Simple window AC units typically use filters with a MERV of 1-4, while residential central air conditioners usually use filters with a MERV of 5-12. 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. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. This article has been viewed 43,189 times. Carefully slide the new or cleaned filter back into its housing with the airflow arrows pointing in the correct direction. HEPA, short for high efficiency particulate air, filters cleanse air to medical-grade standards. Avoid making embarrassing mistakes on Zoom! Make sure your system is turned off before you do anything! How often should you change your air filter in your home? For advice on how to choose to the right type of air filter for your household, keep reading. 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. It is common for indoor air quality to be less than what is available outdoors. When it’s time to inspect your filter, always be sure to turn off power to the system. When changing it, put the new filter in the same way the old filter was. It is important to change out the air conditioner filter regularly to encourage proper airflow and to regulate the temperature of the system. For example, a basic, 1-inch air filter will most likely need to be replaced more often than a larger 4-inch filter. 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. 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. Some types of filters are reusable; others must be replaced. Should You Put a HEPA Filter on a House Air Conditioner?. For advice on how to choose to the right type of air filter for your household, keep reading. The filter shown above is primarily for dust, and it’s a pleated air filter which is quite common. Allow to dry and place aside. But this timeline isn’t one-size fits all. And, they need attention as well. Huge energy bills. They don’t just filter out bits of pollen and dust that would otherwise circulate through the home and lower indoor air quality. Most single-home residential systems include either a vertical or horizontal indoor air handler unit (furnace or fan coil), typically in a basement, furnace/utility closet, garage or sometimes an attic. Then, slide the old filter out of its slot, but be careful since it may be coverd in dust or dirt. Many people do not realize that indoor air receives little opportunity for ventilation allowing airborne pathogens and particles to fester. One of the quickest and easiest ways to keep your unit running at peak efficiency is to regularly change your filter. The steps for replacing your air conditioner filter will depend on the type of AC unit you have in your home. Here are a few tips: Turn your HVAC unit off before doing any maintenance. There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. It can restrict air flow, which not only affects your comfort, but can lead to your system’s air handler working harder than normal. With the front panel open, unclick the Air Filter and remove. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? 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? But a good air filter keeps your furnace and central air conditioner humming along by protecting the mechanicals from dust and debris. But there are higher grades for particular allergens as well. The exact location of the filter can vary depending on the indoor HVAC unit and type of system. The old filter can be thrown in the trash. 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. Maintaining a clean air filter can keep your energy costs down and reduce the risk of mold or bacteria growing in your air system. In some cases, especially on older models, the filter may be found inside the blower cabinet. 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. The paper cross work should be on the side furthest from the furnace unit. Air filters are cheap and easy to replace by yourself. He has over 10 years of experience working with HVAC systems. 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.. 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. 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. This is a very easy do it yourself job. Here are a few tips: Turn your HVAC unit off before doing any maintenance. How Often to Change Air Filters will vary based on the type of filter you have. 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. The most popular ductless mini splits offer both heating and cooling. Light dust can be removed with low power vacuuming, or wash in lukewarm water for heavier dirt. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 43,189 times. Understanding all of the variables involved will help you make a good choice. References. This article has been viewed 43,189 times. It’s important to replace the air filter on your central heating/cooling system every one to three months to keep the system operating efficiently. 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. Step up your HVAC maintenance If, by any chance 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 changing AC filters. Support wikiHow by If you do, you can help keep your system running smoothly and efficiently, and hopefully avoid an unnecessary service call from your local HVAC technician. To change or clean the air filter in the central air system, first ensure that the system is off. You may want to carry it to the trash in a garbage bag to keep it from shedding dust and dirt on the way. 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 filter for your AC unit helps keep the air in your home clean. How to Change Your Air Filter. It will have the same result, as if there are no air conditioning filters. It's actually a pretty straightforward process, so it might be easier than you think. ... How to Change Your Air Conditioner Filter. Learn about our energy efficient innovations that can help you save on your heating & cooling energy expenses, while ensuring your home is comfortable. 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. Now, remove the filter from its housing and inspect it for excessive build-up of dust, dirt and debris. For any air filter, whether it be for an air conditioner or a furnace, the ARROWS ALWAYS POINT IN THE DIRECTION OF AIR FLOW. If you have a central air conditioning: Shut off your AC system. Check your Owner's Manual for instructions on how to care for and replace your filters. Central forced air heating and cooling systems rely on filter maintenance to help them run optimally over the long term. Replace your filters at least every few months, and possibly more often if you have pets or kids. Once the filter is in the slot, check for gaps or any other signs indicating that the filter does not fit correctly. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. The next step can be trickier — finding the air filter. 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. Many filters, whether disposable or re-usable can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner nozzle attachment, being careful not to tear the filter material. Air filters keep your air conditioner running at peak efficiency by preventing dust from blocking vents. You don’t want it kicking on while you’re changing out the filter, or taking off panels. Finding where your filter is on your furnace or air conditioner shouldn’t be too hard. Fine-tune relative humidity indoors, which ideally should be between 30 and 50%. Look for a filter cabinet along the sides, top or bottom of the blower cabinet. 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. When it’s time to inspect your filter, always be sure to turn off power to the system. How to Replace Air Conditioner Filters Locate and Open Air Filter Cabinet. I'll show you where it is located and how easy it is to change. The air should be flowing toward the furnace unit. Your system continues to operate normally. But, ductless systems use air filters, too. A new central air conditioner should be expected to last about 20 years. Bravo for wanting to change your air filter! For example, a basic, 1-inch air filter will most likely need to be replaced more often than a larger 4-inch filter. Step 1 Check basement for unit Locate Rheem air handler unit. 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. 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. Once you have ensured that power is shut off and located the filter, take a moment to determine the direction air flows through the system. 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. There are different types of filters for the air handler unit. You will need these dimensions to purchase a replacement if you don’t have a replacement filter at home already. Locate the air filter. If you have a central air conditioning: Shut off your AC system. 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. Step 2 Locate and remove screws. 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. Your central air conditioning filter is an ... you can wait up to six months to change the filter. Common filter locations are in walls, ceilings, furnaces, or in the air conditioner itself. Change your A/C Filter Often. Clean air filters prevent clogging the fins on the coils and promotes more energy efficient usage. Here are some simple central AC filter tips that you can use to keep you and your HVAC system running smoothly for many summers to come. Look in the side of the filter––it should be marked with an arrow showing air flow. Determine where your filter is by looking at the ductwork. How to Change the Air Filter in Your Home. The central air conditioner is connected to a furnace and ventilation ducts which distribute the air in each room. Locate the air filter. The outside air is not always as pure as it could be. He has over 10 years of experience working with HVAC systems. 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. For the typical homeowner, changing air conditioner filters is one of the easiest HVAC system maintenance tasks you can perform. It’s important to replace the air filter on your central heating/cooling system every one to three months to keep the system operating efficiently. Find an Air Conditioner Maintenance Professional Near You. Your filter also stops the particles from creating a blockage inside your HVAC unit. Properly secure the cabinet or panel cover, then restore power to the system and turn it on. Turn off the unit and locate the filter. Use Efficient Filters. Every home and air conditioner filter is different, so how often you are recommended to change the filter usually varies between every 3-6 months. + Check the air filter monthly and replace it when necessary. This article was co-authored by Victor Belavus. Your air conditioner filter collects irritants and allergens to prevent them from getting into your home’s air. Consider upgrading the type of filter you use to one with a higher MERV rating. Locate your air filter. Learn how to choose and maintain your HVAC system. To replace your air filter: Have your new filter ready and confirm its correct size. If you live in a multifamily apartment or condo unit, the filter may be located in an in-wall return air grill. Change Your Air Filter for System Maintenance. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. 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. Changing your home air filter is a quick, easy way to keep your air conditioner, furnace, or central air system running efficiently. Let’s now clean an Air Filter. % of people told us that this article helped them. The steps for replacing your air conditioner filter will depend on the type of AC unit you have in your home. You can do this either at the thermostat, the breaker box, or using the shutoff switch located on/near the indoor unit (often looks like a light switch). By using our site, you agree to our. Step 3: Choose Your Filter. If your unit isn’t getting the air it needs due to a dirty filter, it may simply malfunction, leading to costly repairs – or even the need to completely replace your unit. 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. Locate the filter inside of the furnace (or air handler for electric systems). The air filter is usually located in the return air duct or blower compartment before the return air reaches the air handler. On the contrary, air filters are vital components to any HVAC or central air system that ensure your home’s air conditioner runs smoothly … The average air filter should be changed every 90 days. Make sure your system is turned off before you do anything! Typically, 1” disposable filters should be replaced every 1 to 3 months. Secure the vent with the screws or hooks. Central AC repair ... How to change your air filter. 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. If you can’t find a filter slot on your HVAC unit, try looking in the vents that blow air into your rooms. If you are cleaning the filter, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Remove excess dust around the edge of the filter housing with a duster. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Air filters are the first line of defense against pollutants in your home. Change your A/C Filter Often. Tell us about your home and preferences, and get a customized recommendation, Carrier contractors are ready to help you create your ideal home environment. Check the dimensions on the air filter – this will tell you what size replacement AC filter you need. {"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":"