Written on: August 11, 2025
If you have central air conditioning, changing the filter is one of the easiest and most important maintenance tasks you can do yourself. This single 10-minute task helps your system run efficiently, keeps your indoor air cleaner, and can even extend the life of your A/C unit. But neglecting it, on the other hand, can lead to higher energy bills, poor airflow, and added wear and tear on your system.
At Swezey Fuel, we recommend that you check your air filters at least once a month during the peak heating and cooling season. Here’s a quick guide to changing your central air conditioning system filter and why it matters.
Make sure you know where to find your HVAC system’s air filter. Typically, it can be located on the side of your furnace, or it could also be behind a return-air vent. If you have a ductless A/C system in your home, then the air filters are likely located in each of the indoor air handling units.
Regularly—at least once a month—check to see if the filter has become dirty or clogged. If your system has a reusable filter, you can wash it following the manufacturer’s directions, allow it to dry, and then insert it back into its housing.
If you have a dirty disposable filter, you will need to replace it. Before you start, consult the owner’s manual and be sure you have the correct size and type of replacement filters on hand.
Whether you have a central air conditioner or ductless mini-splits, staying on top of your air filters will make a substantial difference in the efficiency of your cooling equipment, your energy bills, and how healthy your indoor air is.
The primary role of an air filter is to prevent airborne pollutants like mold, pollen, dust and viruses from entering your rooms. A clean air filter will catch these toxic substances and improve indoor air quality. That’s especially important for people with asthma, severe allergies or other respiratory issues. Airborne pollutants can also lead to itchy skin, dry eyes and general discomfort.
An air filter prevents dust, grit and debris from clogging your HVAC equipment. Staying on top of your air filter and making sure it’s clean throughout the year will make a real difference to your comfort and your system’s health.
Conversely, a dirty or clogged filter can obstruct the flow of air from your A/C equipment, causing your system to work harder and inflating your energy costs.
If you haven’t changed the filters in your central AC system in a while, you may want to have your cooling system checked out by the pros at Swezey Fuel. An expert tune-up will make sure your cooling equipment is running at peak efficiency, and we can also spot and correct small problems before they turn into major (expensive!) breakdowns. We can also show you how to change your filter if you need some guidance.
Don’t wait for the next heatwave to find out something’s wrong—schedule your seasonal AC maintenance with Swezey today! Contact us today for an appointment or to learn more about our service plans.