Let’s face it, Santa Clarita summers can be taxing both on your body and your HVAC unit, but ensuring that an air conditioning filter change is part of your routine is one of the most important factors in ensuring the health of you and your air conditioner. That is why you need filters on your RV air conditioners. Now, remove the filter from its housing and inspect it for excessive build-up of dust, dirt and debris. Room air conditioners have a filter mounted in the grill that faces into the room. Don't let go of the tissue but watch which direction the air flows. On the other hand, you might not be able to get all the dust and grit out of the filter. This article has been viewed 43,189 times. It's important to change the filter regularly, as it collects dust, debris, and hair from pets and humans while pulling in air. So select a manufacturer who warranties their equipment, and an installer who will be around to help with any potential problems with the mechanicals and electronics. The air filter in your central air system is a vital part of air conditioning and the first step to cleaning the air inside of your home. This video will show you how to access and change the filter in your furnace and/or central air conditioner. If you are replacing or changing air conditioner filters, be sure to either measure the old filter or take note of its dimensions if printed on the casing before you throw the old one away. You can also take the old filter itself to the store, but make sure you leave your unit turned off while the filter is removed. You might need a humidifier or dehumidifier. Sometimes when you pull out the filter, it’s painfully obvious whether it’s time to clean or replace: if caked on dirt and dust are falling off the surface, it’s probably restricting air flow and you’ll want to take action. Step 2 Locate and remove screws. Clean air filters prevent clogging the fins on the coils and promotes more energy efficient usage. The air handler unit will probably be in the basement, garage or some lower level room of the house. Look for a filter cabinet along the sides, top or bottom of the blower cabinet. Additional factors that can affect the timeline of how often you change your filter regularly include: As filter inspections become a part of your routine, you might want to purchase replacement filters in advance and have a clean filter available in case an inspection indicates it’s time for a change. If you don't have an old filter or if you removed the old filter, and don't remember which direction the old was, do an air test. If you have a thicker, high-efficiency filter, you should change it once every 6 to 12 months. But this timeline isn’t one-size fits all. You should also look for the arrow marking on the outside of the filter and make a note of which way it’s pointing so you will know which way to install the new one. It can be easy to forget this small HVAC maintenance aspect, especially if you don’t know how often to change it. Ultimately, the decision on how often to check, clean or replace your HVAC system’s air filter is up to you. Locate your air filter. How Often You Should Be Changing Air Conditioner Filters. This should be performed every two weeks. On the contrary, air filters are vital components to any HVAC or central air system that ensure your home’s air conditioner runs smoothly … In more extreme cases a clogged filter can lead to the system turning on and off many times in rapid succession (short cycling) or even shut down completely. And, they need attention as well. We should also re-emphasize how important a regular AC air filter replacement is to keeping your air conditioner functioning properly for it’s maxim lifespan. Here is how to replace an air conditioner filter in a home air-conditioning unit. Victor Belavus. However, the smaller the appliance used to cool the small space often come with smaller filters, therefore you may need to change the filter as often as a filter in a larger home. When it’s time to inspect your filter, always be sure to turn off power to the system. Now that you’ve found your AC’s filter, follow these basic steps to replace it: Make sure you have the correct size replacement filter. The next step can be trickier — finding the air filter. Last Updated: July 7, 2020 Many filters, whether disposable or re-usable can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner nozzle attachment, being careful not to tear the filter material. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 43,189 times. With a dirty filter, your air conditioner will not function as efficiently and will use more energy, so it is important to change the filter every so often. When changing it, put the new filter in the same way the old filter was. The efficient filters collect more dust, so you will probably have to change them more often. Cleaning the air filter. Replace the filter in the ceiling. Step 1 Check basement for unit Locate Rheem air handler unit. This allows the filter to clean the air coming from your house before it enters the HVAC unit. We strongly suggest that you turn off the power to your system before proceeding with any work. Central air conditioning is an alternative to room air conditioners, such as window units or ductless mini-splits, which cool only the area directly around them. Change Your Air Filter for System Maintenance. Some filters will include air flow arrows to ensure proper installation. If you would like help with your air conditioner maintenance, you can always schedule an appointment. Carefully slide the new or cleaned filter back into its housing with the airflow arrows pointing in the correct direction. These filters block a lot of harmful elements flying through the air. The air filter is usually located in the return air duct or blower compartment before the return air reaches the air handler. For the typical homeowner, changing air conditioner filters is one of the easiest HVAC system maintenance tasks you can perform. It is important to change out the air conditioner filter regularly to encourage proper airflow and to regulate the temperature of the system. If your filter is in an area where you’re not comfortable reaching it yourself, call Central Carolina Air Conditioning. Check your filter at least once a month when it’s being used often, and change the filter at least every 3 months. How often you change your air conditioner’s filter depends on the type of filter you are using and environmental factors specific to your household. To replace your air filter: Have your new filter ready and confirm its correct size. It will have the same result, as if there are no air conditioning filters. With the front panel open, unclick the Air Filter and remove. The filter shown above is primarily for dust, and it’s a pleated air filter which is quite common. All central heating and cooling systems should have an air filter, but the filter can be harder to locate on some HVAC units than others. For example, a basic, 1-inch air filter will most likely need to be replaced more often than a larger 4-inch filter. In addition to HVAC and air conditioning units, Victor also specializes in furnace repair and air duct cleaning. In some cases, especially on older models, the filter may be found inside the blower cabinet. Once the filter is in the slot, check for gaps or any other signs indicating that the filter does not fit correctly. If you’ve taken good care of your air conditioner’s filter, you might not see a visible change in the filter when cleaning it. + Check the air filter monthly and replace it when necessary. Huge energy bills. You need a good filter if you want to stay healthy inside your RV. Air filters are cheap and easy to replace by yourself. When the blower of the furnace/air conditioner is running, open the little metal door (slot where the filter goes), and hold a tissue near the opening. The outside air is not always as pure as it could be. A new central air conditioner should be expected to last about 20 years. Over time, that can cause unnecessary wear and tear on system components. Open the return cover and remove the old filter. Locate the air filter. All air conditioners are designed to work with a certain amount of airflow. % of people told us that this article helped them. Maintaining a clean furnace filter not only helps keep your furnace’s interior components clean and in good operating order, but also contributes to improved air quality by reducing the amount of allergens and harmful particles in the air. Maintaining a clean air filter can keep your energy costs down and reduce the risk of mold or bacteria growing in your air system. The air filter is usually located in the return air duct or blower compartment before the return air reaches the air handler. Locate the filter inside of the furnace (or air handler for electric systems). ANSWER: THE ARROWS ON ANY AIR FILTER NEED TO POINT IN THE SAME DIRECTION THE AIR IS FLOWING. This article was co-authored by Victor Belavus. How to Change Your Air Filter. Now what else can you do? For window air conditioning units, the filter will be found directly behind the place where the cool air comes out. As the cold air moves through the system, hot air return begins at the furnace, travels through the heat exchanger and then out through the vents into the home. As a part of your heating and air conditioning system, the air filter plays two main roles: A dirty filter can cause a number of issues with your system. To avoid these issues, be sure to inspect, clean or replace your AC filter regularly as a part of your air conditioner maintenance routine. Air conditioner failure. Check the dimensions on the air filter – this will tell you what size replacement AC filter you need. How Often to Change Air Filters will vary based on the type of filter you have. Here are a few tips: Turn your HVAC unit off before doing any maintenance. This article has been viewed 43,189 times. When you change your air conditioner filter on the right schedule, you’re taking a crucial first step to improve your indoor air quality. The exact location of the filter can vary depending on the indoor HVAC unit and type of system. Clean, quality air conditioner filters are important to limiting how much dirt and dust go through your home from your unit. Allow to dry and place aside. There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Learn how to choose and maintain your HVAC system. Learn about our energy efficient innovations that can help you save on your heating & cooling energy expenses, while ensuring your home is comfortable. Support wikiHow by You don’t want it kicking on while you’re changing out the filter, or taking off panels. For example, a basic, 1-inch air filter will most likely need to be replaced more often than a larger 4-inch filter. Find an Air Conditioner Maintenance Professional Near You. Air filters with very high MERV ratings are typically used in industries that require carefully controlled environments like hospitals, laboratories, and manufacturing facilities. Step 3: Choose Your Filter. All central heating and cooling systems should have an air filter, but the filter can be harder to locate on some HVAC units than others. If it’s only lightly covered, or you can still see light through the filter material, you may want to clean the filter and then check again in another month. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. When it comes to changing your central heating and air conditioner’s filter you may be wondering how often should I change my air filter? Avoid making embarrassing mistakes on Zoom! And, it’s an important facet of routine heating and cooling system maintenance because a clean filter can help keep your system running efficiently and reliably for years. This is an important step in how to change air conditioner filters, if you put the wrong air filters. And, don’t forget about your furnace if its filters are separate from your air conditioner: Fall Furnace Maintenance: How to Change Your Air Filter. ... 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