How To Change Air Filter In Central Ac

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The filter for your AC unit helps go on the air in your abode clean. It's important to change the filter regularly, as it collects dust, debris, and hair from pets and humans while pulling in air. A typical filter will be in a duct nigh the thermostat, though in a few cases, y'all may need to search a bit to observe your filter.

1

Purchase a new filter. You can discover air filters at home improvement stores and virtually big box stores. If yous're not sure what to purchase, look at the size you already have after you pull it out. Basic air filters take intendance of things like dust and dirt. Yous can also buy filters to help reduce allergies, as they filter out more particles. However, the more they filter out, the less efficient they are because Ac has to work harder to become the air through the filter.^[1]
2

Expect for the return air duct. Usually, the return air is located nearly your thermostat, either on the same wall or nearby. Information technology'south oft most the floor on the wall and looks similar a vent/grate.^[2] However, it may also be in the floor, ceiling, the furnace, or even the air conditioner.^[three]

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3

Pull open the return encompass. Find the fasteners to pull open your grill work. Often, you'll have little fasteners that pull out and let you to open one side of the embrace. Lean the cover out towards you.^[4]
4

Remove the onetime filter. Take the old filter out, being conscientious of the dust. About filters will accept a buildup of grit that will shake off everywhere if you're not careful. Place the filter in the trash.^[five]
5

Place the new filter in the vent. Cheque for the airflow arrow on the vent. The arrow should point inward towards the duct not outward towards the grill. It should set correct into the frame of the vent, as long every bit you have the right size.^{[half dozen]}
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Clean the grill. Wipe down the grill with a damp rag to remove buildup of dust and hair. Yous can too use a vacuum cleaner if information technology's particularly dirty. Run the hose forth the vent on the outside and inside to clean it.^[7]

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Bank check inside your Air-conditioning unit. With some units, particularly indoor units, your filter may be inside the unit. Find the AC closet. Pull off the forepart panels. They should only slide off. Oft, the air filter is at the bottom.^[8]
- Before pulling the filter out, check which direction the air flow arrow is pointed then yous can install it correctly.
ii

Look for a filtration system inside. Sometimes, you'll have a filter on the within of the wall when your Air-conditioning is exterior. Oft, the filter volition just slide into a metal duct. You don't even need to open a grate.^[9]
3

Wipe off a reusable filter. Some ACs, particularly ductless filters, accept a reusable filter. Switch the unit off, then remove the cover that houses the filter. Pull the filter out and wipe it clean before replacing information technology.^[10]

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Write the date on the new air filter. Take the new air filter out of its package. It'due south helpful to write the date on the edge of the filter in permanent marker. That way, you know when you changed it concluding.
2

Change the filter at least every 3 months. Filters should be inverse often, at to the lowest degree 4 times a year. However, if you lot live in a particularly dusty area, modify it more often. You'll also need to modify it more if you have pets.^[11]
3

Prepare a reminder. If you take trouble remembering to change your filter, attempt setting a reminder on your phone or reckoner calendar. You lot can as well write it on a wall calendar 3 months from the twenty-four hours you lot change it.

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Tin can I fix a broken AC myself?

Victor Belavus is an Air conditioning Specialist and the Owner of 212 HVAC, an air status repair and installation visitor based in Brooklyn, New York. In addition to HVAC and air conditioning units, Victor also specializes in furnace repair and air duct cleaning. He has over 10 years of experience working with HVAC systems.

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Outside of replacing the filter, it's typically not recommended for anyone outside of a trained professional to piece of work on an AC unit. Simply hire a professional person to make certain the repair is done correct.

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Article Summary X

The filter for your air conditioning unit keeps the air in your dwelling house clean, and you should replace it every iii months. Y'all'll discover the filter on your return air duct, which is usually on the same wall as your thermostat or at least nearby. Look for small fasteners that pull out and permit you lot open up the cover. Alternatively, your filter might exist inside the unit of measurement itself, behind a forepart console. All you need to do is take out the old filter, replace it with the new one, and close the grate once again. Wipe the grill downward with a damp rag to become rid of any dust and you're all set. For more tips, including how to clean reusable air conditioning filters, read on!

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