How to Replace Your Aircon Filter

A New Yorker’s Guide to Breathing Easy

Let’s be honest: when’s the last time you actually thought about your air conditioner filter? If you’re drawing a blank, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing—that unassuming rectangle of pleated material is working harder than a Wall Street intern during earnings season, and it deserves some attention. Whether you’re in a pre-war Manhattan walk-up or a Brooklyn brownstone, knowing how to replace your aircon filter is essential adulting in the Big Apple.

Can I Change the AC Filter Myself?

Absolutely. Changing your AC filter is one of those rare home maintenance tasks that doesn’t require a YouTube PhD or calling your super at midnight. It’s simpler than assembling IKEA furniture and significantly more rewarding. According to Energy Star, regular filter replacement can improve your system’s efficiency by 5-15%, which translates to real dollars saved on those ConEd bills.

Think of it this way: if you can change a lightbulb, you can handle this. The process typically takes 5-10 minutes, requires zero tools (usually), and delivers immediate gratification. Plus, you’ll sleep better knowing you’re not recycling last season’s pollen through your living space.

How to Change Air Conditioner Filter: The Essential Guide

Window Unit Wisdom

New York’s window units are as iconic as bagels and taxi horns. Here’s how to change air conditioner filter window unit style:

1. Power down: Unplug the unit completely

2. Remove the front panel: Most snap off or slide upward

3. Extract the filter: Typically located behind the front grille

4. Clean or replace: Washable filters can be rinsed with warm water; disposable ones need replacing

5. Reassemble: Reverse the process

Wall Unit Protocol

For those fancy through-the-wall units in newer apartments, the process is remarkably similar. The filter usually sits behind a removable front panel. Gently pull it out, replace it with a fresh one (matching the arrow direction for airflow), and you’re golden.

Central AC and Furnace Filters

Here’s where New Yorkers in houses or larger apartments need to pay attention. Whether you’re learning how to replace air filter in furnace or tackling ceiling-mounted returns, the principle remains consistent:

Location, location, location: Check these spots:

Return air vents (usually in hallways or living areas)

Furnace cabinet (often in the basement)

Attic units (for those lucky enough to have vertical space)

For how to change home air filter in ceiling scenarios, you’ll typically need a stepladder. Remove the vent cover, slide out the old filter, note the size printed on the frame, and insert the replacement with arrows pointing toward the ductwork.

How Often Should Your AC Filter Be Changed?

The conventional wisdom says every 30-90 days, but New York living demands nuance. Consider these factors:

Standard 1-inch filters: Monthly during heavy-use seasons (summer and winter)

Thicker pleated filters (4-5 inches): Every 6-9 months

Pet owners: Monthly, no exceptions—your Labradoodle sheds more than you think

Allergy sufferers: Every 30-45 days minimum

Smokers: Monthly

According to ASHRAE standards, the answer depends on your specific environment. That Brooklyn apartment near Prospect Park? More pollen, more frequent changes.

What Are Signs of a Clogged AC Filter?

Your AC speaks volumes when it’s struggling. Watch for these red flags:

Reduced airflow: Like breathing through a coffee stirrer
Longer cooling cycles: Unit runs constantly but delivers lukewarm results
Visible dust: Check vents for dusty buildup
Higher energy bills: Inefficiency costs money
Allergy flare-ups: Recirculated allergens wreaking havoc
Ice on evaporator coils: Restricted airflow causes freezing

The Apartment Dweller’s Dilemma

How to change AC filter in apartment settings when you’re renting? First, check your lease—some landlords handle this. For everything else, it’s on you. Keep a filter subscription through Amazon or sign up for quarterly reminders. Your future self (and your security deposit) will thank you.

The Bottom Line

Replacing your aircon filter isn’t glamorous, but it’s the kind of low-effort, high-impact move that separates functional adults from those still calling their parents about basic maintenance. Set a calendar reminder, buy filters in bulk during those Amazon sales, and breathe easier knowing you’re treating your lungs—and your wallet—right.