How do I Change an Air Filter in a Home Air Conditioner?

Extend your heating and air unit's life by changing the filter regularly.

Changing your air-conditioning filter every month helps the air conditioner run smoothly and reduces your electrical bill. Filters come in many different types, sizes and materials. Filters come in reusable and disposable varieties. Either type of filter is acceptable. Changing or cleaning filters on a regular basis helps maintain an even temperature throughout the house. Never wait until the air conditioner filter is totally clogged before changing the filter.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement filter

Instructions

Replacing a Throwaway Filter

1. Turn off the air-conditioning unit at the thermostat. Locate the grid plate where your air return from the air-conditioned system is located. It will look different from the air registers, where the cool or warm air comes out. It doesn't have a lever to control the amount or direction of air flow.

2. Move your finger around the grid plate edges until you find little tabs you can pull down or up that release the grid door. Release the grid door to access the filter.

3. Remove the filter, paying attention to the filter edge with a printed arrow showing the air flow direction. Replace with a new filter with the arrow pointing in the same direction. Close the grid and move the tabs to a locked position. Turn the air-conditioning unit back on.

How to Replace a Filter That's Missing

1. Open the air conditioner's return-air grid door. Measure the opening.

2. Purchase a replacement filter that will fit the opening.

3. Place the new filter with the arrow pointing inside the air return duct. Close the grid, and move the abs to a locked position. Turn the air-conditioning unit back on.

Replacing the Filter with a Cut-to-Fit Filter

1. Purchase a one-size-fits-all air-conditioning filter. Lay the old filter on top of the new filter while lining up the corners. Trace the shape of the original filter on the new filter with with a marker. Cut out the new filter.

2. Replace the filter in the air-conditioning return grid. It doesn't matter which way the filter goes in. The one-size-fits-all filters are designed to go in either way for correct air flow.

3. Close the grid and move the tabs to a locked position. Turn the air-conditioning unit back on.

Tips & Warnings

• Your filter may also be in a chamber that is part of the inside AC unit.

References

• 5 Min Life Videopedia: How to Change a home Air Filter
• Essortment: How to Replace an Air Conditioner Air Filter