Air filters represent an important part of your air conditioning system. They might seem like just a small component that makes your air quality a little bit better, but they are so much more than that.
Before we get into the nitty gritty details of changing your air filter, we’d like to recommend customers change this component on their own. While other maintenance tasks we’d consider the territory of a licensed professional, your air filter is something that even a homeowner can take care of without any professional tools or training.
Just follow our guide and make sure you leave the complicated AC repair in Ellensburg, WA to us.
A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re intimidated or nervous about starting this process on your own, don’t be. First, make sure you check the manual of your specific air conditioner if you’d like something to reference other than this blog. But most air conditioners have the same air filter location and the process doesn’t vary that much. Here’s how you can get started.
- Turn the system off. You will want to make sure that your air conditioner is off before the filter is replaced. Think about it, if the system cycles on without an air filter, it will get a face full of dust!
- Locate the air filter. The air filter is located in the return air duct, which is the part of your ducts that draws air into the HVAC unit. You should see a slot or arrow where your air filter is located.
- Change it or replace it. Pull the filter out and take note of the direction it’s facing. If you’ve got a disposable air filter, you can throw it out and replace it with a new one. For reusable air filters, try wiping them down with a damp paper towel to remove all the dust and debris. Make sure it dries off before you put it back.
- Place it back facing the same direction. Once you’ve got a clean air filter, put it back where you found it. Make sure it faces the right direction so it operates with maximum efficiency.
- Turn your system on and enjoy the results. And voilà! You did it! Sit back, relax, and enjoy an efficient air conditioner that runs without any contaminants causing it trouble.
The Benefits of an Air Filter Change
The air filter is a uniquely important component because it stops contaminants from entering the sensitive areas of your air conditioner. The coils need direct contact with the air, which gets hard when dust or pet dander collects on them and causes them to lose efficiency.
Our team can perform coil cleanings when we maintain your air conditioner, but we don’t do this frequently enough to stop most of the contaminants that come from a dirty air filter. Air filters need to be changed every 1–3 months to ensure that your system has access to clean air as frequently as possible.
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