If there’s one easy and cost-effective step homeowners can take to ensure proper airflow and keep cooling equipment in top shape, it’s air filter replacement. In fact, if you’ve been noticing stale air or excess dust inside your home, a clogged air filter may be to blame.
Your cooling system can’t function properly or efficiently without a clean air filter. A dirty air filter makes your cooling sys
tem work harder to circulate air in your home. This stresses your air conditioning equipment, your wallet and your lungs.
During seasons of heavy use, you may need to change your filter monthly. Nevertheless, air filter replacement pays great dividends. You and your family will breathe easier and your home comfort system will last longer, while using less energy.
Steps for Air Filter Replacement to Improve Indoor Air Quality
- Air conditioner filters are typically located in front of the evaporator component of your system. Check your owner’s manual or call your local HVAC expert for guidance.
- You may need to remove a metal strip covering your system’s filter slot to get to your A/C or furnace filter.
- Next, open any clips and remove screws holding the air filter in place.
- Then, pull or slide the filter out. If you don’t have a replacement ready, measure your filter and note this information along with the manufacturer and part number then put the filter back in until you have the new replacement filter. You should also check your owner’s manual. Do not run your system without an air filter as this would plug your coils.
- Contact your HVAC contractor or filter manufacturer, and check your hardware store for a replacement. If you’d like a higher level of filtration, your heating and air conditioning company can recommend options for you.
- Next, you should slide your replacement filter in place of your old one. Make sure the side marked with arrows or “Air In” faces the correct direction.
- Finally, replace the metal strip, clips or screws holding the filter in place and you’re on your way to cleaner, fresher indoor air.
You can learn more about air filtration and indoor air quality by contacting the experts at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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