When was the last time you cleaned the filters in your air conditioning system?
If you can’t remember, you might be putting yourself at risk.
Air conditioners that have clogged or dirty filters are unable to remove pollutants, pollen, and allergens effectively from the air.
This increases your likelihood of inhaling large doses of these irritants, which can trigger coughing, sneezing, allergies, or more severe respiratory problems that can make you quite unwell.
For this reason, it is essential to replace your air conditioning filter regularly to improve the air quality in your home and ensure your HVAC system is working as effectively as possible.
How Do I Remove an Air Conditioning Filter?
For many systems, you can clean and change the air conditioner filters yourself. Here is a brief rundown on how you can do that.
STEP 1
Turn the power off
Anytime you attempt to clean your filters, it is essential to turn the power off.
Doing this eliminates your risk of electric shock and also prevents dirt or dust from being sucked into the system.
STEP 2
Locate and remove the filter
If you have a split system unit, you will find the filter in the indoor unit. However, if you have a ducted system, it is typically in the return air duct.
Once you have found it, you usually slide it out.
STEP 3
Clean or replace the filter
You can then choose to clean the filter or, if it has been a few months since you last did so, replace it with a new one.
Once you have done either, you should turn the power back on.
