DIY: How to Change a Dirty Air Filter with the Right Tools

Do you want to save money on car maintenance? Then DIYing the simple task of changing a dirty air filter is a great place to start! With the right tools and a few easy steps, you can keep your car running smoothly and efficiently. In this blog, we'll show you how to change a dirty air filter with the right tools.

Changing a dirty air filter is an important part of car maintenance and can help keep your car's engine running more efficiently. Not only that, but it also helps improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Plus, it's a relatively simple and inexpensive task that you can do yourself.

So don't wait any longer - read on to learn how to change a dirty air filter with the right tools and get back on the road with a clean, efficient engine!

Gather the Right Tools

Changing an air filter is a simple and straightforward process, but you need the right tools to get the job done. You'll need a new air filter, a flat head screwdriver, and a pair of pliers.

The new air filter should fit the same size as your old one. Measure the size of the old filter, and be sure to buy the new one in the same size. If in doubt, you can always check your car's owner's manual for the air filter size.

A flat head screwdriver is needed to remove the air filter housing. You'll find two screws, usually located near the top of the housing, that need to be removed. Use the flat head screwdriver to unscrew them, and then gently pull the housing away from the engine.

Pliers are the last tool you'll need. They are used to remove the old air filter from the housing. Gently grab the edges of the filter with the pliers and pull it straight out. Be careful not to damage the filter as you remove it.

Once you have all the right tools, you'll be ready to change your air filter. Just be sure to have all of the supplies on hand before you begin the process.

Locate the Air Filter

The air filter is usually located in the engine bay of your vehicle. It may be visible from the outside, or it may be hidden behind a plastic cover. To access the filter, you'll need to open the hood of your car and locate the air filter housing. It's usually a black, rectangular box with a lid that can be unscrewed or popped off. Once you've located the air filter, you can proceed with the replacement.

Remove the Old Air Filter

The first step in replacing your air filter is to remove the old one. Begin by locating the air filter in your vehicle’s cabin. If you’re unsure of where it is located, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Once you’ve located the air filter, open the hood of your vehicle.

Locate the old air filter and carefully take it out. Make sure to take note of the direction of the air flow arrows on the side of the filter. This will help you install the new filter in the proper direction. Carefully dispose of the old air filter.

Install the New Air Filter

Once you have the new air filter, it’s time to install it. First, make sure you have all the necessary tools for installation. You’ll need a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and a flashlight.

Once you have all the tools, start by removing the old air filter. Using the screwdriver, remove the screws that attach the air filter to the housing. Be sure to keep track of the screws so you don’t lose them.

Once the old air filter is out, make sure to inspect the inside of the filter housing. If there’s any dirt or debris, use the pliers to remove it. This will ensure that the new filter will fit properly.

Then, take the new filter and insert it into the filter housing. Make sure that the filter is facing in the right direction and that all the edges are properly seated. Once it’s in place, replace the screws and tighten them with the screwdriver.

Finally, turn on your air conditioner and check for any leaks. If everything looks good, you’ve successfully installed the new air filter. Congratulations!

Put Everything Back Together

Once you have replaced the air filter, it's time to put everything back together. First, lift the hood and make sure the filter is in place properly. Secure the filter with the clips or screws and make sure they are tightened.

Then, reattach the air intake and the other components you removed earlier. Make sure everything is fastened correctly and securely.

Finally, close the hood, start the engine, and check for leaks. If everything is working correctly, you have successfully changed your air filter.

Make Clean Air a Priority!

Keeping up with regular air filter changes is an easy and necessary way to keep your home healthy and your air clean. With the right tools, it’s a simple, straightforward job you can do yourself. It’s an important part of your home maintenance and a great way to keep your family breathing clean air. So get out there and get to work!

Frequently Asked Question

The general recommendation is to change basic 1'–3' air filters every 30–90 days. However, if you or someone in your family is prone to allergies, you may want to invest in a higher quality filter and switch it out more often.

 

A blocked or dirty air filter can spread harmful particles such as dust, dirt, pollen and pet dander instead of trapping them. Moreover, it could also restrict airflow, causing your system to consume more energy and work harder. This can contaminate your ducts and leave dust all over your home. If you notice dirt on the fan blades, it's likely time to change the air filter.

 

A dirty air filter can affect your health, sometimes leading to rashes, headaches, eye irritation, sinus problems, asthma or allergies. To prevent such health issues, it's important to replace your air filter regularly.

 

Additionally, a dirty air filter can make your home smell musty and stale. Inadequate airflow will cause bad smells from cooking and other activities to linger. Cleaning the filter often will help ensure a fresh, comfortable atmosphere in your home.

 

You may be too busy to remember it, but changing your HVAC air filter is an incredibly important part of keeping your home comfortable and healthy. A dirty air filter can lead to an array of problems, such as dirty air ducts, exacerbated allergies, reduced air flow, and cooling inefficiency - all of which can dramatically increase your energy bills.

 

It only takes a few minutes to replace an air filter, and the benefits are huge. Not only can you better control allergens and dust, but you can also prevent your A/C from overworking itself in order to cool your house. If you have indoor pets or multiple people living in the house, it's a good idea to change the filter more often - once a month or every three months.

 

You can't afford to overlook this simple, five-minute task. Replacing a dirty air filter can have a huge impact on your home, making it healthier, more comfortable, and more energy efficient. So, don't forget to check and change your filter regularly!

 

Is a dirty air filter affecting your AC? The answer is yes, and it's a problem you should address right away. Dirty air filters cause your AC to run at a lower efficiency, which translates to less effective cooling and higher energy bills. So, what are the possible problems caused by a dirty AC filter and how can you rectify them?

 

Here are some of the common issues caused by a dirty filter and how you can fix them quickly: Clean your filter by taking it out of your furnace, removing the dirt, and running it under warm water. Let the filter dry completely before reinstalling it. If the filter is beyond cleaning, replace it with a new one.

 

Still experiencing issues with your cooling system? Call in a ClimateCare HVAC professional for help. Taking quick action now can help you prevent bigger problems in the future.

 

The life expectancy of air filters varies greatly, from monthly replacements all the way to 6 months. This depends on the thickness and MERV rating of the filter. The MERV rating is a numerical scale that reflects how well the filter can remove particles from the air - the higher the rating, the better the filter is at trapping particles, and usually the longer it will last. However, a filter with a higher MERV rating may also restrict air flow, so it's important to consider that when purchasing. If you're replacing an old system, you may want to replace the air filter more often to ensure the best quality air.

 

Thicker filters will last longer than thin filters, so a 4' filter may last much longer than a 1' filter. Denser filters usually have a higher MERV rating, so they do an even better job at eliminating particles and maintaining air quality. Plus, they generate less air resistance, which helps keep your HVAC system running optimally and reduces wear and tear on components. Whole-home air purifiers will need to be changed out more frequently.

 

Pet hair and dander can really clog up an air filter, so if you have a pet you'll need to switch it out more often. For each shedding dog in the home, you may need to change the filter a month sooner than you would without one. Cats usually don't shed as much, but you should still inspect your filter every month to check if it needs to be replaced. If you have a hypoallergenic or non-shedding pet, you won't need to change the filter as often.