Air filters are an integral part of any HVAC system, yet many homeowners aren’t aware of their value or importance. At least once every 90 days, these filters need a replacement, otherwise the comfort of your home suffers, and your energy bills skyrocket. While this may seem like a daunting task if it’s your first time, it’s actually quite simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to change the air filter in your Lubbock, Texas, home.
Choosing the Right Filter
Choosing the right air filter for your home is a trade-off between contaminant removal and price. For most homes, you have three options: fiberglass, pleated, and high-efficiency. Fiberglass is the cheapest of the bunch, but the downside is that it only removes about 10 percent of dust from the air. The mid-grade choice is a pleated air filter which removes 45 percent of particulates. A high-efficiency filter eradicates 85 percent of fibers in the air. Once you’ve decided on which filter meets your needs, make certain to measure your previous filter, or take it to a home improvement store to match with the new one.
Removing the Old Filter
Because it’s easier to take the old filter when shopping for a new filter, you’ll need to get the old one out. Start by removing the vent cover to your HVAC system. This may require a screwdriver, but newer systems need you only to remove the vent cover with clips. Once open, lift the old filter out of the housing. Make sure you don’t spill the dust on the filter and dispose of it in the waste basket.
Installing the New Filter
By now, you should have the correct new filter for your system. Pay attention to any arrows that show which direction the filter goes, then slide it into place. Replace the vent cover, and you’ve completed your first air filter replacement.
If all HVAC maintenance was this easy, you could fix any problem that comes your way. However, that’s almost never the case. When you need a professional to fix your system or provide expert advice, give Bruce Thornton Air Conditioning a call at 806-589-1014.
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