Replace AC Filters
Regularly replacing air filters is an inexpensive way to keep your heating and cooling systems in top shape and ensure healthy home air quality. It also can save from 5% - 15% on air conditioning costs.
Your Impact
Action Steps & Tips
Introduction
The cheapest and easiest basic maintenance you can perform for your heating and cooling system is to routinely replace your air filters. Clean air filters keep your system energy efficient, extend the life of your equipment, and protect your home air quality and your family’s health.
As dirt and dust build up in your heating and air conditioner filters, air flow decreases significantly and makes your equipment work harder to keep your home comfortable. This wastes energy and increases your bill. Dirty and clogged filters can cause your system to overheat, leading to costly repairs or even replacement. Dirty filters also harm air quality and impact your family’s health, especially if they have asthma or other respiratory problems.
Replacing the filters in your air conditioning system saves money and can reduce your air conditioning bill by 5% to 15%. Replacing heating air filters does not create the same energy savings, but does have the repair and health benefits and is recommended as well.
1Find your air filter and check it regularly
Find your air filter. Different air conditioning systems have different locations for filters. If you have a central AC system, the filter may be behind the main vent that lets cool air into the house. It might also be located in a slot in your furnace. For window AC units it is usually directly behind where the cool air comes out. For your heater, it might be inside the furnace or inside the return air vent. Before removing and replacing your filter, make sure to turn your unit off so no air is flowing while you try to replace it.
Check it regularly. Manufacturers recommend you check your air filters monthly, particularly during winter and summer months when your heating and cooling systems get the most use. In some areas, people find that they need replacement less often. How often you need to change your filters will depend on a number of things including what type of air filter you have, the air quality in your house, how many people are in the home, and if you are in an area of high pollution or construction.
For example, households with pets or lots of dust will require changing air filters more often. Start off checking your filter monthly until you can see what your filter needs will be. Then check as needed.
2Replace your filter
Purchase a new filter. Filters are typically inexpensive (around $2-15 per filter) and can be found at your local hardware store (or online). They come in different sizes and performance ratings that indicate the level of filtration they provide. Higher performance filters cost a bit more but can capture things like mold, bacteria, and smog, so it is worth considering the extra investment.
Replace filter. Plastic framed filters can be dusted or vacuumed, washed with water, dried, and reused. However, many people prefer the cardboard-framed disposable variety because handling clogged filters will expose you to dust, hair and other particulate matter that can cause respiratory problems.
Now, replace your old filter with the new one. For a window or central air conditioning system, you will need to remove a cover to access the filter. For a furnace, it’s as simple as pulling out the old filter and sliding the new one into its slot. If you are unsure how to replace your air filter, check out the How to Change Your Furnace Filter and How to Change Your AC Filter guides or ask your HVAC contractor to show you.
Record the date. Finally, record the date that you changed the filter so that you will know when it is time to change it again.
Now breathe deeply! Take a deep, clean breath! With this simple action, you have successfully improved your energy savings, reduced your impact, and provided safe, clean air for your household.