How To Change Hvac Filter

What Y'all Need to Know About Changing an Air Filter

At that place are always pocket-sized maintenance tasks that homeowners tin practice themselves – helping salvage coin while also avoiding unnecessary repairs. One of these is a elementary task that we recommend taking care of every 1-3 months: irresolute your habitation's HVAC system air filter.

What is an air filter?

Air filters in furnace or heat pump HVAC systems serve to screen out large airborne particles that can clog the system.

These filters are dispensable and biodegradable and tin can be purchased at any hardware store. They are usually available in multi-packs, but before you lot make the investment know that air filters are not universal in size. Brand sure yous buy the right size for your unit.

Why should you lot change your air filter?

This is a simple and inexpensive chore that, if ignored, could lead to problems with your organisation. A dirty filter can lead to poor air quality and your system running inefficiently by reducing or preventing air flow, causing the entire organisation to work even harder to warm or cool your house (depending on the flavor). As fourth dimension goes on without a filter change, it could cause the entire arrangement to fail – pregnant a plush repair or replacement.

If your unit is in your basement, there is a possibility that a dirty air filter could be exposed to dampness which tin lead to mold growth. As soon equally the mold growth is present, there is a risk that mold could spread throughout your organization.

Avoid hereafter headache and damage past changing your air filters monthly or every three months.

How to change the air filter in a furnace:

Before yous can supplant the air filter in your key air unit, yous need to find it. Cheque the owner'southward transmission if yous are not certain. Once located, check the soon-to-be former filter for size specifications, merely exercise not remove it (specially if your arrangement is still on).

A typical air filter size is 16x20x1. It is of import to utilise the right filter for your unit.

In one case y'all have purchased your air filters, you lot are ready to begin.

Turn off the unit (from the thermostat) before replacing the filter.
Carefully remove the sometime filter. Clean upward whatsoever rest dust.
The air filters have an arrow on the side indicating the direction of airflow. When inserted, the arrow should point toward the furnace.
Brand sure there aren't whatsoever gaps effectually the filter frame. If this is the case, you may have the wrong size filter, or the filter itself may be lacking or damaged.
Turn the unit on and observe information technology while it's operating to make sure the filter stays in place.
Note the date of filter replacement. You tin write the date it was installed on the edge of the filter (with marking). You might even set up a monthly calendar reminder so y'all don't forget to bank check the air filter.
When y'all check on the air filter one calendar month later, pay attending to any dust or clay build-upwardly. If the air filter still looks make clean, in that location is no need to replace it at that moment. Check it over again in another month.

How to supplant the air filter in an air handler cabinet:

Footstep one is ever to plough off the ability to the HVAC unit.
Remove or unlatch the door and clean thoroughly.
Check the filter type. If information technology is disposable, replace with a new filter in the right size.
If information technology is a reusable filter, lightly castor it to remove surface dirt, then vacuum with a soft castor attachment over the face.
Next, in the opposite management of the airflow, run h2o through the filter.
Brand certain the filter to thoroughly dry earlier you lot replacing information technology.
Do not turn the HVAC unit of measurement back on until the clean, dry out filter is in place.

How to alter the air filter in a return air duct:

Unhook the latch on the comprehend grille.
Wipe the grille clean with a microfiber cloth or use a vacuum with a brush attachment. If needed to get difficult grit between the slats, try wrapping the tip of a apartment screwdriver with a microfiber fabric.
Remove the old filter and insert a new one. Filters are 1 directional, so brand certain information technology is facing the correct direction.
Close the embrace grille and secure the latch.

How to modify the air filter in a window AC unit:

Although every window air conditioning unit of measurement will be slightly dissimilar, the following general steps should help guide you through the process.

Plow off the AC and unplug the unit.
Remove the front end encompass; if needed, give information technology a thorough cleaning.
Remove the air filter, take it outside and shake vigorously to remove as much dust and dirt every bit possible.
Lightly rinse the filter with soapy water, do not use anything caustic, so rinse with articulate water until clean.
Allow the filter air-dry thoroughly before attempting to supplant it in the AC unit.
Replace the filter past lining upward the notches on the filter frame with the spaces inside the filter compartment.
Replace the cover and restore power to the unit of measurement.