Air Conditioning: How to Change Air Conditioning Filters for Better Performance and Cleaner Air

To ensure that a home's air conditioning system continues to work properly and produces clean, cool air, changing the air filter routinely is vital. The more particles collected within a filter, the less air that can eventually flow through. Dirty filters can cause an air conditioner to work improperly or fail altogether.

Dirty air filters can also make air ducts dirty, which can be expensive to clean. If an air filter is not clean, the air conditioning unit's fan must work harder to produce a cooler temperature. This increases energy consumption and negatively impacts the environment as a result.

Most significantly, breathing in impure air from a dirty air filter can potentially harm a person's health. Contaminates that flow through the air may be allergenic, infectious, or toxic, causing a variety of health issues, from allergic reactions to headaches.

It is recommended that air filters typically be changed every three months. However, depending on the efficiency of the filter being used in an air conditioning system, the filter may need to be changed as often as once a month. The more effective a filter tends to be, the more often it will need to be changed. Efficiency depends on the size of the filter and the concentration of the material it is made from. It also depends on the size and amount of particles that the filter can trap.

Air filters may also need to be changed more often depending on a household's environment. Elements such as pet dander can clog a filter more quickly, and the number of pets in a household affects the frequency of replacement. In addition, if a member of the household has allergies or increased sensitivity to certain particles, the more often the filter should be changed.

To change an air filter, first make sure that the unit is off and that no air is being circulated before proceeding. Then, determine the location of the filter. Usually, the filter is located in the return duct, where air is pulled through from the house. Once the old air filter is removed, a new one of the same size can be inserted in its place. The filter should fit tightly into the space provided; air should only flow through the filter, not around it.

The air filter size can often be found on the frame itself or printed on the filter. If not, a self-measurement can be taken and rounded to even numbers for the best fit. When installing a new filter, it is important to make sure the arrows on the filter point in the same direction of airflow. As a rule of thumb, the flow of air moves from the room into the vent; arrows should face away from the person replacing the filter and toward the air duct.

Finally, close and secure the latch, if applicable, where the filter is located and be sure to change the filter as often as needed, depending on the type of air conditioning system, related filter, and other household factors. This will decrease the risk of system failure, potential sickness, or additional maintenance problems.