Did you know that over 90% of homes nationwide have air conditioner units? Your AC filter is one of the most basic parts of your AC unit, but it makes a crucial difference in the longevity and performance of your AC or HVAC system.

Have you wondered ‘how to change AC filter?’ Regularly changing your air filter can help you avoid costly repairs and services down the road. It is also cost-friendly and easy to change!

If you aren’t sure where to start, we have put together a complete guide on AC filter replacements, how to change them, and how you can improve your AC’s performance, so keep reading for more information!

Air Conditioner Types

The type of air conditioner you have will play a role in how you replace a filter. There are three main types of filter units you may have:

Central air conditioner
Air handler cabinet
Window AC

Central air conditioner filters are found in the return duct. Outside AC unit filters are also found in this region too. Air handler cabinet filters can be reusable or disposable, so consult your manual before tackling this project.

Lastly, window AC units are relatively straightforward. Simply locate the front of the unit, and after you remove the cover, you should easily detect the filter.

Is an HVAC Filter Different Than an AC Filter?

Heating and cooling air filters are the same, and replacing one can help the other in HVAC units. The only exception is wall-mounted air conditioners with completely separate furnaces.

Air handler cabinets often release the same air from the furnace or AC unit. HVAC filters can filter your entire home’s air, which reduces the risk of:

Indoor air pollutants
Airborne viruses

So - while many people may refer to furnace and AC filters as something different, it isn’t, and you can locate most HVAC filters somewhere between the return duct and unit. In some instances, HVAC units are installed in attics. If this is your situation, it is likely that your filter is in the air vent but check with your HVAC technician first upon installation.

How Often Should You Replace a Filter?

Most experts recommend you replace your air filter every two to three months. Yet, this is a sliding scale, and in some instances, you may need to change your filter much sooner, especially if you have family members with allergies or pets. Vacation homes or those rarely used may not need a filter change for over six months.

The type of air filter you choose can also affect its longevity. Low-quality air filters are fiberglass and likely need to be changed monthly. Pleated filters are more durable (and more expensive) but can last up to three months and trap more particles.

How can you tell when you should put in a new filter? You can easily spot if your filter needs replacing by removing it and inspecting it for dust and dirt each month. If you notice a layer on the outside of the filter, you should replace it even if it has not reached its total life expectancy.

Other air filter replacement signs are:

Constantly running AC or HVAC unit
Increased dust in your house
Pet hair accumulation by vents or fans

When choosing a new air filter, look for ones with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of an eight. Most filters are 30″ by 20,” but you can find the exact measurements on your filter or HVAC manual.

How to Measure an Air Filter

Air filters are measured by length, width, and depth. If you can’t find the measurements needed on your HVAC manual, you can remove the air filter and measure it directly or the opening. Keep in mind that most air filters are slightly smaller than their true dimensions.

This is entirely normal, and it helps your air filter easily slot into place. In rarer cases, air filters come true to size, but you may have more difficulty installing them.

Risks of Not Changing an Air Filter

What happens when you don’t change your air filter regularly? Ventilation and filtration play a critical role in air pollutants and viruses, such as COVID-19. Increasing commercial and business ventilation can help bring in outside air and reduce the risk of viral exposure. Still, it can increase energy bills briefly with higher loads on an air conditioner or furnace needs.

Yet, in residential homes, not changing your air filter regularly can increase your monthly energy bills. Clogged air filters can make HVAC units work even harder, which eventually wears down your system.

Repairs and replacement parts can outweigh the cost of a new home air filter. Clogged filters can also raise other health risks outside COVID-19, including allergens and other respiratory illnesses.

How To Change AC Filter

First things first - find the right size AC filter and purchase a high-quality brand with a MERV 8 or higher. Before placing a new filter, ensure you shut off your unit.

You can do this through your thermostat or directly on your circuit breaker. For safety reasons, you should look for the switch on the side of your HVAC unit and turn it off. If you can’t find it, you can go directly to your electrical panel.

Find your air filter through the steps listed above to locate your filter. Some filters come with arrows pointing towards which direction you should install them. If there are no arrows listed, the direction doesn’t matter.

Next, find the grille that covers the outside of the filter, which may be held on by latches or screws. Once you remove the grille, you can take out your old filter and place the new one inside. Double-check the arrows (if needed) to ensure it is positioned correctly.

Your old filter can be thrown away, and you can now replace the covering. Screw it on tightly or secure it with the latches before turning the HVAC or AC unit back on.

What Are HEPA Filters?

HEPA filters are ideal choices for your HVAC unit. A pleated air filter that stands for high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) is a high-quality filter that removes over 99.9% of airborne particles with a 0.3 microns size.

HEPA filters also come equipped with MERV scores, and the rating equates to average particle sizes. The standard score of eight means that your HEPA filter can trap air particles with almost 85% accuracy.

Reusable Air Filters

Reusable air filters can be great because you simply clean them, and they are ready to go. There are a few easy ways to clean your reusable air filters, such as with a microfiber cloth or a brush attachment vacuum.

If you vacuum your air filter, gently shake off any dirt or dust before you starts. You can also run water over the filter with a gentle soap or use a low-pressure spray and then clean it with a soft microfiber cloth.

Ensure you have the filter completely dry and cleaned off before reinstalling. Reusable air filters are more eco-friendly and last for years instead of months.

Air Conditioning Maintenance

At Air Force Air Conditioning and Heating, we offer various air conditioner services that can ensure your unit and filters are operating to their best capability. Why should you have a regular air conditioning maintenance plan through Air Force Conditioning and Heating?

Lower utility bills
Avoid major repairs
Prolong equipment longevity
Improve comfortability
Discounts on repairs and air filter replacements

You should start scheduling maintenance plans immediately after an HVAC or air conditioner installation. You can avoid long-term costs and problems with thorough and regular maintenance.

Furnace Maintenance and Cleaning

Cleaning your HVAC unit or furnace can help prolong your HVAC and air filter’s longevity. Here are a few reasons that indicate you need your furnace cleaned:

Moving
Impeded airflow
Damp ducts
Smells
Loud sounds
Higher energy bills
Cooler air

You should clean your furnace before winter since the warm months can drag on and build up dust and dirt in your furnace. Since furnaces aren’t used for long periods, you don’t need to worry about frequent maintenance but aim for a yearly check-up.

AC or HVAC Replacements

Even the best air filters won’t fix an outdated or improperly functioning HVAC system. If you are still having issues with ventilation and filtration after replacing your air filter, it is time to call on the experts. If your unit is blowing hot air when your AC is turned on, it can create higher energy costs can indicate an HVAC repair or replacement.

On average, an HVAC unit’s lifespan is 15 to 20 years. With proper maintenance and regularly replacing your filters, your HVAC system shouldn’t run into any problems until this time frame. Upgrading your HVAC unit also gives you access to better technology and more efficient systems.

Keep Your AC Running Smoothly

Have you asked the question, ‘how to change AC filter?’ Luckily, swapping out a home air filter is a simple project you can do yourself without calling on professionals. If you start noticing smells or loud sounds, you should call the experts at Air Force Air Conditioning and Heating.

We can send a technician out to diagnose your AC or HVAC unit’s problem. If you need to set up regular maintenance schedules, we have you covered, so what are you waiting for?

DIY: How to Change Your AC Filter