April Home Maintenance To-Do: Replace Your AC Filter

You’ve been shut up inside, windows closed, keeping warm and cozy all winter.  But now that Spring has sprung, do you really want to keep breathing all that stale dusty air that’s been building up in your heating/AC filter all winter long?

As a general rule, you should really replace the return air filter on your central heating and cooling system every 1-3 months so the unit will work at maximum efficiency. And you need to get a quality 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:

1. Turn the unit off, and wait until it stops running.
2. Remove the grate or louvered cover on the air return.
3. Take out the dirty air filter.
4. Write the current date on the new air filter.
5. 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.
6. Close the cover on the air return.
7. Turn the air conditioner back on.
8. Done!  Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy.

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Photo Credit:  Mike Focus / Shutterstock.com