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How To Change Your HVAC System’s Air Filter

How To Change Your HVAC System’s Air Filter Changing your air filter is a simple process, but an important step in making sure the air in your home is clean and the HVAC system is running smoothly. Unfortunately, it’s often a task that goes overlooked or forgotten, and can lead to problems. 

We’ve been replacing filters in HVAC systems for years. Heck, I was even changing the air filter at my home when I was a kid. The point is, it’s a very easy task, but if you’ve never done it before, you may not know how it’s done. In this article, we’ll tell you how to replace an air filter, and why it’s so important! 

If you want to speak to an expert about your HVAC system, call us today at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. Our experts are happy to help you get your home ready for the next season, whether you need your filter changed, HVAC system serviced, or a brand new upgrade! 

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Steps To Change Your Air Filter

Changing the air filter in your HVAC system is an important and easy task, one you should be able to perform on your own. Here are the steps you need to take to change your air filter:

Air Handler Filter Replacement: 

  1. Turn Off Your HVAC System: You don’t want your HVAC system running while there is no filter in place. 
  2. Locate Your Filter: The filter is usually located by the air handler. It may also be behind a grate over your air return. If you have trouble locating the filter, consult your manual. You can also ask your HVAC technician during a routine maintenance. They can show you where it’s located and give you a tutorial on how to change it. 
  3. Remove The Old Filter: You may have to take a small covering or case off first to access your air filter. Once you have the cover off, remove the air filter gently. It’s going to be full of dirt and debris, so you will want to have a trash bag ready to dispose of it right away. 
  4. Insert The New Filter: The new filter should have little arrows showing you which direction it should be inserted. Once you put the new filter in, replace the cover. 
  5. Turn On Your System: Now that the filter is secure and in place, it’s time to turn the system back on. 

Return Vent Grille Filter Replacement:

If you have a return vent that has a filter behind it that needs to be replaced, this is also a simple swap. 

  1. Remove The Grate: Remove the grate that the filter is hidden behind. If this is high up, be careful, and maybe make sure someone is there to assist you if you need to use a ladder. This grate usually has a hook that you pull and unlatch it, rather than needing to unscrew anything. 
  2. Remove The Filter: Have a trash bag handy to throw out the dirty filter. Make sure you wipe away any excess dirt and debris left over, and clean off the grate as well. 
  3. Replace The Filter: You can now place the new filter and secure the grate back on. 

That’s it! It’s a simple task, but one that often goes forgotten. 

As we mentioned above, if you are having trouble replacing your filter, ask your HVAC technician to show you during a routine maintenance. You should have your HVAC system serviced at least once a year, and during this visit, the technician will be able to show you how it’s done. They will show you where the filter is, and how to replace it. 

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Why Should You Replace Your Air Filter? 

Your Air Filter Can Become Clogged Like The One HereReplacing your air filter keeps the air in your home clean and also helps promote better airflow. The purpose of your filter is to catch any particles that may be floating in the air. Dust, allergens, bacteria, mold spores, and more are floating around the air, and with a dirty filter, it will fail to prevent them from passing through. 

Over time, if the filter gets clogged, it’s going to create dirtier air, and also prevent your HVAC system from pumping air smoothly through your home. This backed-up airflow may cause different problems: 

  • Your system could short-cycle
  • Your system may stop producing warm/cool air 
  • Your heat exchanger could crack in your furnace
  • Your coil could freeze on your AC
  • Your air will become dirtier and less healthy to breathe 
  • Your system may have to run harder, driving up your energy bills

For such an easy task to take care of, you can see the many benefits of replacing the air filter. 

How Often Should You Replace Your Air Filter? 

We recommend you replace the air filter once every 1-3 months. During the winter and summer, when your HVAC system is running constantly, and the windows are closed more often, you may want to replace it every month or 2. During the spring and fall, when the HVAC system is off and the windows are open, you have more fresh air, and likely only need to replace it once during the season. 

We recommend having a few filters on standby, so you don’t have to worry about going to the store every time you need a new one. 

HVAC Service In Southwest Virginia 

If you need some help replacing your air filter and you are located in Southwest Virginia, give Complete Comfort a call! We can help you replace your air filter and set you up with a complete HVAC service. You can reach us at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. 

We’ve been helping homeowners and businesses stay comfortable in Chilhowie, Abingdon, Bristol, and all the surrounding towns since 2011, and we look forward to helping out for years to come. Check out our reviews to see just how happy we make our customers!