Changing your air filter in your house is integral to ensuring that your AC system is running fine. It helps keep out the extra dust and purifies the air so that you’re breathing is okay. But how do you know when it is time to change the filter and how do you change it in the first place?
Here is how to change an air filter and the signs that you need to replace yours.
What Does an Air Filter Do?
The air filter is pretty self-explanatory in the simplest form. It is a filter that removes items like dust and bacteria from the air throughout the house. It is also responsible for removing tiny particles that could be harmful to our health like mold and plastic particles.
The air flowing throughout your HVAC is going to be utilized over and over again. The air filter’s job is to ensure that the air stays high quality and well enough for you to breathe.
When you don’t consistently keep up with your air filter, you can run into the problem of feeling sick with flu-like symptoms. Not only that, but the longer you go without replacing it, the harder it might be to breathe.
Signs That It Is Time to Replace Your Air Filter
You can do visual or physical cues to know when it is time to switch out your filter. When you open your AC panel, it typically is the only piece of equipment that you have access to without needing tools. You can use the visual queue to determine if it is time to replace your air filter or not.
An extremely gray or even black-looking filter is a sign that it has been doing its job, but it needs replacing. Beyond wear and tear on the air filter, if you notice the air filter bend and not fitting correctly, you should replace it then as well. When a filter doesn’t fit properly, you run the risk of the air not purifying properly in that area and essentially circulating the same dirty air.
Another sign that it might be time to replace your air filter is if the system seems to be constantly turning on and off. The decrease in proper airflow because of a completely clogged filter can lead to the HVAC getting backed up and only able to work for so long before needing to shut down again.
What Determines the Lifespan of the Filter?
Not all air filters are going to last the same in everyone’s house. An air filter in Florida in an apartment is not going to last the same amount of time as an air filter for a 3,000 square foot home in Maryland.
The climate and frequency with which you use your HVAC will determine the lifespan of the filter itself. If you’re using the AC for 11 out of the 12 months because you live somewhere warm, you’ll be replacing your filter regularly. But if using your AC is more of a last resort and only used during the summer, you might only need to change your filter once or twice a year.
The size of your home will also determine the length of time that your air filter can go without replacing it. Simply put, the more space your house has, the more air needs to be filtered. If you have a large house that constantly runs the AC in a warm climate, chances are that you’ll be replacing the filter at least once a month.
Determining What Type of Filter You Need
Not all air filters are built the same. The HVAC filter all comes down to the type and size of the unit. To find the right filter for your unit, simply pull out the existing dirty air filter.
They’ll have a list of numbers on one of the edges that determine the length, width, and depth of the filter itself. It should read in a formula that looks like 14x20x1.
From there, you can determine what type of filter you want to get, as some filters prioritize odors and pet dandruff. While others will focus on the air amounts of airflow going through the air filter.
If you’re in need of a 20x25x1 clean air filter, be sure to check out the link for a wide variety of options.
How to Change an Air Filter
The first step is to find where your HVAC panel is in your home. This will typically be a big white panel that has a vent in the door. Every system is different, but most are held in place either by thumbscrews or clips.
Once you’ve located and unhooked the panel from the wall, you should be looking directly at the air filter. You can typically get into anything else from here without needing at least a screwdriver, so there should be no worries about pulling out the piece.
Simply pull the air filter out by sliding it in the direction that it is currently facing. Almost like pulling a pizza out of the oven. Discard the air filter appropriately, as these items are not recyclable.
From there, take your new air filter and slide it in the same direction that you took out the previous air filter. If you find it sticks and won’t slide in easily, dry wiping any dirt or dust that may be in the portion where your air filter needs to slide in.
After you’ve replaced the air filter, replace the wall panel for the HVAC and you’ll be good to go.
Don’t Wait Around, Changing an Air Filter Is Easy
Learning how to change an air filter is an important part of owning or renting a place. It ensures that you can breathe normally and receive the freshest air possible. Just be sure to buy the air filter that fits into your HVAC unit.
If you want to learn more about making your way through life, whether it be keeping your house up to date or simply the latest trends, be sure to check out the rest of our blog. If you know someone that never replaces their air filter, be sure to share this article with them.