How to Change Your Central Air Conditioning Filter

Posted: May 5, 2025

Certain Filters Just Need to Be Cleaned

With proper maintenance, the average central air conditioning system can last 10-15 years. One way to make sure your cooling system reaches its life span and runs efficiently all summer long is to perform an easy, do-it-yourself maintenance task. This involves either changing or cleaning the air filter.

How often should you do this? If we did a tune-up on your cooling system this spring, we started you off with a clean air filter. From that point on, inexpensive disposable filters should be checked at least once a month. You can extend this a month or two longer if you have higher-quality pleated filters.

Replacing the Air Filter

For most units, the filter’s location is at the point where the return duct enters the indoor air handler.

• Make sure the unit’s power is off before you open the grille and remove the filter.
• Remove the old filter and either swap it for a new one or clean it, following manufacturer instructions. In general, if your filter has a plastic frame, it can be cleaned and reused.
• Insert the new filter, making sure it’s facing the correct direction. An arrow on the filter should point towards the ceiling or wall, or towards your unit.
• Close and latch the grille. Remember to turn the A/C’s power back on!

If you’re not sure how to change the filter yourself but would like to, ask our technician the next time he is in your home for a service call.

Problems Caused by a Clogged Air Filter

Besides actually inspecting your filter and seeing that it’s dirty, there are other clues that it’s time for a fresh filter.

• When your central air conditioning system has a dirty air filter, there is less room for air to flow through your system and home. Your air conditioner will need to work harder to circulate cool air, which will result in an increase in your electric bills. Your home will become less comfortable, and the indoor air quality will degrade.
• An extremely dirty air filter can make your central A/C system work so hard that it can cause premature wear and tear on parts. This can lead to a total breakdown and an expensive repair.
• Lack of airflow in your central A/C can result in the cooling coil freezing inside your air conditioner because it’s working so hard just to cool the air inside your home. A frozen coil can be a very costly repair.

Get Your Ducts Checked for Leaks

Besides making sure the air filter in your central air conditioning system is not dirty, another way to improve home energy efficiency is to get your ductwork sealed to prevent air leaks. If parts of your ductwork are leaking air, this could increase your annual energy costs by as much as 30%. Your home will also not feel as comfortable as it should be. The quality of your indoor air will also deteriorate.

We have a proven method to repair leaky ductwork. The Aeroseal process we use is designed to seal the leaks in your duct system—even the ones hidden behind walls and under your home’s insulation. These hidden areas account for about 90% of your total ductwork.

Aeroseal has been used in thousands of homes, schools, hospitals, and government installations throughout the country and the world. The process usually takes less than one day, and we will provide you with a “Certificate of Completion” that illustrates the before and after results.

Air Conditioning Service in Chester County, PA

Wilson Oil & Propane is an HVAC company that people in the Delaware Valley region of southeast Pennsylvania, northern Delaware and southern New Jersey can depend on when they need maintenance or repair of their central air conditioning systems.

We have a talented team of professional technicians who can manage all types of HVAC services, from annual maintenance to emergency central air conditioning system repairs to top-notch air conditioning equipment replacement.

Become a Wilson Oil and Propane customer and start meeting The People You Can Trust! Contact us today.