Where Can I Buy Replacement Filters for My AC?

You can maximize your air conditioner’s efficiency and save money on energy costs by regularly changing your air filters (spoiler alert, there may be several filters throughout your house. Don’t ignore any of them).

When your air filters are dirty, air can’t flow through the filters as freely and your system works harder to do its job. When your system works harder, it won't cool your home as effectively and your energy bills may increase. Neither of which you want. Keep your home cool and prolong the life of your HVAC system by regularly changing your filters.

What to Do Before Buying a New AC Filter

• Identify where your air filter (or filters) is located - the main filter for your unit will likely be within or near your air handler cabinet, but the best place to look is wherever the air enters your HVAC. There may also be several filters throughout your house. In some rooms, they may be on the ceiling at the outlet of the ducting. Check your vents to see which ones have a filter for return air.

• Check the filter’s size - if it doesn’t have the size labeled on the filter, measure its length, width and thickness to find the appropriate replacement size.

Where to Buy Replacement Filters

Once you know which size(s) to buy, head to the hardware store. You’ll likely find the biggest selection at a major chain hardware store, but you can also find air replacement filters at places like Target or Walmart. Spending a little more on a good quality air filter that will trap dust particles and allergens is well worth the money - both for your health and your system’s efficiency. If it’s time for an AC tune-up, we also will have you covered as we carry a selection of air filters on our trucks.

How to Install an Air Filter

To replace your air filter, turn off the AC unit and remove the filter cover panel. If it’s dirty, give the panel a wipe-down or clean with a brush attachment on your vacuum. Remove the old filter and insert the new one with the airflow arrows pointing in the correct filter direction. The directional arrows will be on the new filter indicating which way to insert it (hint: they should point toward the unit).

For filters on the ceiling, the intuition might be to have the arrow point down into the room, but given they are for return air they should point into the duct. The other way to check which are supply vs. return vents would be to feel the direction of the airflow when the unit is running.

Lastly, replace the filter cover, dispose of the old filter and turn on your AC unit. The whole process should take you less than 10 minutes.

Here in Clearwater and across the Tampa area, it’s important to change your air filter on a regular basis – doing so monthly in the summer is a good habit to form. Keeping your filter clean will improve your indoor air quality, help your AC system run much more efficiently, and increase the lifespan of your unit.

For help with all your HVAC needs, contact us at Mario’s Air Conditioning and Heating.