How To Replace An HVAC Filter

General home maintenance is one of the most important aspects of the life of any homeowner. Whilst many people are familiar with the importance of having an HVAC unit to keep the temperature of their home comfortable and the air clear of dust, many people overlook the need to replace the air filters themselves.

Disregarding the need to change your unit’s air filter on a regular basis can result in you spending a lot more money on your utility bills than you need to. Likewise, it can also damage your HVAC unit in the long run, which means that you’ll end up paying for additional repairs or replacements that could otherwise have easily be avoided.

Why Air Filters Are Important

Within HVAC units, air filters are used to remove dust, bacteria, and other allergens from the within your home’s air before regulating the temperature and blowing it back out. Whilst this keeps your air clear of germs, it also means that the filters often become clogged with the build-up of debris. The dirt on the filter then blocks the flow of the air and the system has to work much harder to circulate the airflow. Therefore, it’s important that you conduct regular inspections for your air filters and it’s recommended that you replace them at least every three months to ensure that your system remains efficient and effective.

Changing Your Own Air Filter

If you happen to notice a hum being emitted by your HVAC unit, this is one of the biggest signs that it’s not working as effectively as it should be. The first thing you need to check is your home air filter and ensure that it’s not blocked by the build-up of dust that it has removed from the atmosphere. The process of changing your own air filter is simple to do, and it’s going to save you a lot of hassle of having to replace your whole system by increasing the longevity of your HVAC’s lifespan.

To change your filter, you firstly need to locate it so that you can note the exact filter type and size so that you’re able to purchase the correct replacement. If you have a wall unit, remove the filter guard and lift the filter out so that you’re able to inspect it. Some HVAC units tend to have the air filter stored away in a closet, which means that you’re going to have to unscrew the closet’s panel to slide out the filter. Once you have removed the filter from your unit, check it for the necessary identifying numbers so that you know the type of replacement you need to buy.

Now that you have the identity number and details, you can call your local store and ask for a quality replacement – such as a Accumulair brand filter. Once you have the new filter, easily insert it back into the unit the same way that you removed it. It might require some gentle force, but be careful not to force the filter back into the unit too harshly as this could cause damage. After securing the new filter in the system, restart the unit and check the airflow is unimpeded.

Changing your air filter is vitally important to keep the atmosphere of your home free of allergens and keep the temperature comfortable. With the help of this simple guide, you’ll be able to replace your air filters easily and quickly.