Ah, Spring. The time when the world renews. The birds are singing, the bees are buzzing, the grasses are growing, the flowers are blooming… and your allergies are going haywire. Which is why it’s the perfect time of year to replace the air filter on your Central Cooling/Heating System.
As a rule of thumb, you should replace the air filter on your system every 1-3 months so the unit will work at maximum efficiency. It is worth it to go for a top notch air filter that’s rated to remove microscopic particles, including mold and pollen, will reduce dust and improve the air quality in your home.
The air filter is usually located behind the air return grate on your heating/cooling system. In some HVAC systems, the filter may be found in the return duct near the air handler unit.
To replace the air filter on a central system:
- Turn the unit off, and wait until it stops running.
- Remove the grate or louvered cover on the air return.
- Take out the dirty air filter.
- Write the current date on the new air filter.
- Position the new air filter in the opening so the arrow on the edge of the filter is pointing in the direction of air flow. For wall and floor mounted returns, the arrow should point toward the return duct. For filters in the ductwork near the air handler, the arrow should point toward the air conditioner unit.
- Close the cover on the air return.
- Turn the air conditioner back on.
Now you can go flip on the AC and breathe a little easier.
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Photo Credit:Budimir Jevtic / Shutterstock.com