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A Guide to Changing Your AC Air Filter

person-holding-an-air-filter

We always encourage people to rely on qualified professionals for HVAC service. Repair or maintenance for your furnace or air conditioner is not a DIY job! You can get injured, damage your equipment, waste time and money, and void your warranty. It’s just not worth it.

However, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to take care of your air conditioner. The most important thing you can do to keep your AC happy is to change the air filter. How? When? Why? We’ll explain everything. If you have any questions about your air filter or other home AC maintenance in Haslett, MI, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Air Filters Protect the System

The air filter on your air conditioner isn’t meant to prevent dust from getting out into the air that you breathe. It’s there to keep the air out of the AC system itself. Reducing the amount of dust that gets into your air conditioner’s inner workings will keep it running better for longer, with fewer repair needs, less wear and tear, and higher efficiency.

Air Filter Changes Are Quick and Easy

This entire process will take a matter of moments. Turn off your air conditioner. Remove the filter. Take the necessary steps depending on the type of filter you have—these details are listed below. Put the filter in and turn the air conditioner back on again.

Some Air Filters Are Disposable

If your AC system has a disposable filter, you simply need to purchase a new one. Toss the old filter in the trash and slide in the replacement. That’s all!

Some Air Filters Are Reusable

If your AC system has a reusable filter, you’ll be taking a little time to clean it, but you’ll be saving money because you don’t need to buy new filters. Simply wash it gently and let it dry completely before you put it back into the air conditioner.

Help Is Available

If you’re not sure where the air filter is, whether you’re doing it right, if your system uses disposable or reusable filters, or have any other questions, the first place to turn is your owner’s manual. If you don’t have that, or it doesn’t answer your specific question very well, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help.

Air Filters Need Frequent Changes

The dust can build up surprisingly quickly in an air filter. That can mean that the airflow to your system is reduced. Too little airflow through the filter will force your compressor to work harder and run more of the time, leading to repair needs and a shortened AC lifespan. Reduced air circulation can even cause the blower fan motor to overheat and burn out. Sometimes the wires literally fuse together!

During the time of year when you’re using the AC most or all days, you should be changing the air filter at least once a month. If your home is extra dusty for reasons that may relate to weather, home improvements, nearby construction, or shedding pets, you should change it even more often. When you’re only using the AC occasionally, you should still change the filter, but every 2-3 months is generally enough.

Contact A-1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling for home AC maintenance in Haslett, MI. Comfort and Character You Can Depend On.

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