Replacing the air filter in your air conditioner is an important part of keeping your HVAC system running smoothly. It's helpful to know when and how to change your air conditioner filter, and what type of filter to use. According to ENERGY STAR, you should check and change your air conditioner filter every month during peak season. It's a job that you can probably take care of on your own if you decide to do it.
The best thing to do is to ask your HVAC service technician for advice. They can show you where the filter is located, how to remove the old filter and insert the new one, and how to get the right filters for your system. If you want to improve the air quality in your space by eliminating pollen, mold, and other harmful contaminants, you should invest in HEPA filters with a MERV rating of 10 or higher. The general rule of thumb for replacing an air filter in a forced air system is every three months.
However, it is essential to check the filter at least once a month. Households that have a lot of occupants and pets will likely notice that their air filters need to be changed more frequently. You'll know that it's necessary to replace your filter when you can no longer see through it. Be sure to replace the dirty air filter with a new one of the same model number. Learn how to replace the air filter in the air conditioner or heating in your home or office with the supplied air filters.
You can watch our video tutorial or follow our step-by-step guide in the video transcript. The air cleaner is usually close to your home thermostat, in a return duct or near the air handler of your air conditioning system. In most cases, brown buildups in an HVAC filter are simply household dust, pollen, pet dander, pet hair, and other airborne particles that the filter is designed to remove. And, eventually, the clogged filter can lead to unit repairs, a higher electricity bill, and a lower life of your unit. Replacing the air conditioner filter in your home will allow the unit to continue to blow cool air without interruption. After locating the first one in your air handler, you'll want to check for a second filter in the return vent.
The Minimum Efficiency Report Value (MERV) is a rating that indicates the efficiency of a particular filter in cleaning the air. However, if the air filter turns black, it may be due to candle smoke or more harmful sources, such as soot from a water heater or black mold. Some may accept air filters with higher ratings, but if it goes up too high, you can introduce an airflow restriction that reduces efficiency as much as a dirty air filter does. If both heating and air conditioning systems share the same ducts, it is also possible that the air cleaner for both systems is located in or near the blower system of the furnace. Failure to change the filter can mean you'll face repair, higher energy bills, and shorter air conditioner life. We are proud to offer the highest quality air conditioning, furnace and heat pump solutions to those living in Astor, DeLand, DeLeon Springs, DeBary, Deltona, Lake Helen, Orange City and Pierson, Florida.
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