For the Do-It-Yourselfer In You

A Clear Air Filter Can Keep Your System From Freezing!

Rule number one in air conditioning is this:  without effective air flow, there’s no way your system can run as it should. 

That’s why it’s so important to keep your AC air filter clean and replace it periodically…at least four times a year.  Restricted air flow can cause your evaporator coil to get clogged with debris.  That leads to insufficient air going across the surface of the coil which, in turn, means it can’t remove the heat from your home. 

When the freon can't absorb the heat, the coil continues to get colder and colder, eventually causing it to freeze like a big block of ice.  When that happens, you have a major repair problem...at best.

So, from Frank & Lindy to you, here’s a simple 8-step process to change your AC air filter.

Step 1 - Locate the current filter.  It’s either next to the return grill, furnace, or air handler.

Step 2 - Determine the size of the air filter that needs to be replaced. The sizes are noted on the side and usually appear as 16” x 24” inches and other similar sizes.

Step 3 - Purchase a replacement filter in the size required for your system. There are a variety of filters to choose from, ranging from the inexpensive standard spun glass filters to pricier synthetic polyester fibers.

Step 4 - Consider high efficiency filters which can trap tiny particles of dust, pollen, mold and other irritants to help provide you with cleaner, healthier air.

Step 5 – Consider hepa filters and filters coated with chemicals to kill bacteria if allergies and other irritants are a concern for your family.

Step 6 - Use a black permanent marker when you change the filter. When you slide up the metal guard, note the direction of the air flow marked on the side of the old filter and draw arrows in the same direction on the metal guard. This way you won’t have to guess which way to insert the new filter.

Step 7 - Replace high efficiency filters at least 4 times per year. Read the manufacturer's label as most recommend changing your air filter on a monthly basis. (High efficiency filters do have a longer life expectancy than the less expensive spun-fiber filters.)

Step 8 - Discard the old filter.

Don’t Have Time to Replace it Yourself?
 
At Frank & Lindy, we ALWAYS have time for great customers like you, and that includes answering your questions about replacing your air filter.  It’s all part of our expanded customer service capabilities.

Or, if you simply don’t have the time – or patience! – to replace it yourself, just give us a call and we’ll replace it for FREE as part of our discounted $99 tune-up and inspection service.

Stay tuned next month for another do-it-yourself project to help you save money on your plumbing and other household repairs.

914-930-4922
845-809-4025
Click here to ask questions or schedule service now