If you have a large system with multiple air handlers and return ducts finding the filters can be a challenge. If you install your filter in the wrong direction air will have a hard time flowing through the filters material and your air handler will have to work overtime to make up for the loss of airflow.
Your air conditioner systems air filter is typically located inside the air handler unit or just outside the cabinet in the ductwork.
How to install air conditioner filter. Put the filter cap back on or refasten the grate. If you have central air and heat youll need to find the main unit. How to Install an Air Conditioner Filter Step 1.
Purchase a new filter. For any air filter whether it be for an air conditioner or a furnace the ARROWS ALWAYS POINT IN THE DIRECTION OF AIR FLOW. Pleated air filters are usually made of higher quality materials and can last anywhere from three to six months depending on the material.
Replace the cover and restore power to the unit. Look for a filter cabinet along the sides top or bottom of the blower cabinet. In some cases especially on older models the filter may be found inside the blower cabinet.
Find the airflow arrow and point it toward the ACheating blower. In some systems the filters are located in the return air duct. First locate the air filter in the.
You can find air filters at home improvement stores and most big box stores. Look for an air filter slot in your unit. The frequency at which your air filter should be changed depends on a variety of factors including the type of filter in your HVAC unit.
Look for the return air duct. After fitting it in the unit you can then replace the cover and turn the units power back on. Locate your HVAC unit if you have central air.
When you install a new air filter into the AC return duct the arrows face inward to specify which way the air is flowing. Air-dry the filter thoroughly before replacing it in the unit. Installing a New Air Filter 1.
Step 3 - Install the Filter. Find Where the Filter is InstalledAir conditioner filters are usually attached inside the air handler which is. On a HVAC unit this will probably be somewhere between the air handler a.
Once you have the correct unit for your air conditioner slide it into place. If youre not sure what to buy look at the. If you provide proper filter maintenance and your air conditioner or furnace breaks down your home warranty plan will repair or replace your HVAC unit.
Turn your unit off. This is not only a waste of energy but it can also possibly damage your air conditioner or heating system. Youve successfully changed the filter.
Check out our easy step-by-step installation instructions. Secure Access PanelNext youll want to secure the access panel in place utilizing sliding clips which keep. Replace the filter lining up the notches on the filter frame with the spaces inside the filter compartment.
Remove the plastic from the filterdont remove the cardboard framing. When you are placing the new filter into your unit line up the notches on the filters frame with the spaces in the filter compartment. Here is how to replace an air conditioner filter in a home air-conditioning unit.
Insert the filter into its slot central unit. This is the one that pulls air from your space back into the air conditioners air handler system. There should be an arrow telling you which side to put it in first and it is important that you follow this as the filters are designed to work this way.
It traps airborne pollutants from the air coming into the system which can help keep your cooling system components cleaner and maintain improved quality of the air you and your family breathe. The filter may be positioned horizontally or vertically depending on the orientation of the air handler in the indoor unit. Fiberglass filters are a lower cost option but they need to be disposed of and replaced roughly every 30 days.
Once you find the manufactures specifications on filters there are a variety of options you can purchase that filter out different levels of dust viruses and smoke. This is a very easy do it yourself job. It is now safe to have air flowing.
Scrub the cover in the soapy water then rinse and dry with a microfiber cloth. Usually the return air is located near your thermostat either on the same wall or. Installing Your Filtrete Filter.
THE ARROWS ON ANY AIR FILTER NEED TO POINT IN THE SAME DIRECTION THE AIR IS FLOWING. How to Install an AC Filter. Once you have the correct unit for your air conditioner slide it into place.
There should be an arrow telling you which side to put it in first and it is important that you follow this as the filters are designed to work this way. Put the filter cap back on or refasten the grate.
For ceiling vents a duster with an extension pole will do the trick. You can clean unpainted metal registers in a dishwasher but wash painted or varnished ones by hand.
Using the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner remove as much of the dirt dust and other debris that you can.
How to clean air conditioner vents. Remove the smaller vent covers by unscrewing each corner. Cleaning your air conditioner properly will help remove and prevent unwanted smells and odors. Immerse the vent cover in the soapy water and leave it to soak for about 20 minutes to loosen stubborn dust and grime.
Also dont forget the cold-air returns. When an air conditioner is blocked dirty or not maintained well it isnt very efficient. If theres a lot of dust unscrew the grills and hose out the visible interior of the ducts.
Foam paintbrushes are perfect for getting deep into the spaces between your air. Place the vent cover in a basin or tub sprinkle with laundry. Start by shutting off power to your air conditioner preferably at the breaker level.
Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle eg. Remove the inside basement registers. Unscrew the vents from the wall and clean them with the cleaning rag using soap and water.
Combine equal parts of warm water and white vinegar. Vacuum the ducts as much as possible. Purchase a set of foam paintbrushes.
Turn off your air conditioning unit. Unscrew air conditioner vent grilles and give them a good thorough cleaning using warm soapy water and a soft-bristled. Dryer vents registers HVAC system blowers coils and motor cleaned and then sanitizedFor more informa.
An air conditioner running correctly and cleanly will last much longer than a dirty overworked unit. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle eg dust levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts Whats more cleaning your air ducts the wrong way can make things worse not better. Remove the vent cover of a window air conditioner by unscrewing the screws with a screwdriver or pressing in on pressure clips.
Use your brush to clean the grates thoroughly. To clean place the covers in a sink filled with hot soapy water. Remove the cover from the water and scrub both sides with a damp cloth.
The covers will probably be full of dust on the inside and the outside. Air duct cleaning service providers may tell you that they need to apply chemical biocide to the inside of your ducts as a means to kill bacteria germs and fungi mold and prevent future biological growth. Remove and wash the vent cover in a sink of hot soapy water.
Prolong the life of the system. Dust levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts. They may also propose the application of a sealant to prevent dust and dirt particles from being released into the air or to seal air leaks.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency EPA duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. The best DIY project for your HVAC system involves the good old vacuum cleaner. DaVine Airs air duct cleaning process explained.
Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Use a high-powered vacuum my tool of choice is a Shop-Vac to vacuum just inside the ducts removing any dust or debris. You dont have to clean the main air ducts but you can do it if.
Turn off the air conditioning unit. Cleaning Your Vents Using a Foam Paintbrush 1. Use the screwdriver to remove wall and ceiling vents including cold air returns.
You dont want to risk electrocution. Accessing the Main Air Ducts 1. Vacuum out the dust.
Unscrew the air duct covers or grilles from the walls. Learn how to clean an air conditioner so that it will be ready. Take the caps off of the rectangular duct work.
Once completed dry the vent with a towel. Put on a dust mask. Scrub as needed but take care not to damage the finish.
Keep the floor grilles and wall duct registers clean with the vacuum brush attachment. Take your vacuum hose and slide it into the space created by removing the caps. Consider renting a heavy duty vacuum for this.
Create a homemade cleaning solution. It may be ugly in there. Heres What To Do Turn off the power connected to the heating and air conditioning system.
A clean and adequately operational HVAC system can produce colder cleaner air. Follow the tips below for cleaning your ducted air vents.
