HVAC can be a major headache if you don't know what you're doing, but there are a few things you can do to help maintain your own system, which can help save you money on service calls. That step is simple: check and change your filters.
Shown in the image above is an example of a clean pleated filter, and a filter that should have been changed long before it was. If your filters look anything like the picture on the right, you could greatly improve the performance of your HVAC system immediately by changing it.
Check your filters monthly and replace them every 1–3 months, more often if you have pets or a lot of dust. They should never get anywhere near as bad as the picture on the right.
The typical air conditioning system is filtered with 1 inch thick filters, and the dimensions of the filter are typically written on the side, as pictured above.
You can typically find these filters at any hardware store, although some sizes may not be commonly stocked.
If you can't find the dimensions written on the side, try looking at the cardboard on the face of the filter, as it might be printed there.
Simply buy filters with the same dimensions as the filter you pulled out, and write a reminder to tell you when to change them, and you're taking a huge step in decreasing the load and extending the life of your system!
Where are your filters?
The filter is usually located in something called a "filter frame" return grill, which is one of the larger registers in your home. There may possibly be two or three of these filter frames if you have a larger house and it is filtered that way, so make sure to check every one of them to make sure you aren't missing a filter that needs to be changed.
The other common location is right next to the indoor unit, or even a slot on the bottom of the indoor unit, usually it will have a small hinged door.
If you have filters at your return grills, you shouldn't have a filter at your unit, and vice versa. Double check to make sure it isn't filtered at both locations, as this will also place unnecessary strain on your HVAC system.
If you're in Yavapai or Coconino County and need our services, call us at (928) 300-1221 today to schedule an appointment with one of our qualified technicians.
