Changing your HVAC air filter is one of the easiest ways to protect your heating and cooling system. A clean filter helps airflow, keeps coils cleaner, and on the Gulf Coast it also helps your system pull moisture out of the air the way it was designed to.
Find the filter first
On most Baldwin County homes the filter sits either in a return-air grille in a hallway ceiling or wall, or in a slot at the air handler itself. Some homes have both. If you are not sure, follow the large duct into the indoor unit and look for a hinged door or a one-inch slot.
Match the size and the arrow
The size is printed on the cardboard edge of the old filter. Buy the same nominal size, and when you slide the new one in, point the printed airflow arrow toward the air handler — that is, in the direction the air is moving. Installing a filter backwards restricts airflow and shortens its useful life.
How often
For a standard one-inch pleated filter, plan on every 30 to 60 days. Pets, allergies, or a system that runs hard through July will push you to the shorter end of that range. Thicker media filters typically last six to twelve months but still deserve a look every few months.
If your system is still not cooling properly with a fresh filter in place, call us at 251-463-8031 and we will get a technician out, often the same day.