There are some common problems that home owners encounter when performing the common task of installing a new furnace filter or air

conditioner filter. Unfortunately they don’t come with directions.

After you perform this maintenance task the first time you quickly realize that it is not difficult to do. Below are links to some articles that attempt to eliminate some of the most common obstacles often encountered when installing a new air filter for the first time.

Where is my furnace filter?

Where is my furnace filter?
Before you can change or inspect your furnace filter you have to

know where it is located. Every air conditioning and heating system should have one and they can often be difficult to find. They are usually installed in the air handler but not always.

Which way do furnace filters go?

Which way do furnace filters go?
This is an important part of changing your air conditioner filter. You don’t want install your new filter the wrong way. There are usually arrows pointing in the direction of air flow. Ignore these and you can negatively impact system performance and reduce filter life. There are some other indicators to determine which way your replacement filter should go.

How do you install a furnace filter?

How do you install a furnace filter?
Sometimes filters are difficult to remove because you can’t get your fingers into the narrow opening of the air handler to remove them. Try this easy solution to make changing your furnace filter much easier.

Question: How often do you need to change your air conditioning filter?

Changing your air conditioner filter or furnace filter is the most important maintenance task there is if you want to keep your equipment operating at maximum efficiency.  Allowing an air conditioner filter to become so dirty that it begins to restrict air flow can cause evaporator coils to ice up, operating efficiency will decrease and even prevent the unit from maintaining the desired space temperature.

The easy answer to this question is every three months and you should not have any problems.  But there are really many variables to consider when trying to provide an accurate answer to this question.  Often sales people can quote efficiency ratings or MERV ratings and provide you with their standard recommendation but they often don’t really understand how air conditioners operate.

Here are a couple of articles I wrote about this topic.  The first one I wrote today.  The second one I wrote some time ago but found it only after I wrote the one today.  Anyway, they are similar but each provide some different information.  Please leave comments or email questions if you have any.

When To Change Your Air Conditioner Filter
Selecting And Maintaining Your Air Conditioner Filter