How To Change An Air Conditioner Filter

A woman holding a dirty AC air filter — *When was the last time you changed your Ac'due south air filter?*

Is the Air conditioning inside your domicile running a bit warmer than usual, only the number on the thermostat remains the same? Is ninety degrees starting to feel like 110? It might exist time to replace your air filter.

Replacing the AC filter in your abode will allow the unit of measurement to keep blowing cool air without interruptions. If the air filter becomes chock-full with droppings and grit particles, causing an airflow restriction. And, somewhen, the clogged filter tin lead to unit repairs, a higher electric beak, and a lower lifespan on your unit.

The skilful news is that replacing the filter on your AC is a simple task— in one case you know how to discover it.

In this blog, we'll prove y'all how to locate your AC'south filter, the steps to change it, and any issues you lot might confront when irresolute your filter.

Desire communication on your air filter?

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

Summit 2 Places to Detect Your AC Filter

The air filter is typically well-nigh the thermostat in your domicile in a return duct. Or, it's about likely right next to your Ac system's air handler.

For well-nigh units, the filter'southward location is at the point where the return duct enters the air handler. But, in case yous accept a unit of measurement with one and not the other, here's what each will look 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 make up one's mind a return vent: hold your manus or a slice of newspaper upward to the vent while the Air-conditioning'southward fan is on. If the newspaper gets pulled toward the vent or you experience a suction consequence, it's a return vent.

Air Handler:

The air handler is a large metallic box that stores the AC's fan and motor. You can typically find it inside the attic or basement.

When y'all find it, the replaceable filter is on the unit'southward left side, right side, elevation, or bottom.

Ane tip about your air handler: The filter may fit in a pocket-size slot with directions demonstrating how to insert the filter. Air handlers often need to be unscrewed past hand or with a tool to admission the air conditioner filter.

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

How to Change Your Air Filter

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

Now that yous know where and how to locate your AC'due south air filter, use the following steps to alter it out:

Beginning, know the size of your filter. Each unit of measurement should have the filter size located on the previous filter. If you are uncertain near the size, grab a measuring tape and measure the peak and width, or expect for the manufacturer's proper name and locate the size on their website.
To remove your sometime filter, turn off your Ac, unscrew your air handler or grate from a return duct and gently pull information technology out. If the filter is dirty, wrinkled, greyish, or filled with dust — its next destination is the trash.
Be certain to place the new filter in the same direction as the old one. Follow any instructions printed on the packet of the new filter.
Arrows usually prove which management the air pulls, and you'll desire the air to pull into your system, not away from it.

Problems You May Confront Changing Your Filter

In the procedure of replacing the filter in an AC system, you might find a few areas that expect unusual.

Too Much Dust in Your Air Ducts

When you pull out the sometime filter and see an excessive amount of dust and debris surrounding the ducts or the space backside the filter, that'south a clear sign that y'all have clogged render ducts. If the return ducts accept too much dust, some rooms in your house may have limited airflow and more than dust settling on surfaces.

Want to learn more nigh ducts and the benefits of cleaning them? Read our blog, "3 Benefits of Having Your Air Ducts Cleaned."

A Wet Air Handler

If your air handler has water effectually information technology, a few things could be at error:

A leaky drain
A clogged condensate line
A frozen evaporator coil

When these issues occur in your home, yous'll need a professional person to diagnose and restore your unit of measurement to life. Start with maintaining your Ac's filter, and we'll aid with the balance.

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'south best AC experts: George Brazil.

Contact George Brazil to schedule an appointment with one of our trusted HVAC service technicians. We'll supervene upon your Air-conditioning'south air filter, clean your ducts, fix whatsoever other Air-conditioning issues you'll have, and answer all of your questions.