How To Change A Ac Filter

A woman holding a dirty AC air filter — *When was the final fourth dimension you changed your Air-conditioning's air filter?*

Is the Ac inside your home running a bit warmer than usual, simply the number on the thermostat remains the aforementioned? Is xc degrees starting to experience like 110? It might be time to replace your air filter.

Replacing the Air conditioning filter in your habitation will allow the unit to keep blowing absurd air without interruptions. If the air filter becomes clogged with debris and dust particles, causing an airflow restriction. And, eventually, the clogged filter tin atomic number 82 to unit repairs, a higher electric nib, and a lower lifespan on your unit.

The good news is that replacing the filter on your Air-conditioning is a simple job— in one case yous know how to find it.

In this blog, nosotros'll show yous how to locate your Ac's filter, the steps to alter it, and any problems you lot might face when changing your filter.

Want advice on your air filter?

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

Top ii Places to Find Your AC Filter

The air filter is typically near the thermostat in your habitation in a render duct. Or, it's most likely right next to your AC system'south air handler.

For most units, the filter'south location is at the betoken where the return duct enters the air handler. Simply, in case you have a unit with one and not the other, here'due south what each will expect like:

Render Ducts:

A Man locating AC return ducts — *Find your Air conditioning's render vents*

This Air-conditioning has a grate located on the ceiling, wall, or flooring and contains slatted openings for air to menses through. They are usually larger than a standard air duct vent.

I tip to make up one's mind a render vent: hold your paw or a slice of paper up to the vent while the AC's fan is on. If the paper gets pulled toward the vent or you feel a suction effect, information technology'southward a return vent.

Air Handler:

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

When y'all detect it, the replaceable filter is on the unit'due south left side, right side, top, or lesser.

One tip about your air handler: The filter may fit in a modest slot with directions demonstrating how to insert the filter. Air handlers ofttimes need to be unscrewed by hand or with a tool to access the air conditioner filter.

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

How to Change Your Air Filter

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

Now that you know where and how to locate your AC's air filter, use the following steps to change information technology out:

Starting time, know the size of your filter. Each unit should have the filter size located on the previous filter. If you are uncertain nearly the size, grab a measuring tape and measure the meridian and width, or await for the manufacturer's name and locate the size on their website.
To remove your old filter, plough off your Ac, unscrew your air handler or grate from a return duct and gently pull it out. If the filter is muddy, 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 former 1. Follow any instructions printed on the packet of the new filter.
Arrows usually bear witness which direction the air pulls, and you'll desire the air to pull into your arrangement, not away from it.

Issues Y'all May Face Changing Your Filter

In the process of replacing the filter in an Ac organization, you might detect a few areas that expect unusual.

Too Much Grit in Your Air Ducts

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

Desire to learn more than almost 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 it, a few things could exist at fault:

A leaky drain
A chock-full condensate line
A frozen evaporator roll

When these issues occur in your home, you'll need a professional to diagnose and restore your unit of measurement to life. Start with maintaining your AC's filter, and we'll help with the rest.

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's 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'due south air filter, clean your ducts, fix any other Air conditioning issues you'll accept, and answer all of your questions.