Changing Your Filter Can Save You From An Air Conditioning Repair

Often times people will find that with a little regular maintenance, expensive air conditioning repair can be put off for later. One such maintenance item that should be on your list of things to check is the air filter inside of your central air unit or forced air furnace. Some people are unaware that changing the filter is imperative to the overall function of the system. And really air conditioning repair can be avoided, your system can provide years of trouble free operation with relatively little maintenance if you remember to change the filter often.

Changing the air filter in your air conditioner provides two things for the homeowner. First, it will go a long way towards ensuring that only clean air is produced from your central air unit. Since the filter catches everything from pet dander to other household allergens, as well as traps pollens and dust the filter can become quite dirty quickly. So, it is important for the air quality of your home. 

The second reason, and equally important; especially if you want to avoid a costly air conditioning repair, is that changing the filter will help to lengthen the life of your unit. When the filter becomes very dirty it is difficult for the air to pass through it easily. This means that the parts of your unit will have to work extra hard in order to provide clean cool air to the home. Over time, the unit will become stressed and the parts will begin to burn out or weaken significantly. So, really changing the filter equals an extended life of the unit and the parts. 

So changing your filter not only provides cleaner air for you and your family to breath, but it will save you extra money in the long run. But, how does one go about changing the filter? 

Well, the first thing you should know is that the filter should be checked monthly during the cooling season. And, it is best before you get started to know the size of your filter, as each central air system uses a different size filter. Once you have the new filter ready you can begin.

For safety reasons it is a good idea to start by turning off the thermostat and/or power to the central air unit. Once, everything is off you can locate the air handler. This is unique to each home's set up. Sometimes this is found in the wall, attic, return air grill, or basement.

After you have located the space where the air handler resides you can open the cover or return air grill. Immediately take off the old filter and place it in a bag so as not to spread dust and other particles around the home. It is a good idea to clean out the compartment area where the filter resides in case dust particles have escaped the filter. Then place the new filter in and close the door or grill to it's original position, and you can resume your usage.