Is It Possible to Change an Air Filter by Yourself?

Whenever you realize you will have to do maintenance on your home, the first thing you think about is how much labor is going to cost you. You think about doing it yourself, but You hear DIY horror stories that prevent you from trying it.

Fortunately, changing the air filters of your home HVAC system is one of the easiest forms of home maintenance. Most air filters are very easy to change and you should be able to do the work yourself in just a few minutes.

What Kind of Air Filter Should I Get?

Before you install your new filter, you will have to buy them. As with everything else, clean air costs money. Air filters are rated on a quality scale called. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. (MERV). The scale goes from 1 to 20 with 20 being of the highest quality. The very highest quality filters are generally recommended for medical facilities such as hospitals and pharmacies.

Although filters with a 5 or 6 rating will filter out major debris and particles, most professionals recommend purchasing filters that have between an 8 and 13 MERV rating. These filters will take out smaller particles such as viruses and bacteria. You should know that not all HVACs will work well with all filters. There are some top-quality filters that overload an HVAC system.

How to Change a Filter

You should change or clean your AC’s air filter once every three months. You can clean reusable filters.

1. First, remove the air filter from the AC unit or from the air return.
2. As you remove the filter, pay careful attention to how it is situated in the unit. This will make the new filter easier to replace.
3. If you do have a reusable filter, you can clean it with soap and water. Just make sure that it is completely dry before you replace it.
4. You can use the old filter to help you figure out the correct size for the new filter. If you use the wrong size it can affect the efficiency of the air conditioner.
5. Clean the parts that house the filter. You can use a vacuum or cloth
6. Put in the clean or new filter by starting with one edge and working your way around. If you have a pleated filter have the arrows on the side point inward in the direction of the duct.
7. Some air conditioners have condensers that sit outside of your house. They can become clogged with debris. A condenser works by removing heat from your home. You should clear away weeds, twigs, or debris that are around it. Make sure that all of the hoses on the unit are attached securely and that nothing wobbles.
8. Turn off the air conditioner and hose off the coils and metal fins. This will help your AC run better.

A clean air filter can stop mold from forming in your home. It can clean allergens from the air and let you, the dog, and the cat co-exist peacefully. Filter King has a wide selection of filters and a staff that is trained to answer questions and help achieve the cleanest air possible in your home.