In this COVID-19 pandemic, it’s not a good idea to call an HVAC professional in your house for simple DIY HVAC work like changing the air filter unless it is a major HVAC emergency like complete AC breakdown. But to have clean air, you must replace the air filter regularly. In this article, I’ll tell you the DIY way to change the air filter in lockdown. But before that, you should know how often you should change your HVAC air filter. 

 

How Often Should I Replace the Air Filter & Factors Behind It

If you’re using a cheap fiberglass HVAC filter in your HVAC system it’s recommended that you should change the HVAC air filter every 30 days. On the other hand, if you’re using a pleated HVAC air filter, you should replace the air filter every 60 to 90 days. But there’re some other factors to consider while replacing the HVAC air filter.

Those who have allergy problems are more sensitive to dust and small particles. If you’ve someone in your family that has an allergy problem or asthma, you should change your HVAC air filter every 2 months.

If you have a pet in your house then you should change your HVAC air filter every 50 to 60 days. Pet dogs or cats sometimes produce bad odor and sheds a lot during season change. As a result, your HVAC air filter gets dirty quickly. That’s why to have clean air inside your home, you should change the HVAC air filter every 2 months.

Again, the lifespan of your HVAC air filter depends on the usage. As everyone is staying at home in this pandemic and using your HVAC system consistently, you should change your HVAC air filter (Fiberglass air filter) every 4 to 6 weeks.

The size of the house also impacts the lifespan of an HVAC air filter. If you live in a small house, your HVAC system will have to work less to produce the desired heating and cooling, On the other hand, if you have a bigger house, your HVAC system will have to work harder to produce the heating and cooling. As a result, your HVAC air filter will get dirty very quickly. So, if you live in a big house, you’ll have to change your HVAC air filter every 35 to 50 days.

Now, I’ll tell you about the step-by-step ways to change your HVAC air filter.

 

How to Change My HVAC Air Filter

Step 1: Turn Off Your HVAC System

Before changing your HVAC air filter, you’ll have to turn off your HVAC system. This step is a part of the safety procedure, and it’s mandatory because if you change your HVAC air filter while the HVAC system is on, you can be electrocuted. In this pandemic you definitely don’t want to find yourself in an overwhelmed hospital.

Step 2: Locate the Return Air Duct

After turning off your HVAC system, locate the return air duct in your HVAC system, and open the door with the clip. You’ll find the clip at the frame of your HVAC system. After opening the door, you’ll see the air filter. However, some HVAC systems are different. If you don’t find an air filter in the return air duct then you should check the HVAC manuals.

Step 3: Measure the Air Filter Size

Now, remove the air filter from your HVAC system and measure the dimension of it. After measuring the dimension, go to your nearby hardware shop and buy an HVAC air filter accordingly. However, if you already know the dimension of your HVAC air filter, you can skip this step.

Step 4: Installation

After buying an HVAC air filter, it’s time for installation. First, open the door and replace the old HVAC air filter with a new HVAC air filter. While replacing the new HVAC air filter, make sure that the “Air Flow” arrows are pointed to the openings. Now, close the door, and you’re done.

 

Pro Tips

While replacing the HVAC air filter, make sure that there’s no gap around the HVAC filter frame. If you notice any gap then you may have bought a small-sized HVAC air filter.

Again, you can use a rag to clean the excess dust while replacing the HVAC air filter. After installing an HVAC air filter, turn on your HVAC system, and observe whether the filter stays in place or not.

 

See the summary of this content here in our infographic – How to Change Air Filter in Lockdown [Infographic]


How to Change Air Filter in Lockdown


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