A ceiling vent filter traps dust and other airborne particles before they can enter a building's ventilation duct work. Heating and cooling systems circulate the air in a building by drawing air through a vent and pumping warm or cool air through duct work installed throughout the building. Over time, the filter accumulates so much dust that air cannot pass easily through the filter material. This reduces the effectiveness of the filter and makes the furnace or air conditioner work harder to draw air through the system. Changing the filter takes only a few minutes.
Instructions
1. Turn off the furnace or air conditioner to stop the blower.
2. Position a ladder below the ceiling vent. Ask a friend to hold the ladder steady, if necessary, while you climb up to the vent with a screwdriver.
3. Twist the screws in the corners of the vent cover counterclockwise to loosen then lower the cover, which is typically secured by hinges on the other side. The filter fits into the recessed frame above the vent cover.
4. Pull out the old filter, which is usually square or rectangular in shape. If you need to buy a replacement, note the measurements printed on the side of the old filter.
