How To Change Central Air Filter

how to change an ac filter

Why change your Ac filter?

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

Recently, AC filters accept gotten a lot of attention due to the pandemic. With the uncertainty virtually airborne transmission of the virus, some experts are recommending the apply of college-efficiency filters to trap virus particles.

If that's why you're looking to change your Ac filter, read this kickoff. And, learn about the most constructive HVAC strategies for COVID from our helpful guide:

guide to HVAC strategies for COVID

In this commodity, nosotros'll cover more than reasons why air conditioner filter replacement is and then important, and how to take intendance of it safely.

When your AC filter gets clogged, dust and dirt start getting into the air conditioner itself, causing vesture and tear on the parts. Yous probably know what that means: the more than wear and tear on the parts, the sooner they wear out and you're dealing with a breakdown. The clogged filter also prevents enough air from flowing through the system to keep it working properly.

Sentinel this quick video to larn what happens when y'all don't modify the AC filter:

It's helpful to know when to change your air conditioner filter. According to ENERGY STAR, you should cheque and change the AC filter every month during peak season. That's probably more than often than you want to call your trusty HVAC service guy. We dear to see you, of form, simply this is a job that you tin can probably handle on your own if you lot choose to practice so. It's helpful if you lot know how to change the AC filter yourself.

How to change an Air-conditioning filter

Follow these easy steps to modify the AC unit of measurement filter and keep your system running reliably.

How to alter the AC filter: LOCATE THE FILTER

Air-conditioning air filter replacement is a quick and easy task. Before yous can do it, though, you need to know where the AC filter is located. That can be the tricky part, because there are several places it could be.

In some systems, the filters are located in the return air duct. This is the one that pulls air from your space back into the air conditioner's air handler organisation. If you lot have a large organisation with multiple air handlers and return ducts, finding the filters can exist a challenge.

If both your heating and air conditioning systems share the same ducts, it'south besides possible that the air filter for both systems is located in or near the blower system for the furnace. If so, information technology's unremarkably in the front of the furnace near the bottom. You may be able to see and access the filter without opening anything, or you might have to open a metallic console (marked FILTER) on the front or the top of the blower. The panel may be attached with hooks or screws.

Your best bet is to ask your HVAC service tech. Merely allow him know that you want to learn how to modify the AC filter, and he'll be able to show you where the filter is located, how to remove the erstwhile 1 and insert the new one, and how to get the right filters for your system.

How to change the AC filter: USE THE Correct REPLACEMENT FILTER

The other potentially catchy part is making certain you use the right filters. The filter size is usually printed on the side of the filter. When in uncertainty, the easiest solution is to ask your HVAC tech to become you lot a supply of the right filters, or bear witness you the size information on the filter so you lot can order them yourself.

Besides, keep in mind that you lot might desire filters that practice more than just continue grit out of your air conditioner. If you desire to improve air quality in your space by removing pollen, mold and other harmful contaminants, you demand to invest in HEPA filters with a MERV rating of ten or higher.

Important: Consult with an HVAC expert earlier purchasing higher efficiency filters for your system! In some cases, the decreased air flow can atomic number 82 to a decline in performance, and fifty-fifty repair problems. Also, your organization might not exist able to accommodate the size of the filter.

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

How to alter the AC filter: STEPS TO REPLACE

FIRST OF ALL: If there's any chance coronavirus particles might be present within your space, they could cease up trapped in your AC filter. So when changing the filter, wear a mask and gloves.

1. Plow OFF THE POWER. This is of import for two reasons. First, at that place's your safe. Don't risk touching live voltage! The second reason is the safety of your equipment. If the unit is still running while you're removing the chock-full filter, grit and debris can get sucked into the unit. It's important that you switch off power at the unit itself, and also at the circuit breaker.

ii. Remove the old filter. Only slide it out of the slot that holds it in identify.

3. Check the condition. Once yous've taken out the AC filter, check the status. Does it expect clogged with clay and dust? If you hold it upwardly to the calorie-free, you lot probably tin can't see much calorie-free 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 use less than the time recommended past the manufacturer, replace it anyway. Many factors can impact how fast your filters get clogged. If you're in New York City, the smog solitary tin can shorten the life of an air filter.

4. Dispose of the old filters safely. In case there may be contaminants on the filter, place information technology inside a plastic bag and throw it away in a trash receptacle outside your space.

5. Clean the filter (or clean a reusable one). Are you using dispensable filters or reusable ones? A dispensable filter typically has a cardboard frame and a paper or fiber mesh surface. A permanent, reusable filter is fabricated of a more sturdy material with a metallic frame and a special coating to brand it washable. If you lot're cleaning a reusable one, check the manufacturer'southward instructions for washing. You'll probably just need to rinse with water and let dry completely. Or in some cases, y'all can just vacuum away the dust.

6. Insert the new or cleaned filter. Now you just need to put it back in the right way. An arrow on the filter's frame shows you the direction that air should flow through the filter, which is ever away from the render 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 return and toward the air handler.

Meet, wasn't that easy? Now that you lot know how to modify an Ac filter, set a reminder for yourself and then you remember to do information technology every month. And, don't forget about your furnace if its filters are split up from your air conditioner: Autumn Furnace Maintenance: How to Change Your Air Filter.

Pace upward your HVAC maintenance

If, by any hazard you don't have a regular HVAC service tech to ask about how to change an AC filter, it's likely that you've been neglecting other important maintenance tasks besides irresolute AC filters. Regular maintenance keeps your equipment in top working condition then the parts last longer and piece of work more efficiently. That means the organisation uses less electricity, needs fewer costly repairs, and has an extended life span.

The best way to get the near from your HVAC equipment is to get a preventative maintenance agreement. It's a relatively small investment that pays off in lower operating costs and more reliable comfort. Plus, you can get an agreement that's 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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