Keeping your air conditioning unit in good working order is essential to staying cool during hot weather. One of the easiest ways to do that is by regularly changing the filter inside your air conditioner. Changing your air filter will not only keep your unit running efficiently, but it will also extend its lifespan by blocking dirt and dust from getting in and damaging the internal parts. Depending on the type of air conditioner you have, there may be more than one filter that needs changing. Here’s a breakdown of how to change your air conditioning filter:

Check your owner’s manual

Before you get started on your air conditioning filter change, you’ll want to make sure you have the right tools and know how to change it properly. You can find the manual for your unit by searching online or going through your phone’s directory. If you don’t have a manual, you can also check with the manufacturer to see if you can access the manual online. Once you have the manual, you’ll want to make sure you know when to change your filter and how often you should do so. Depending on the type of filter you have and the frequency of your home’s usage, you may need to change your filter more or less frequently.

Unplug the unit

Before you get started on changing the filter in your air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure you unplug the unit. This will prevent the motor from running and putting unnecessary strain on the filter. If you forget to unplug the unit, you can damage the motor and other parts of your air conditioner. If you do forget, you can damage the motor by trying to force the filter in too quickly. It’s better to let the motor cool off for a few minutes before you attempt to change the filter.

Change the filter

If you are changing the filter in a window or wall-mounted air conditioner, you will need to unscrew the filter from the unit and replace it with a new one. If you have a central air conditioner, you will need to unscrew the filter from the back of the unit before replacing it with a new one. When changing the filter, you may want to use a filter cleaning brush to get rid of any dust and dirt that has built up on the filter. This will make it easier for the new filter to trap those harmful particles.

Check for leaks

Before you start using your air conditioner, you should check for any signs of leaks. You can do this by turning off the unit, opening up the access panel, and looking for any sign of leaking water. If you find any leaks, you will need to repair them before you can continue using your air conditioner. You may need to call a professional to fix the leak, depending on how severe it is. You can also use the sticky tape technique to check for leaks. This involves taping a piece of sticky tape to the outside of the unit where the pipes are connected to the unit. If you find any leaks, you will need to repair them before you can continue using your air conditioner.

Final words

Keeping your air conditioning filter clean will help it last longer and keep your unit running efficiently. It’s important to change your filter regularly to prevent dirt and dust from getting into the unit and blocking the flow of air. If you want to make sure your filter is clean, you can use a filter cleaning brush to get rid of any dust build-up. When changing the filter, you will also want to make sure you unplug the unit before you begin. This will prevent the motor from running and putting unnecessary strain on the filter.

Frequently Asked Question

Change your AC filter every 90 days. Most manufacturers recommend this, especially at the start of a new season. Make sure to replace them with the correct sizes and dimensions. If your AC manufacturer has a specific recommendation you may contact air filter manufacturers to customize one for you.
Once your Air Conditioning Unit is too hot, then it is a sign that you may need to replace your air filter because your unit is doing more work than usual, to reach its desired output. In the long run, it will damage your unit. Once the air is not cold enough, then you need to check your filters as well. Failure to frequently change your unit will increase your electricity bill since your unit is working double the usual. You get more allergy and respiratory attacks plus there is more dust on the air vents.
Changing your AC filter is part of your maintenance at home. The air you breathe depends on the quality or state of your air filter. How your unit performs also depends on your usage and how often you change your air filters. If you want your unit to stay longer, you ought to follow the recommended frequency of air filter replacement.
An air filter is responsible for cleaning or removing visible to microscopic pollution that is passing through your HVAC. It is important in keeping your air quality clean and breathable. It also keeps allergies away, especially to those sensitive to dust. It also protects your unit from further damage.
Once you have a dirty filter, expect your allergies to get triggered. You’ll soon get headaches, chest tightness and respiratory diseases. Despite your doctor’s treatment, without removing the culprit of your symptoms, it might get worse or will keep coming back again.