The air filter’s job is to keep dust and debris out of your HVAC equipment. You’d be amazed how much builds up on there in a very short time. Just think about the air quality and the dust that everyday cleaning and living picks up every day. Imagine how much grime would accumulate if you didn’t clean for a month. That’s how much debris is clogging your air filter, and much more if you haven’t remembered to change the AC filter in a while.

Here’s why air conditioner filter replacement is so important. When your AC filter gets clogged, dust and dirt start getting into the air conditioner itself, causing wear and tear on the parts. You probably know what that means: the more wear and tear on the parts, the sooner they wear out and you’re dealing with a breakdown. The clogged filter also prevents enough air flow from circulating thru the system to keep it working properly. Why chance this??

Follow these easy steps to change the AC unit filter and keep your system running smoothly.

AC air filter replacement is a quick and easy task. Before you can do it, though, you need to know where the AC filter is located.

In some systems, the filters are located in the return air duct. This is the one that pulls air from your space back into the air conditioner’s air handler system. If you have a large system with multiple air handlers and return ducts, finding the filters can be a challenge.

If both the heating and air conditioning systems share the same ducts, it’s also possible that the air filter for both systems is located in or near the blower system for the furnace. If so, it’s usually in the front of the furnace near the bottom. You may be able to see and access the filter without opening anything, or you might have to open a metal panel on the front or the top of the blower.

Your best bet is to ask us here at JC Mechanical to take a look for you  if you have any doubts . Just let us know that you want to learn how to change the AC filter, and we will be happy to show you where the filter is located, how to remove the old one and insert the new one, and how to get the right filters for your system.

The other potentially tricky part is making sure you use the right filters. The filter size is usually printed on the side of the filter.

Also, keep in mind that you might want filters that do more than just keep dust out of your air conditioner. If you want to improve air quality in your space by removing pollen, mold and other harmful contaminants, you need to invest in HEPA filters with a MERV rating of 10 or higher.

1. TURN OFF THE POWER.  This is important for two reasons. First, there’s your safety. Don’t risk touching live voltage! The second reason is the safety of your equipment. If the unit is still running while you’re removing the clogged filter, dust and debris can get sucked into the unit. It’s important that you switch off power at the unit itself, and also at the circuit breaker.

2. REMOVE THE OLD FILTER.  Simply slide it out of the slot that holds it in place.

3. CHECK THE CONDITION.  Once you’ve taken out the AC filter, check the condition. Does it look clogged with dirt and dust? If you hold it up to the light, you probably can’t see much light coming through. This filter needs to be replaced or cleaned, depending on the type of filter you are using. Even if it’s been in use less than the time recommended by the manufacturer, replace it anyway. Better safe than sorry.

4. CLEAN THE FILTER OR GRAB A NEW ONE.  Are you using disposable filters or reusable ones? A disposable filter typically has a cardboard frame and a paper or fiber mesh surface. A permanent, reusable filter is made of a more sturdy material with a metal frame and a special coating to make it washable. If you’re cleaning a reusable one, check the manufacturer’s instructions for washing. You’ll probably just need to rinse with water and let dry completely. Or in some cases, you can just vacuum away the dust.

5. INSERT THE NEW OR CLEANED FILTER.  Now you just need to put it back in the right way. An arrow on the filter’s frame shows you the direction that air should flow through the filter, which is always away from the return air duct and toward the air handler mechanism. When you insert the filter back in the housing, make sure that arrow points away from the return and toward the air handler.

Regular maintenance keeps your equipment in top working condition so the parts last longer and work more efficiently. That means the system uses less electricity, needs fewer costly repairs, and has an extended life span.

If you ever have any questions, please contact us here at JC Mechanical for any of your concerns. We are here to help you whenever you need us. We are just a phone call away.  615-440 -6687