How To Change Central A/c Filter

A woman holding a dirty AC air filter — *When was the final time you lot changed your AC's air filter?*

Is the AC within your dwelling running a bit warmer than usual, but the number on the thermostat remains the aforementioned? Is 90 degrees starting to feel like 110? It might be time to replace your air filter.

Replacing the Air-conditioning filter in your dwelling will allow the unit to keep blowing cool air without interruptions. If the air filter becomes chock-full with debris and grit particles, causing an airflow brake. And, somewhen, the clogged filter tin lead to unit of measurement repairs, a college electric nib, and a lower lifespan on your unit of measurement.

The good news is that replacing the filter on your Ac is a simple chore— once you lot know how to find information technology.

In this blog, we'll show you how to locate your Air conditioning's filter, the steps to change information technology, and whatsoever problems you might face up when changing your filter.

Want communication on your air filter?

Contact George Brazil; we're always happy to help our customs. Since 1955, we've served Phoenicians with integrity and reliability.

Peak two Places to Find Your Air-conditioning Filter

The air filter is typically most the thermostat in your domicile in a return duct. Or, it's most likely right next to your Air-conditioning organization's air handler.

For most units, the filter's location is at the point where the render duct enters the air handler. But, in example you have a unit with ane and not the other, here's what each volition wait like:

Return Ducts:

This AC has a grate located on the ceiling, wall, or floor and contains slatted openings for air to flow through. They are usually larger than a standard air duct vent.

One tip to determine a return vent: hold your hand or a slice of paper up to the vent while the AC'due south fan is on. If the paper gets pulled toward the vent or you experience a suction outcome, information technology's a render vent.

Air Handler:

The air handler is a large metal box that stores the Air-conditioning'south fan and motor. You tin typically discover information technology inside the cranium or basement.

When you find it, the replaceable filter is on the unit'south left side, right side, top, or lesser.

One tip about your air handler: The filter may fit in a small slot with directions demonstrating how to insert the filter. Air handlers often demand to be unscrewed by hand or with a tool to admission the air conditioner filter.

Once you locate either arrangement, look for a slot where an air filter should fit. Larger houses may have more than one organization and volition have separate filters for each system.

How to Change Your Air Filter

Air filter labels — *When replacing your air filter, make certain the arrows are facing the correct way*

At present that you know where and how to locate your Ac'due south air filter, apply the post-obit steps to modify it out:

First, know the size of your filter. Each unit of measurement should have the filter size located on the previous filter. If you are uncertain almost the size, grab a measuring tape and measure the meridian and width, or look for the manufacturer'due south proper noun and locate the size on their website.
To remove your old filter, turn off your AC, unscrew your air handler or grate from a return duct and gently pull it out. If the filter is dirty, wrinkled, greyish, or filled with dust — its side by side destination is the trash.
Be certain to place the new filter in the same direction every bit the erstwhile one. Follow whatever instructions printed on the package of the new filter.
Arrows usually evidence which direction the air pulls, and you lot'll want the air to pull into your organization, non abroad from it.

Problems You May Face up Irresolute Your Filter

In the process of replacing the filter in an AC arrangement, you lot might find a few areas that look unusual.

Too Much Dust in Your Air Ducts

When you pull out the old filter and see an excessive corporeality of dust and debris surrounding the ducts or the space behind the filter, that's a clear sign that y'all have clogged render ducts. If the return ducts take too much grit, some rooms in your house may take limited airflow and more dust settling on surfaces.

Want to learn more than about ducts and the benefits of cleaning them? Read our blog, "iii Benefits of Having Your Air Ducts Cleaned."

A Moisture Air Handler

If your air handler has h2o around it, a few things could be at fault:

A leaky bleed
A clogged condensate line
A frozen evaporator coil

When these issues occur in your home, you lot'll need a professional to diagnose and restore your unit to life. Kickoff with maintaining your Air conditioning's filter, and we'll aid with the residuum.

George Brazil service technician in front of truck — *Contact George Brazil to replace your air filter and clean your air ducts*

Have Questions? Ask Phoenix'due south best AC experts: George Brazil.

Contact George Brazil to schedule an date with one of our trusted HVAC service technicians. We'll replace your AC's air filter, make clean your ducts, set any other Air conditioning issues you'll have, and answer all of your questions.