How to Change Your Air Filter

Air filters can clog in no time, especially when your HVAC system runs around the clock. Forgetting to change them can mean frequent repairs, high power bills, and a decreased lifespan for heating and cooling systems. To help you keep the unit running optimally year after year, here is how you can swap out your air filters in minutes.

Reasons to Change Your Air Filters

Having clean and functional air filters helps you keep dust and debris out of your HVAC system. These stop buildup from contaminating your indoor air. Dirty or broken filters can restrict the airflow and keep your HVAC system from running smoothly and efficiently. Clogged filters can cause massive wear and tear on the system’s components, leading to unexpected breakdowns. In short, it is beneficial to change your old, dirty, dingy, and grayish-brown filter for the best of your family’s well-being and your HVAC system’s health.

How to Change Your Air Filters

Make sure you turn off the power beforehand and wear gloves and a mask to complete the task. Air filters in most homes can be found near the thermostat or probably near your air conditioning unit. Make sure you turn off the power beforehand and wear gloves and a mask to complete the task.After you have located your filter, loosen the fastener holding the vent grille and remove it gently. You’ll find the filters right beneath the cover. Pull out the filter and assess its condition. If it’s past its prime, grab a new and correct replacement filter and swap it with the existing one. If the filter looks somewhat clean and you think it can go another season, just dust off any dirt and place it back. But do check the manufacturer’s instructions before doing so. Identify the arrows on the filter’s frame and position them to face the wall. This ensures proper airflow through the filter. Place the filters into the return air duct, easing in the bottom first and then the top. Ensure the arrows point towards the duct and filters fit snugly into their housing.  Put back the cover, tighten the fasteners, and dispose of old filters safely outside your space in the trash receptacle. There you have it – steps to conveniently change your dirty and clogged air filters and maintain indoor comfort. 

Choosing the Right Replacement Filter

Now that you know why and how to change air filters, you must choose which type of air filter you need. Not all filters are created equal, and what’s suitable for others might not be for you. Choosing the right air filters depends on your particular heating and cooling system. To give you an idea, check the filter’s efficiency or MERV ratings, its exact size, washable/disposable type, etc., as these are some common aspects that change from filter to filter. If you aren’t sure how to proceed, contact your local HVAC professional to assess your options since using a filter not designed for your system can be risky.

For Everything Else, Contact Your Local Pros!

Changing air filters is pretty quick, provided you are confident in your skills. If it’s something you haven’t done before and would need a hand, contact the Blount Heating and Cooling experts for better assistance. We can help you improve your HVAC maintenance efforts and keep your equipment working well and your power bills low. Call us at (706) 548-6933 and schedule a consultation today.