Your home’s HVAC system is one of the most important components of your home. After all, it is charged with keeping the indoor air quality (IAQ) good and climate-controlling the home for your family’s comfort. The good news is that the system is built to handle those duties for a very long time. Of course, like all mechanical systems, they require periodic maintenance and inspections to make sure they are operating properly. A majority of this maintenance should always be performed by a licensed HVAC professional , but one of the most important maintenance jobs is also one of the easiest: replacing the HVAC filter. Masters Heating & Cooling Inc encourages our Fort Wayne, Decatur, Angola, Indianapolis, Greenwood and Mishawaka, IN
customers to check the filter and replace it regularly.
Replace HVAC Filter
Your system’s air filter is the first line of defense in keeping dirt, mold and other airborne pollutants from getting in your home. The filter should be inspected each month and changed at least every 2-3 months. Here’s how:
- Locate the filter. Some filters are located in a slot or cabinet inside the air handler. Others are placed inside a hallway ceiling vent that is connected to the air intake ductwork. You may need to unscrew or unclip an access panel to get to the filter, which is a square or rectangular shape with a cardboard casing.
- Remove filter and check size. The old filter should come out easily. If you haven’t purchased a new filter yet, note the dimensions on the outside of it for your purchase. If you have, make sure the replacement is a match. The old filter may be thrown away.
- Install new filter. Simply place the new filter in the same notched compartment the old filter was in, making sure the arrows on the filter’s edge are heading with the air flow into the system. Replace the screws/clips/panel and that’s it… you’re done.
Air Conditioning Maintenance
Replacing the air filter is a great start to helping your system keep dirt and other pollutants out of your equipment and home. This will promote overall system efficiency which will save wear and tear on your system as well as money on utility bills. Changing the filters is just one part of the overall air conditioner maintenance that we recommend. Your system should also be regularly inspected to ensure that all interior mechanical parts like coils and fans are clean, that all electrical connections are solid and that the refrigerant levels are good. Find out more about regular air conditioner maintenance by giving us a call or enroll in our Energy Savings Agreement maintenance plan. And don’t forget to check us out on social media!
