How to Replace Air Conditioner Filters

Locate your air conditioner filter. Check along the air conditioner ductwork for the filter. It may be located in your furnace, ceiling, wall or floor. It will more often than not be covered with a slotted metal door of some type.

Find the correct size. It is very important to buy the right air conditioner filter. Look on the top and sides of the filter for the size. It will be something like this: 12x14x1 or 12x14. If there is no filter in the unit, measure the size of the filter area and make note of it.

Buy your air conditioner filters. You will have a variety of filters to choose from. Prices will vary from a few cents to several dollars. The filters are made differently, work differently and last for different amounts of time. Some air conditioner filters are good for 1 month, and others are good for several months. Purchase one that will work best for your situation.

Mark the date on it. Make sure you put the date on the filter prior to replacing it. There is usually a specific place to put this information directly on the air conditioner filter.

Remove the old filter. Lift up the filters metal covering. There may be screws or some other device holding the covering in place. Take out the old filter and dispose of it.

Replace the filter. Once you have the old air conditioner filter out, check the side of the new filter for an arrow showing the correct airflow direction. It will most often have the date written on the filter side that faces out of the covering, so you can read it easily.

Put it all back together. Secure the metal door covering the air conditioner filter.