The air filter in your HVAC unit is one of the most important components in the system. A clean air filter is what keeps your indoor air pure and safe. As the air filter traps all the dust and pollutants from the air circulating through the air conditioning system, it is obvious that the filter can become dirty and even clogged often. Some air filters may need routine cleaning while others are disposable. But in any case, every air filter has its lifespan so at some point you have to change your HVAC’s air filter. Knowing how to change air filters and install a new one is essential.
If you need help changing your air filter or have any other HVAC installation and servicing needs in the St. Louis area, Galmiche & Sons are at your service. Give our expert heating and air conditioning experts a call at 314-993-1110 to learn more.
Knowing How to Change Air Filters in Your AC is Basic but Essential Knowledge
While you can certainly hire an HVAC contractor to change your AC or furnace filters, it is often a crucial part of HVAC maintenance that you can do yourself. When getting ready to replace your air filter, first, make sure you have bought the correct replacement filter. Then, you will need to know where in your HVAC system the air filter is located. If you are not sure, check the manual that came with the unit. Usually, all the parts of the system should be labeled on a complete diagram of the system. Once you have figured out the location, ensure the HVAC system is turned off and look at the following steps to understand how to change air filters.
- Open the filter compartment: In most cases, the air filter is located in the return duct or at the entrance of the blower chamber of your HVAC system. It may be housed in a separate compartment. So open the door of the filter compartment to access the air filter inside.
- Remove the existing filter: The next step is to remove the old filter from the compartment. Carefully remove it from its slot. This should not be too difficult as it is usually just fixed in place without too many fastenings. Check for any screws holding the filter in place. If there are none, you can simply lift it off or pull it straight out. The old filter should be quite dirty after serving so long, so handle it carefully to avoid a mess.
- Fix the new filter in place: Once the old filter is removed, you might want to lightly clean the compartment with a brush or a cloth, especially if it is particularly dirty. Then place the new filter in the slot. It should fit easily without much resistance. Most filters have an arrow that shows the direction of airflow. Make sure that it is pointing in the right direction.
- Check if the new filter fits perfectly: If your new air filter is the right size, there should not be any gaps in the air passage and it should fit perfectly. In case you do see any gaps, you will need to get a new one that fits. Fix the old filter back in until you have the right one to replace. If there are no gaps, though, it is almost done.
- Close the compartment and turn the system back on: Close the filter compartment and test run the HVAC once to check if everything is working fine. Though you cannot tell if the air quality is better after changing the filter, you may notice that any foul smells from the HVAC you often experienced have been eliminated.
Get Your Filter Replaced During Your Next HVAC Servicing
The above guide tells you exactly how to change air filters step by step, but if you are still not sure or have questions, that is fine too. You should already have regular heating and air conditioner maintenance scheduled every year. So you can ask the service professionals how to change the air filter during maintenance.
Let the Best in the Business Take Care of Your HVAC Servicing
Whether it is learning how to change air filters or thorough maintenance of your heating and cooling system, you should not settle for anyone but the best. Galmiche & Sons has been providing commercial and residential heating and cooling services in St. Louis since 1950. We are a company you can trust with your eyes closed. Get in touch with our heating and air conditioning professionals today to learn more about our services and pricing.
