There is a quick and easy way to keep your air conditioner running efficiently, allergies at bay, and cooling costs down. Changing air filters regularly is one of the most important things you can do to keep your air conditioner or furnace working at its best.
How often should you change your filters?
There are many factors that determine how often filters need to be replaced since each home is different.
First of all, how often do you use your air conditioner? If you use the system less then filter changes can be less frequent. In general, filters will need to be replaced more often in the summer than the winter due to increased air particles. The filter is the home’s single most important defense tool against allergens, pollutants and other airborne particles. Replacing the filter regularly is not only the key to cleaner indoor air, but it is one of the most important things you can do to extend the life of your HVAC system. There are several different grades of furnace filters available on the market and each one lists approximately how long it should be used before needing replaced. It’s important to note that this is an approximate. For most, every three months is the recommended replacement, but; if you have a lot of pets, you may need to replace your filter as often as every month.
How to Remove and Change Your A/C Filter:
Tools and Materials
New filter
Screwdrivers
Vacuum cleaner
Garbage bag
Step 1: Turn the Thermostat Off You don’t want to worry about the furnace kicking on while you are removing or inserting the filter, so in order to avoid this problem, make sure you turn the thermostat off before you begin. If you live in a household with others, you should turn the power off to the furnace as well as someone may turn the thermostat back on unaware that you are working on it.
Step 2: Locate the Filter
Depending on the make and model of your HVAC system, your filter may or may not be accessible with the air-intake grill removed. Check the manufacturer’s manual that was supplied with the unit to find the exact placement. If you no longer have the manual, you can remove the front air-intake grill to see if you can access the filter that way, or look for an access hatch on the return air duct side of the blower motor.
Step 3: Remove the Furnace Filter
Once you have the furnace filter exposed, simply slide it out. Depending on the model of furnace, the filter may sit on a track or it may be held in place with a spring-loaded metal bar. As you pull it out, pay close attention to which direction the arrows on the side of the filter are pointing.Carefully place the old filter into a large garbage bag and seal it to prevent the collected dust and dirt from becoming airborne.
Step 4: Vacuum the Filter Area
Vacuum the area where the filter is installed and the surrounding area as well using the attachment wand on the vacuum. Be very careful when vacuuming so you do not dislodge anything or disconnect any wires.Step 5: Install the New Furnace FilterLook for the pre-printed arrows on the side of the filter. Slide the new filter into position with the arrows pointing in the same direction as they were on the old filter. Reinstall the grill or the access door, turn the power and thermostat back on (if it’s cold outside) and your job is finished.