Air filters are commonly located between the return duct and the air handler. If you still have not found your air filter or furnace filter, look between the return duct and the air handler. The air handler is a large metal box that houses the fan and its motor.
Tip: If you're looking to replace your outside AC unit filter, the filter location varies depending on the unit. However, it can usually be found along the air conditioner return duct.
If your filter is designed to be washed, hold it under lukewarm running water to rinse away residual dust. For a deeper clean, soak the filter in a basin with warm water and a mild detergent for about 10-15 minutes. Agitate the water gently to release any embedded dirt.
When you leave an AC unit's air filter clogged for too long, you can experience a failure of the entire system. This is because the unit can only work for so long at twice the power before it finally breaks down.
The air conditioner compressor is situated within the outdoor unit. This compressor's job consists of circulating the refrigerant needed during the heat exchange process through the coils. Think of this as the energy source for the air conditioning system.
You might wonder about the risks of running your AC without a filter, even temporarily. The simple answer is: not for long. Ideally, your AC should never operate without a filter for more than 6-8 hours. Going beyond this can negatively affect both your system's health and your home's air quality.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
For home and business comfort cooling, all units I've ever seen are designed to have some time of filtration system for the air prior to the air entering to cooling coil, the evaporator.
No, AC Condensers do not have filters and that's why ordering an Air Sock Filter is so important. Your condenser get dirtier by the day and ends up reducing the life of your system. Save money, order your Air Sock Filter.
How Often Do I Need to Change Out My Air Filter? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.
Air filters are commonly located between the return duct and the air handler. If you still have not found your air filter or furnace filter, look between the return duct and the air handler. The air handler is a large metal box that houses the fan and its motor.
Essentially, most homes will have at least two air filters, because most homes have a return duct to go along with their air handler.
It's easy! Just take a garden hose to the compressor once a month to knock off all the accumulated dust and debris, and thoroughly clean them once a year with a non-acid, non-alkaline based cleaner (if that sounds complicated, don't worry – you can find air conditioner coil cleaner at the hardware store).
Why do I need a filter on my air compressor? Contaminants in your air supply – including dirt and dry particulates, moisture, and oil carryover – can cause big problems for production processes and your air distribution system.
If the filter is still in good condition, light should shine through. If the filter is dirty or clogged with debris, the light will be obstructed, indicating it's time for a replacement. The presence of visible mold is another one of the dirty HVAC filter symptoms that indicates it's time for a replacement.
Check the thermostat
You should check if it's been set to the correct temperature and also make sure it's set to “cool”. If the AC settings are not right, it won't turn on. You can also check if the batteries in the thermostat are fresh and replace them if needed.
Running your AC for any time without an air filter is not recommended due to the permanent damage it can cause to the HVAC system. Dirt and dust that is normally absorbed by the filter can make its way into the AC system and wreak havoc on the mechanical components, often leading to expensive repairs.