With most home HVAC systems, it is effortless to change an air filter in your Florida home. You need to follow simple steps, and there you go. Where is the air filter located? Are you trying to find it in your HVAC system?
Try to check where the Thermostat is. That’s where most air filters get located. You can also read the HVAC manual that came with the equipment to guide you better on its location.
Now how do you change it? Here is the process.
Easy step-by-step guide on how to change your air filter
Before the changing process, ensure you already have a new air filter at standby and that the equipment is powered off and disconnected from the power supply. You are wondering where to get one? Stores like filterbuy.com in Florida will guide you on how to get one
Ensure you get the right filter size for your equipment by checking your machine specification and size. In case you are still stranded on this, get your equipment made and design and get help from the selling store.
After locating the air filter in your HVA component, follow the below easy steps:
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Step 1:
Gently remove the cover, holding the vent by gently loosening the fasteners that hold the front grille on the vent. Set the filter cover aside, and you will see the air filter behind the cover. Ensure you carry the process gently to avoid damaging the equipment.
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Step 2:
Reach the air filter in your HVAC system and gently pull it out. Do not force, and in case it’s stuck, check the cause and solve the issue before pulling the filter out.
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Step 3:
After pulling the filter out, check its condition. If it’s still white, then it’s still usable, you can return it back but if the filter is dingy, greyish, brown or any other color type, it needs an immediate replacement.
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Step 4:
Open the new filter and check its condition. Ensure there are no defects and that it’s of the right size and quality.
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Step 5:
Fix the filter by checking the arrow pattern, usually located at the edge of the filter. The arrow pattern is very crucial to check since it’s the one that determines the airflow. They should not point at you or out since they will affect and restrict the airflow, making your equipment not function efficiently.
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Step 6:
Position the filter, such that the arrows face the wall. This positioning ensures your equipment works as required.
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Step 7:
Put the filter slowly in the return duct opening by putting the bottom part first before finishing with the top. Ensure it gets done slowly and gently. Do not force. If it’s becoming hard to install, remove and start again, checking if there is an error.
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Step 8:
Check one more time to ensure the arrows are facing towards the duct. If not, remove and rectify the mistake.
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Step 9:
After ensuring everything gets set, pat the filter gently to ensure it’s okay and fit snugly just at the opening. It should not be too tight.
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Step 10:
Put the cover back and ensure it fits perfectly before tightening the screws. After doing so, put the HVAC equipment on and check if there are any abnormalities. Suppose everything is okay, well done. If there are still issues, start again and check where you went wrong, if the condition is unsolvable, contact your technician to check and solve the issue.
How often should you change your filter?
Most technicians and experts recommend that an air filter should be changed at least once in three months. But the situation will depend on the type of HVAC equipment and the location of your house. Factors that will make you change your air filter regularly are as below:
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- If you have pets that shed fur
- If your home gets more traffic
- When you are renovating your building
- When someone in your home suffers from different kinds of allergies
- When your home is near a dusty area or area covered with flowering vegetation.
After completing the above filter changing task, clean your equipment, dispose of the used filter carefully while observing the health hazards set by your local council. A good filter will ensure your home is well aerated and that your equipment does not use more electricity while functioning. We hope the steps in this article will help you change your air filter quickly and easily.