This Blog was posted by Smithson Valley Services Air Conditioning Repair. We serve the Texas Hill Country, including Blanco | Bulverde | Canyon Lake | Fisher | Kendalia | New Braunfels | North San Antonio | Sattler | Sisterdale | Smithson Valley | Spring Branch | Startzville
Air Conditioning Services – Air Filters
One of the many small home repair jobs a homeowner must undertake may be HVAC air filter replacement. However, it doesn’t have to be an arduous task. If you aren’t familiar with the process, learn how to replace an HVAC air filter.
Indoor air especially recirculating air is full of contaminants. Some experts say that indoor air is now more polluted than outdoor air! Respiratory irritants that can be recirculated may include cat and dog hair, dander, pollen, household chemicals like paint fumes and hair spray particles, and dust or mold spores. An HVAC air filter is designed to keep these troublemakers to a minimum by trapping them as the air is recirculated; however, a full air filter cannot trap additional particulates. AC Repair Bulverde here
How often should I replace my filter?
This estimate will vary depending on how sensitive members of your household are to environmental irritants, and how many types of particulate may be present in your home environment. In general, vacation homes or homes owned by a single occupant without pets or allergies may only require an air filter change every 6-12 months. The average suburban pet-less home should change HVAC filters every three months, and families with pets or allergies should change the filter every 30-60 days.
Buying a new filter
if you are unsure what type of filter your HVAC system uses, the first step in buying a new one is to find out! Generally, it is easiest to remove the old filter and take it with you when visiting your supplier; they can identify its type and brand, making your life a bit easier. If the supplier does not recognize the air filter model, a quick call to your HVAC technician should remedy this problem; ask what type of filter your system takes and relay that information to the clerk. Afterward, write the info down and store it with your household files!
Removing the old filter
First, turn off your HVAC system! This is usually accomplished via a central control panel, sometimes located indoors and sometimes attached to the main body of the unit. Most HVAC air filters are located where the main air duct connects to the unit. Removal should be relatively easy; if the filter does not simply slide out, it will be attached with small screws, which can be removed using a household screwdriver.
Installing a new filter
Once you have purchased a new filter, it can be installed as simply as the old one was removed! Ensure the new filter faces the right direction and fits comfortably and securely into the allocated space. If it is ill-fitting, you may have purchased the wrong model by mistake. Once the filter is installed, you may turn your HVAC back on. It may be wise to buy filters in bulk if you expect to change them on a monthly or bimonthly basis to reduce costs and improve convenience. With a little research and a bit of skill, it’s not difficult to learn how to replace an HVAC air filter!