowner,

Keeping pollen, dirt, and dust under control is part of keeping a healthy home. Dust and pollen floating in the air can cause itchy eyes, stuffy noses, and sneezing. It can also make asthma and allergy symptoms worse. 

One simple step you can take is to to clean your air filters.
Air conditioners not only move cool air but also filter the air with the fan. Central air conditioning (usually attached to your furnace) has a filter that needs to be checked and changed regularly.

The forced air furnace/central air-conditioning and vents are like the lungs of your house. If the air filter is dirty, the furnace has to work much harder to get air to you. The air coming out of your vents will be dirty as well. A dirty or clogged filter will also reduce the life of your furnace.

Window air conditioners also have filters that need cleaning. Air purifiers may have filters that need cleaning too.

Replacing or cleaning filters is easy to do. We have some great resources to help you find and change whatever filter you have. Need help? Call us, and we can talk you through it. You’ll be surprised at how much dust and pollen your filters catch. What is caught in the filter stays out of your home.
Robin Renner's signature
Robin Renner
Construction Director
How-to Change a Furnace Filter

Learn the basics of how-to locate and change your furnace filter.
Check out our guide to understanding different filters and ratings: Filter Choices & Ratings.
Tips for Furnace Filters
  • Change every 30-90 days, depending on the level of dust and pollen in your home and the type of filter you have. If the filter looks dirty, change it.

  • First turn “off” the furnace: Turn the thermostat up or down depending on the season so the air won't come on (you are not really turning it off).

  • Locate your filter: It is usually inside your furnace but sometimes located on the side. You may need to take the front cover off the furnace or look for a filter door on the side. 

  • Get the right replacement: choose the SAME SIZE. The filter size is written on the filter.

  • Find the arrow: Place the filter with the arrow pointing toward the furnace, in the direction of airflow.

  • Mark the date on the filter, so you know when you changed it. And mark your calendar 30 days in advance to remind you when to check or change the filter again. 

  • Cheap filters need to be changed more often, so you’re not saving by buying a cheap filter.
Tips for Window AC Air Filters

  1. Turn off the AC and unplug the unit.
  2. Remove the front cover. The filter is usually behind the front cover.
  3. Remove the filter and shake outside to dislodge as much dust and dirt as possible.
  4. Rinse the filter lightly with soapy water, then rinse with clear water until clean.
  5. Air-dry the filter thoroughly before replacing it in the unit.
  6. Clean the front cover as needed.
  7. Replace the filter, lining up the notches on the filter frame with the spaces inside the filter compartment.
  8. Replace the cover and restore power to the unit.
Homeowner Resources 24/7

Access our homeowner resources on our website . Go to the "What's New" tab. Bookmark our site and use as a reference.
Got a home repair question? Send it to us.
text: 202-709-9026 or email .
Contact Lisa Hershey, Community Outreach Director, with any questions: lisa@yachad-dc.org .
202-296-8563 | www.yachad-dc.org