Turn off the unit and locate the filter. Now what else can you do? But this timeline isn’t one-size fits all. Consider upgrading the type of filter you use to one with a higher MERV rating. Check your filter at least once a month when it’s being used often, and change the filter at least every 3 months. Change your A/C Filter Often. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. 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. How to Change the Air Filter in Your Home. If you live in a multifamily apartment or condo unit, the filter may be located in an in-wall return air grill. Air Conditioning Specialist. Understanding all of the variables involved will help you make a good choice. ... How to Change Your Air Conditioner Filter. Here is how to replace an air conditioner filter in a home air-conditioning unit. Once this step is completed, you will need to target the location of your filter (s) and replace or clean the latter (s). The average air filter should be changed every 90 days. 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. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. How Often to Change Air Filters will vary based on the type of filter you have. Step 1 Check basement for unit Locate Rheem air handler unit. Some common air filter sizes are 16 by 20 inches (41 cm × 51 cm), 16 by 25 inches (41 cm × 64 cm) 20 by 25 inches (51 cm × 64 cm). Typically, 1” disposable filters should be replaced every 1 to 3 months. Air conditioner failure. Victor Belavus. Air filters are cheap and easy to replace by yourself. Support wikiHow by How to Change Your Air Filter. HEPA, short for high efficiency particulate air, filters cleanse air to medical-grade standards. Air filters are the first line of defense against pollutants in your home. Turn off the unit and locate the filter. If it’s somewhere in between, you can default to the filter manufacturer’s recommendations or use your own judgment based on your own experience. The filter for your AC unit helps keep the air in your home clean. Check your Owner's Manual for instructions on how to care for and replace your filters. You will need these dimensions to purchase a replacement if you don’t have a replacement filter at home already. Unlock this expert answer by supporting wikiHow, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/18/AR2006011800470.html, https://accel.michigangasutilities.com/home/tips/heating_filter.aspx, https://www.familyhandyman.com/heating-cooling/furnace-repair/choosing-furnace-filters/view-all/, https://www.nachi.org/change-hvac-filter.htm, https://www.hvac.com/blog/furnace-filters-101/, https://www.consumerreports.org/home-air-purifiers/how-to-replace-furnace-filters/, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/9-things-you-need-to-know-about-air-conditioning, https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/changing-the-air-filter-in-your-home/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. You might need a humidifier or dehumidifier. Read this article from the experts at Carrier to find out how often to change the air filter in your house. Remove excess dust around the edge of the filter housing with a duster. The steps for replacing your air conditioner filter will depend on the type of AC unit you have in your home. This article has been viewed 43,189 times. How often should you change your air filter in your home? Room air conditioners have a filter mounted in the grill that faces into the room. % of people told us that this article helped them. Then replace it with a new one that is sized to fit the opening, being sure to orient it so the airflow arrow is pointing in toward the ductwork. 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 article has been viewed 43,189 times. But a good air filter keeps your furnace and central air conditioner humming along by protecting the mechanicals from dust and debris. You may want to carry it to the trash in a garbage bag to keep it from shedding dust and dirt on the way. Your filter also stops the particles from creating a blockage inside your HVAC unit. Once the filter is in the slot, check for gaps or any other signs indicating that the filter does not fit correctly. 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. How to Clean or Replace RV Air Conditioner Filter: Most filters are washable. He has over 10 years of experience working with HVAC systems. In addition to HVAC and air conditioning units, Victor also specializes in furnace repair and air duct cleaning. Determine where your filter is by looking at the ductwork. It is important to change out the air conditioner filter regularly to encourage proper airflow and to regulate the temperature of the system. The efficient filters collect more dust, so you will probably have to change them more often. Don't let go of the tissue but watch which direction the air flows. Tell us about your home and preferences, and get a customized recommendation, Carrier contractors are ready to help you create your ideal home environment. If you have a central air conditioning: Shut off your AC system. And, once it becomes a habit, you’ll find that changing an air conditioner filter is an easy, low-cost way to maintain your comfort and hopefully save a little money down the road. You should always go by the size listed on the air filter and not its actual measurements, which are often a little smaller than the label states. References. It's actually a pretty straightforward process, so it might be easier than you think. This guide explains how often to change an air filter in your home. Air filters are a central, but often under-appreciated part of a central HVAC system. Types of Central Air Conditioning Heating and cooling terminology can be confusing because many terms mean different things to … Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If the filter doesn’t come out easily, you can attach a folded tab of duct tape to the side of the new air filter to make an easy-pull handle for next time. Over time, that can cause unnecessary wear and tear on system components. Fine-tune relative humidity indoors, which ideally should be between 30 and 50%. For window air conditioning units, the filter will be found directly behind the place where the cool air comes out. How to Install an AC Filter. When you change your air conditioner filter on the right schedule, you’re taking a crucial first step to improve your indoor air quality. Window air filters only need to be replaced about once a year, but they should be cleaned monthly, depending on how often you use the air conditioner. Carefully slide the new or cleaned filter back into its housing with the airflow arrows pointing in the correct direction. 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. 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. If you would like help with your air conditioner maintenance, you can always schedule an appointment. Air filters keep your air conditioner running at peak efficiency by preventing dust from blocking vents. Properly secure the cabinet or panel cover, then restore power to the system and turn it on. 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. Clean, quality air conditioner filters are important to limiting how much dirt and dust go through your home from your unit. Replace your filters at least every few months, and possibly more often if you have pets or kids. It will have the same result, as if there are no air conditioning filters. 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. If your filter is in an area where you’re not comfortable reaching it yourself, call Central Carolina Air Conditioning. When it’s time to inspect your filter, always be sure to turn off power to the system. I use the mesh 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. By using our site, you agree to our. The location of the filter slot can vary from one unit to the next, but it should look like a long, thin opening with a removable cover. 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. To replace your air filter: Have your new filter ready and confirm its correct size. It's important to change the filter regularly, as it collects dust, debris, and hair from pets and humans while pulling in air. Remove the old filter. Check the dimensions on the air filter – this will tell you what size replacement AC filter you need. That’s the first step to improving the air quality in your home, helping your HVAC system run more efficiently and saving money on energy costs.. In a central air conditioner, you’ll find the filter situated along the return duct. It's actually a pretty straightforward process, so it might be easier than you think. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 43,189 times. For advice on how to choose to the right type of air filter for your household, keep reading. Look for a filter cabinet along the sides, top or bottom of the blower cabinet. All air conditioners are designed to work with a certain amount of airflow. If you live in a “smaller home”, your air conditioners and furnaces are required to pump less air for the same amount of temperature change, which could mean fewer filter changes. How Often You Should Be Changing Air Conditioner Filters. As a homeowner, one of the most important things that you can do to maintain your central air conditioning unit is change the air filter. It can restrict air flow, which not only affects your comfort, but can lead to your system’s air handler working harder than normal. 6 May 2020. Many people do not realize that indoor air receives little opportunity for ventilation allowing airborne pathogens and particles to fester. The process starts in the cold air vents as cold air travels through the return air ducts and passes through the furnace filter to start the heating cycle. Some filters will include air flow arrows to ensure proper installation. Use Efficient Filters. It may be difficult to locate on some HVAC systems, but you can usually find the air filter in the return air duct. For example, a basic, 1-inch air filter will most likely need to be replaced more often than a larger 4-inch filter. In some cases, especially on older models, the filter may be found inside the blower cabinet. Central forced air heating and cooling systems rely on filter maintenance to help them run optimally over the long term. Maintaining a clean air filter can keep your energy costs down and reduce the risk of mold or bacteria growing in your air system. 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. Locate the filter inside of the furnace (or air handler for electric systems). If arrows are present, take note of the direction they are pointing so you can properly re-install the old one or install the new one. If you have a central air conditioning: Shut off your AC system. Expert Interview. You don’t want it kicking on while you’re changing out the filter, or taking off panels. Your filter also stops the particles from creating a blockage inside your HVAC unit. The air filter is usually located in the return air duct or blower compartment before the return air reaches the air handler. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Change-a-Home-Air-Filter-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-a-Home-Air-Filter-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Change-a-Home-Air-Filter-Step-1.jpg\/aid9589212-v4-728px-Change-a-Home-Air-Filter-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"