How to Change a A/C Air Filter (& Skip the Guilt Trip)

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Picture of replacing an air conditioner filter on a ceiling.When was the last time you changed your air filter?

Don’t feel bad if you don’t know the answer. Just take that as a sign that it needs to be changed. Now. 🙂

You are in good company–many of us forget this regular maintenance item and, in doing so, ask our air conditioners to work harder.

So here is a rundown if it has been a while, with additional tips so that this is something that happens when it needs to happen:

Step #1. Do not question how long it has been.

No judgement or guilt. Just do it and step 7 I will explain how to completely avoid this step next time.

Step #2. Gather the right tools.

Eye protection might be in order, especially if your home air conditioner return is on the ceiling. Use a step ladder with the lean-against-the-top option, if at all possible. Minimizing the ability to fall and having something fall in your eye are always good ideas.

Step #3. Turn off the air conditioner.

No need to allow unobstructed access to everything in the air–or surprise yourself and fall off the ladder when it kicks on because your head is right there.

Turn off the air conditioner

Step #4. Remove the old filter.

Remember, no judgment here.

Step #5. Clean the grille and possibly the can.

The goal is to remove any and all dust and debris so the new filter is not immediately clogged. However, how much you can clean depends on your particular setup. If there is insulation inside the can, vacuuming is definitely a no go.

Here are some cleaning options:

Option #1. Shop vac brush attachment with a hepa filter. Finish with a damp cloth.

Option #2. Vacuum with brush attachment. Finish with a damp cloth.

Option #3. Dry cloth and finish with a damp cloth.

Cleaning the air return with the wand and soft brush attachment on a vacuum.

Cleaning the air return with the wand and soft brush attachment on a vacuum.

Cleaning the air return with a damp cloth.

Cleaning the air return with a damp cloth.

Step #6. Write a completely useless date on the filter.

Write a completely useless date on the a/c air filter.

You are storing this up in the ceiling where you will never think about it and it is hidden by the grill.

The date on an air filter is covered by the air return grille.

The date on an air filter is covered by the air return grille.

So let’s just move on to…

Step #7. Create a useful calendar notice on your cell phone.

Create a useful calendar notice on your cell phone to replace your home air filter.

One that repeats forever.

Create a useful calendar notice on your cell phone that reminds you to change your air filter every 3 months forever.

This way you can completely eliminate step #1, which is not knowing how long it has been and avoiding a completely clogged filter.

Step #8. Insert the new filter.

VERY IMPORTANT**  the correct side must face up. If you are not 100% which direction is correct, check out the quick video below:

Step #9. Turn the A/C back on.

Personally, we buy our filters at Home Depot (you can click on the direct link here), but you can get them at any big box store:

This is basically the checklist for how to change an air conditioner filter, so if you would like a more thorough step-by-step tutorial, definitely check out this video next because I also go through some of the reasoning behind each step.

How often you change your air filter is dependent on a few factors which I cover–and show–here:

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