With regular air conditioning service, your unit will keep your home comfortable for years to come. However, there are a few maintenance tasks you can do independently to keep your unit working as efficiently as possible in between professional service appointments. Kool-Wave Air Conditioning & Heating in Lake Havasu City, AZ, wants to help. Their repair experts explain how to change your AC filters to keep your unit in good condition.

Locate the Filters

Most AC units have filters in both the air duct register and the air handler cabinet. For best results, you’ll want to replace all of your home’s filters during your air conditioning service, so your system will run efficiently. When buying new filters, make sure they match the ones your system currently uses.

Replacing Filters in the Air Duct Register

First, open the grill cover. Most register covers have a hinge on one side and will swing down to allow you to remove the old filter. Place the old filter in a trash bag to keep it from spreading dust around your home. Then, dust the grill cover with a microfiber cloth or soft towel. Clean the inside and outside of the register to get rid of any dust buildup. Once it’s clean, install the new filter and close the register cover.

Replacing Filters in the Air Handler

When replacing the filter in your air handler cabinet, you’ll need to make sure the power is turned off. Then, locate the filter panel and open the door. You may need to remove a few screws to access the old filter. If the filter is disposable, replace it with a new filter, but if it’s a reusable filter, you’ll need to clean it according to the filter’s directions. Cleaning instructions should be located on the filter itself, but if you’re unsure of how to properly clean it, call an air conditioning service specialist. Once the filter is cleaned or replaced, close the door or panel and turn the power back on.

If you need assistance replacing your filters or want to schedule a maintenance appointment, contact the HVAC contractors at Kool-Wave Air Conditioning & Heating. Visit the website to learn more about the services available, and call (928) 855-5665 to schedule an appointment.