How To Change Central Air Conditioner Filter

how to change an ac filter

Why modify your AC filter?

The air filter's job is to keep dust and droppings out of your HVAC equipment. You'd be amazed how much builds up on in that location in a very short fourth dimension.

Recently, AC filters have gotten a lot of attending due to the pandemic. With the uncertainty about airborne transmission of the virus, some experts are recommending the use of higher-efficiency filters to trap virus particles.

If that'south why you lot're looking to change your AC filter, read this first. And, larn about the most effective HVAC strategies for COVID from our helpful guide:

guide to HVAC strategies for COVID

In this article, we'll cover more than reasons why air conditioner filter replacement is and then important, and how to take care of information technology safely.

When your Air-conditioning filter gets clogged, dust and dirt first getting into the air conditioner itself, causing wear and tear on the parts. You probably know what that means: the more than article of clothing and tear on the parts, the sooner they wear out and you're dealing with a breakdown. The clogged filter too prevents enough air from flowing through the system to keep it working properly.

Sentinel this quick video to learn what happens when you don't modify the Air conditioning filter:

It's helpful to know when to change your air conditioner filter. Co-ordinate to ENERGY STAR, you should bank check and change the AC filter every month during superlative season. That's probably more oftentimes than you lot want to call your trusty HVAC service guy. We love to see you, of form, but this is a task that you can probably handle on your own if you choose to do so. It'southward helpful if you know how to change the AC filter yourself.

How to change an Air-conditioning filter

Follow these easy steps to change the Air conditioning unit filter and continue your system running reliably.

How to alter the AC filter: LOCATE THE FILTER

AC air filter replacement is a quick and like shooting fish in a barrel job. Earlier you tin do it, though, you need to know where the AC filter is located. That can exist the tricky function, because there are several places it could be.

In some systems, the filters are located in the return air duct. This is the 1 that pulls air from your space back into the air conditioner'southward air handler arrangement. If y'all have a large arrangement with multiple air handlers and return ducts, finding the filters can be a challenge.

If both your heating and air-conditioning systems share the same ducts, it'due south besides possible that the air filter for both systems is located in or near the blower system for the furnace. If and then, it's usually in the forepart of the furnace virtually the bottom. Yous may be able to run across and admission the filter without opening anything, or you might have to open a metal panel (marked FILTER) on the forepart or the top of the blower. The panel may be fastened with hooks or screws.

Your best bet is to ask your HVAC service tech. But permit him know that y'all desire to learn how to modify the Air conditioning filter, and he'll be able to show yous where the filter is located, how to remove the former one and insert the new one, and how to get the right filters for your system.

How to change the Air-conditioning filter: USE THE Right REPLACEMENT FILTER

The other potentially catchy part is making sure you use the right filters. The filter size is usually printed on the side of the filter. When in doubt, the easiest solution is to ask your HVAC tech to get you lot a supply of the right filters, or evidence you the size data on the filter and so you can order them yourself.

Also, keep in mind that y'all might want filters that do more but keep dust out of your air conditioner. If yous want to amend air quality in your infinite by removing pollen, mold and other harmful contaminants, y'all need to invest in HEPA filters with a MERV rating of ten or higher.

Important: Consult with an HVAC expert before purchasing college efficiency filters for your system! In some cases, the decreased air flow can lead to a decline in performance, and even repair bug. Also, your arrangement might not be able to accommodate the size of the filter.

Related article: Alleviate Leap Allergies: Air Filters and MERV Filter Ratings.

How to alter the AC filter: STEPS TO REPLACE

FIRST OF ALL: If there's whatever chance coronavirus particles might be nowadays inside your space, they could cease upwardly trapped in your Air-conditioning filter. So when irresolute the filter, wear a mask and gloves.

one. TURN OFF THE Power. This is important for two reasons. Offset, there'due south your safe. Don't take chances touching live voltage! The 2d reason is the safety of your equipment. If the unit is still running while you lot're removing the chock-full filter, dust and debris can get sucked into the unit. It's important that you lot switch off ability at the unit itself, and also at the circuit breaker.

2. Remove the old filter. Merely slide it out of the slot that holds information technology in place.

3. Cheque the condition. Once you've taken out the AC filter, check the condition. Does it look clogged with clay and grit? If you hold it up to the light, you probably can't come across much low-cal coming through. This filter needs to be replaced or cleaned, depending on the type of filter you are using. Even if it's been in apply less than the time recommended by the manufacturer, replace information technology anyhow. Many factors tin can impact how fast your filters get clogged. If you're in New York Urban center, the smog alone can shorten the life of an air filter.

four. Dispose of the old filters safely. In example there may exist contaminants on the filter, place it inside a plastic bag and throw it away in a trash receptacle outside your space.

5. Clean the filter (or clean a reusable ane). Are you lot using disposable filters or reusable ones? A disposable filter typically has a cardboard frame and a paper or fiber mesh surface. A permanent, reusable filter is made of a more sturdy fabric with a metal frame and a special coating to go far washable. If you're cleaning a reusable 1, cheque the manufacturer'due south instructions for washing. You'll probably just need to rinse with water and let dry completely. Or in some cases, you tin can just vacuum away the dust.

vi. Insert the new or cleaned filter. Now yous but demand to put information technology back in the right way. An arrow on the filter's frame shows y'all the direction that air should flow through the filter, which is e'er abroad from the return air duct and toward the air handler mechanism. When you insert the filter back in the housing, make sure that arrow points away from the render and toward the air handler.

See, wasn't that easy? Now that you lot know how to change an Air conditioning filter, set a reminder for yourself and so you call up to do information technology every month. And, don't forget most your furnace if its filters are separate from your air conditioner: Fall Furnace Maintenance: How to Change Your Air Filter.

Footstep up your HVAC maintenance

If, by whatsoever run a risk y'all don't have a regular HVAC service tech to enquire about how to change an Air-conditioning filter, it's probable that you've been neglecting other important maintenance tasks besides irresolute AC filters. Regular maintenance keeps your equipment in top working condition so the parts last longer and work more efficiently. That means the system uses less electricity, needs fewer costly repairs, and has an extended life span.

The all-time way to get the most from your HVAC equipment is to go a preventative maintenance understanding. It'due south a relatively small investment that pays off in lower operating costs and more than reliable comfort. Plus, you tin can get an agreement that'southward customized to your specific needs, your equipment, and your budget. If you're in the NYC metro area, let's talk.

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