A quick and easy way to keep your air conditioner, furnace, or central air system running is to change your home air filter.It is possible to keep your energy costs down by maintaining a clean air filter.Change the filter at least every 3 months when it is being used frequently.
Step 1: It is a good idea to check your unit's filter every month.
If you use your air unit on a daily basis, you should check the unit's filters at least once a month.You will be able to see if the filter needs to be changed.If your household includes pets, smokers, or a large amount of people, you may still want to check your air unit's filters once a month.
Step 2: If your filter is not pleated, you should change it once a month.
If your unit's filter is non-pleated, it has less surface area to filter out particles and will become dirty and useless sooner.If you prefer non-pleated filters, be prepared to change them more often.
Step 3: When it is frequently used, install a new filter at least every 3 months.
You should change your filter at least every 3 months if you use it frequently.Air conditioners and furnace filters should be changed every 3 months in the summer and winter.
Step 4: It's a good idea to change your filter whenever it looks dirty.
If your current filter seems to be growing mold or is dirty, you should always get a new one.You should be able to see through the air filter if you hold it up to a light.It should be changed immediately if not.
Step 5: Ask your heating, ventilating and air conditioning installation what filters to use.
Ask the technician what kind of filter it takes and how to install it if you are around when the unit is installed.If you have a window unit, you may be able to talk to a representative from the store or company that supplied it and find out which filter to buy.
Step 6: There is a label on your unit that tells you which filters will fit.
The labels on the exterior of the air units will tell you which type of filter to buy.If there are visible parts of your unit, check for a label.There are some common air filter sizes.You should always go by the size listed on the air filter, not its actual measurements, which are often a little smaller than the label states.
Step 7: Take a picture of your filter.
The best way to make sure you get the right filter is to match it with the one already in use.If the current filter has a label or number, take it out.Take a picture of the information on the filter and the filters itself to match it in the store.If you want to take the old filter to the store, make sure you leave your unit turned off while you do so.You should look for the arrow marking on the outside of the filter and make a note of which way it is pointing so you can install the new one.
Step 8: A MERV rating of at least 6 is required to choose a filter.
The minimum efficiency reporting value is what it means to be able to filter out small particles.A higher rating will cause your energy bill to go up.6 is an average rating for filters, and a good compromise between affordability and effectiveness.
Step 9: If you're worried about air quality, buy a higher MERV rating filter.
If someone in your household has allergies or asthma, or if you believe there is an unusual amount of dust or other particles in the air, you may want to get a filter with a MERV rating between 7 and 12.This will cost you more in energy use.It's a good choice for someone with a lot of animals.
Step 10: If you have central air, locate your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning unit.
If you have central air and heat, you need to find the main unit that circulates the air.This can be in a basement, closet, or other out-of-the-way space.If you can follow any visible pipes or ducts through your house, it will lead you to the large metal unit in the attic.
Step 11: There is an air filter slot in your unit.
The air handler, a large box where the air is conditioned, and a metal box next to the unit are where this is located.The grill that faces into your house should be behind the filter slot on the window air conditioner.The location of the filter slot can vary from one unit to the next, but it should look like a long, thin opening with a cover.Look in the vents that blow air into your rooms if you can't find a filter slot on your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning unit.Some systems have filters in the return air vents of their own.
Step 12: The unit should be turned off.
The unit should be off when you change the air filter.This will keep dust and particles out of the machinery when the filter is removed.
Step 13: The old filter should be removed.
The filter should be easy to remove.It may be covered in dirt and dust that could come loose and make a mess, so be careful when removing it.Attach a folded tab of duct tape to the side of the new air filter to make it easier to remove it.The old filters can be thrown away.If you carry it to the trash in a garbage bag, it won't get dirty on the way.
Step 14: The new air filter should be inserted.
It should slide in the empty slot.The direction of the airflow should be indicated by an arrow on the filter's side.Make sure the arrow points in the same direction as the old filter did.
Step 15: If there are gaps around the filter, check it out.
If you notice gaps in the filter, you can remove it and put the old one back in.If you have the wrong size of filter, it's a good idea to buy a new one.It's possible that your new filter was damaged.If you can detect any damage, return it to the store and buy another one.
Step 16: Dust can be removed with a rag or vacuum.
If there was any dust or dirt left after the old filter was removed, be sure to clean it up.Use a rag or vacuum to get rid of the dust.
Step 17: Make sure the unit is still running well by turning it on.
If it runs the same, it should have slightly better air pressure.If the system isn't running, call a technician.
Step 18: When you replaced the filter, make a note of it.
This will help you keep track of how often you change the filter, and make sure you remember when it is due for a check.It's easy to keep track of a note you make with your phone or computer.