The filter in your air conditioning system is one of the most important parts in the mix. It is also one of the most overlooked. Having a filter that does its job properly is vital for the health of your cooling system and also for the well-being of you and your family.
When it comes to do-it-yourself (DIY) air conditioner repair the system's filter is one of the easiest parts to check and replace. Your filter should be checked often and changed on a regular schedule. How often it needs to be changed depends on your particular situation but as a rule of thumb monthly systematic filter checks and replacement is essential to a smooth running system and indoor air quality.
Importance of the Filter
The filter in your air conditioner is meant to stop airborne particles from being re-circulated through your home with the cooler air. Animal hair, dust, allergens and all other sorts of harmful substances are eliminated from your home's air by a good air filter. Your family's health and well-being suffer if you don't adequately care for you home's AC filter.
Your filter also helps the health of your entire cooling system. Dirty filters clog up the unit and can cause many problems. In general your unit will have to work much harder, often meaning costly air conditioner repairs and possibly even early replacement.
Types of Filters
There are many types of filters. They are rated by a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV. The higher the rating the better the filter efficiency. Purchase the filter that does the best job at what you need it to do. If you have family members with allergies you want a higher MERV rating. Each filter will clearly show the rating and generally have some explanation on what it is best used for. A qualified air conditioner repair company can help you decide the right filter for your sytem.
Change the Filter
When it comes to air conditioner repair an easy task is changing the filter yourself. Filter replacement for you AC unit is pretty easy and does not require any special tools or knowledge. Following are the steps you need to take in order to do the job correctly:
- Turn the unit off. You don't want your system to turn on when you are in the middle of filter replacement.
- Open the door that houses the old filter and slowly slide the used filter out. It is best to have a plastic bag to put the old filter in to cut down on the dust that might be shaken out in handling it.
- Take the new filter out of its packaging and check to see the direction of the air flow. There will be an arrow on the filter to show which direction the air needs to flow through it. Slide the new filter into the slot. There may be clips or elastic bands to hold the filter in place. Make sure these are in good working condition.
- Close the door that houses the filter and you are done. Secure any screws that keep the door closed tightly. Turn the AC unit back on. Check on the system every now and then after you replace the new filter to make sure everything is working properly. You don't want to be surprised by a problem later on because something went wrong when you replaced the filter.
There are some things you can easily do when it comes to DIY air conditioner repair. Replacing the filter is one of them. Not only does a new filter help your entire system run better it can also help protect you and your family from unhealthy airborne particles and substances. Replace your filter often and breathe easier!
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