How to Locate Your Air Conditioning Filter

Air-conditioning units provide a cool, controlled environment during hot summer months. Air-conditioning filters provide clean air circulation that runs over the coils of the air conditioner. Dirty air conditioners can disperse dust and even toxic mold spores throughout your home. Properly maintaining your air conditioner is essential for it to operate at optimum levels. The air-conditioning filter must be changed frequently, usually every other month during the summer.

Instructions

1. Find the thermostat control for your A/C unit, often in a hallway or near a living-room exit. Some air-conditioning filters may be in the general vicinity of the thermostat. If so, the filter may be on the bottom of a nearby wall, behind a vented cover and accessible by turning two screw knobs.

2. Look on your ceiling for a large panel with a vented surface about 2 ft. long by 1 ft. wide. This may be the access panel to replace your filter. Air-conditioner models differ and, correspondingly, use different-size filters. Some of these filters could be on the ceiling.

3. Check in your attic for a vented panel near any square air-duct work. The air-duct system will usually run through an attic or crawl space.

4. Check in your basement for a large square vented panel. Many homes with basements have filters for the A/C unit and furnace.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean or replace air filters as directed by your landlord or consult your air-conditioning unit owner's manual for changing instructions.

• Properly cleaning and regular maintenance of air filters can significantly reduce energy costs.

References

• Air Cool Direct Solutions
• Airconditioning-Filter.com
• Air Rite Service Supply