How to Perform an Air Conditioning Unit Filter Replacement

Even though replacing the filter in your air conditioner feels like just another burden in your life, the importance cannot be overlooked. The everyday efficiency depends on the promptness of this task, and it is the best maintenance for an air conditioning system. Regular maintenance tasks like cleaning and replacing the filters will make your system work effectively and ultimately, extend the life of the system, as well. 

It isn’t too much of a hassle when changing filters in an air conditioning system, so any homeowner can perform the task without trouble. The following steps are advised when performing filter changes or cleaning.  An HVAC specialist will not need to be present, if you follow the recommended steps. An experienced ac repair professional can be consulted, if you are unsure. If you do hire someone to help you, be sure to watch him or her carefully and you can do it yourself next time. 

Locate the filter inside the unit

There is normally a housing compartment that holds the filter inside of the air conditioning system. You can visually find the compartment by looking for the metal sliding guard that covers the filter compartment. This is the area where the filters will be located on most units. However, all units are different, so if you need to clarify where they are held, you should consult the information manual that was provided with the system. Once you find the sliding guard, slide it open and remove the filter. If it is the type that simply needs cleaned, take it out of the housing, vacuum it or bang the dust off, and replace. If it needs to be physically replaced, follow the next step. 

Decide the size of filter for the air conditioner

You can look on the sides of the filter for a number or measurements. Make a note of the size and then go to any home improvement store to make the purchase. Hardware stores or similar retailers normally keep the replacement filters on hand throughout the year. More common filters can be found even in the discount stores, as well. Consider the climate in which you live, as well, when deciding upon the filter to buy. More of a dry or dusty location may require one of the high-efficiency filters. Purchase the one that suits your residence location and one that fits your specific unit, according to the existing filter. 

Replace the filter into the air conditioning system

Before removing the filter to replace it with the new one, some people find it helpful to mark the airflow direction with a permanent marker. This is advantageous for returning the filter into the housing. A simple arrow will be enough for you to understand which direction that the filter will need to be inserted. If you use a permanent marker, it will last for years through many filter changes throughout the life of the air conditioning unit. By performing the maintenance task of changing the air filter in your air conditioning system, you will be ensuring a long–lasting, efficiency in air-cooling for your home. Otherwise, you may have to call for ac repair before the expected lifespan of an average system.