How to Change an AC Filter: Custom Air Systems
If there was just one simple thing that you could do to benefit yourself and your health in your home, would you do it? You might be surprised to learn that the majority of people neglect their AC filter and it shows. Custom Air Systems cares about you and your AC’s health, so we are sharing with you some tips on how to change an AC filter, and hopefully help you understand why it is so important to do so.
STEP ONE:
Locate the air filter. This one may seem obvious, however, it is not always the same case. Depending on your specific home and set up, there are a number of locations to look for the air filter. Commonly, you will find a filter located in the return air duct. This is the area that pulls air into the system via an external vent or opening that will be accessible to you from inside.
It is possible that, if you are using a larger system, you will have multiple air filters to locate. If you are using a system with combined heating and cooling ducts, it is normal to find the filter near the blower. If you have any trouble locating your AC filter be sure to ask a trusted HVAC technician for help. They can provide you with more detailed information about your specific system.
STEP TWO:
Before removing the old AC filter, be sure and turn off power to the AC. If you allow the AC to pull in amounts of dust and debris when changing the air filter, it will only aid in deteriorating the machine. Also, check the size of the air filter you plan on using and make sure it is an appropriate fit for your AC.
STEP THREE:
Open up the vent or area where the filter is housed, you may have to slide open locking slots, or have a screwdriver handy to get into the vent if needed. Now that you have access to the filter and the AC is not pulling in air, it is now safe to remove the old filter from the holding spot.
STEP FOUR:
All that is left now is to either clean your filter and put it back in its place or replace the filter if you are using disposable ones. Make sure the arrows on the filter are pointing inwards towards the AC and away from the return vent. Again, check to make sure the filter is the right size, is not bent or damaged, and does not allow any dust to slip past it.
Congratulations!
That’s it, you are all done! A fifteen-minute task to improve your health that most people just neglect all too often. Now that you know how simple and easy it is to do, make sure you stick to it! Plan to do it the same day every month so you don’t forget, and it never hurts to check regularly just in case. A lot of factors can contribute to how fast the AC filter builds up dust and dirt, but the general consensus is to clean it out every 30 days or so.
Any questions, comments, or concerns? Reach out to us at Custom Air Systems for all things AC related!
