How to Change the Air Conditioner Filter in Your House

Wondering how to change an AC filter in the house? You have come to the right place! Klondike Air has been helping residents in Orange County and surrounding areas since 1989 with their HVAC and AC maintenance, repair, and replacement.

Learning how to replace air conditioner filters will make a huge difference in the air quality inside your home and the energy efficiency of your air conditioner. As a homeowner, learning how to change an air conditioning filter and maintaining your HVAC system is essential to saving money and increasing the longevity of your HVAC system.

Importance of Learning How to Change an AC Filter In the House

Almost 75% of service calls for broken or non-functional air conditioners could have been prevented with proper maintenance. Learning how to change an AC filter in the house is very important and one of the easiest maintenance tasks.

• You will save money on expensive repairs or replacements because your AC unit will not have to work overtime to keep your house cool.
• You will increase the lifespan of your air conditioner.
• You will improve your indoor air quality by decreasing your allergies.
• Your AC will be more energy efficient, which will save you money in the long run when it comes to power bills.

Signs That the Filter Needs Replacing

Before you learn how to replace an air conditioning filter, here are seven signs to look for to know if you need to replace the filter.

• Your AC is turning on and off again frequently.
• You have to turn the temperature up higher to get the same cooling effect.
• The air coming from your air vents smells musty or another bad odor.
• Your energy bill is higher than usual.
• Your home is dusty just 30 minutes after dusting.
• Your allergies are worse indoors, or you don’t see any noticeable change when you come indoors.
• Your AC unit is making weird noises.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Change an AC Filter In the House

Locate and Inspect the Filter in Your Air Conditioner Unit

The first step is to locate the filter on your specific air conditioner. A quick YouTube search will show you where to find the filter, or you can check your owner’s manual. You need to make sure you buy the correct replacement filter, or you could cause more problems than you are solving.

If your air filter is visibly dusty or has not been replaced in 6 months, it is time to head to the local hardware store and pick up a replacement.

If the air filter looks clean and has been replaced in the last six months, but you are noticing several of the signs above, you should contact Klondike Air for a professional inspection. This means something else is wrong with your AC unit.

Turn Off the Power Supply

With your new filter on hand, it is time to learn how to change the AC filter and replace the old filter. The first step is to turn off the power supply or unplug it from power.

Remove the Old Filter

Next, you want to remove the old filter. You will have to remove the cover on your AC unit to remove the old filter. We have seen several cases where homeowners did not remove the air filter and added a new filter in addition to the old dirty filter, causing their AC unit to be damaged and stop working.

Install the New Filter Correctly

You want to make sure you are installing the new filter correctly. It will often have arrows to guide you in which direction to receive the air and which direction it should be pointing. Make sure the filter fits, and the cover for the AC unit snaps back into place easily.

Turn Back on the Power Supply

Now turn the power back on and enjoy cleaner air! You have just successfully learned how to change an AC filter.

Tips for Maintaining a Clean Air Filter

Now that you have just learned how to change an air conditioning filter, here are three tips to keep your air filter cleaner so you do not have to replace it as often.

Clean Your Air Ducts

This can be as simple as vacuuming out the openings of your air vents in each room. We recommend a professional air duct cleaning at least once a year.

Dust Your House More Often

Especially if the pollen count is high, dusting and vacuuming hard-to-reach places in your home can prevent dust from getting into your air ducts and ultimately getting stuck in your air filter.

Vacuum and Wipe Down Your Air Conditioner

Keeping your actual AC unit cleaner can keep your air filter working well for longer.

Conclusion: Ensuring Optimal Air Quality at Home

If you want to increase the air quality inside your home, you should invest in a HEPA air filter. These filters will keep smaller dust particles, smoke, and pollen out of your air. This will improve allergies and keep your home smelling fresh.

Learning how to change the air conditioner filter is the first step in a full AC maintenance checklist.

If you have any questions about how to change an AC filter, don’t hesitate to reach out to an expert at Klondike Air. Our professional HVAC technicians are here to help homeowners in Orange County, CA, and the surrounding areas.

FAQs

What is the purpose of an air conditioner filter?

Your AC filter keeps dust, dirt, pollen, and dander from entering your air conditioner and recirculating throughout your home. This is why it is so important to replace your air filter at least once a year.

How often should I change my air conditioner filter?

You should change your air filter once or twice a year, depending on whether you have pets or if there is a high pollen count in your area. Dust storms and wildfires can also contribute to clogging your air filter. Learning how to change the air filter is essential to the upkeep of your AC unit.

How do I know if my air conditioner filter needs changing?

If your home is dustier than normal, your AC is making strange noises, you have to turn the temperature up to keep your home cool, or your power bill is higher than normal, you should inspect your AC filter. Not changing your air filter is one of the top easy maintenance tasks that can prevent many AC repairs or even replacement calls.

Where is the air conditioner filter located in my house?

Your AC filter is located inside your air conditioner. This may be a part of a larger HVAC unit that includes your furnace. You will want to refer to your owner’s manual or search for your HVAC unit model number on YouTube.

Do I need any special tools to change my air conditioner filter?

It depends on your HVAC unit. If you do not have the correct tools to replace your air filter, schedule an appointment with a professional HVAC technician. We have all of the tools to make filter replacement a breeze. We’ll also inspect your AC system and perform other maintenance tasks that only a trained professional can do.