Posted: September 15, 2025

How to Change Your HVAC Air Filter

Improving the airflow of your furnace or A/C makes a huge difference.

hvac Braintree, MAIf your home depends on a furnace to stay warm in the winter months or a central air conditioning system to cool things down in the summer (or both), then your HVAC equipment has an air filter. This filter is your system’s first line of defense against dust, debris, mold, pollen and other airborne pollutants that can harm your indoor air quality (IAQ) and impair the operations of your home comfort equipment.

Checking and changing this filter periodically is a simple and low-effort process that can make a huge difference to the efficiency and reliability of your heating and cooling systems. In this article, we’ll explain why that’s the case and take you through the process of changing your filter.

Why Is Changing an HVAC Air Filter Important?

Over time, particularly during the peak heating and cooling seasons, your HVAC system’s air filter accumulates debris, dust and grime. As the filter gets dirty and clogged, it can restrict airflow in your system. The results?

  1. Less efficient heating and cooling
  2. Worse IAQ in your home, leading to less comfortable rooms, more dust accumulation, worse allergy symptoms and more
  3. Reduced overall performance from your HVAC equipment, with an increased chance of breakdowns and shorter life expectancy

Luckily, identifying and remedying a dirty or clogged air filter is pretty straightforward.

Where Is Your HVAC Air Filter Located?

Your air filter is usually located in one of two places: within a return duct or inside the air handler. The air handler itself is commonly found in the attic, basement or a utility closet. If you’re unable to locate the filter, refer to your system’s manual or reach out to our team for help.

How Do You Check Your HVAC Air Filter?

Here’s a general rundown of how to check and change your air filter:

  1. Locate the compartment containing your HVAC air filter. Find the air filter in either the return duct or inside the air handler.
  2. Shut off your HVAC system. Switch off the system at the thermostat or circuit breaker to ensure safety while replacing the filter.
  3. Remove the old filter. For return duct filters, open the grille by flipping the latches. For air handler filters, open the access panel (a screwdriver may be needed). Carefully remove the old filter, noting its orientation for proper installation of the new one.
  4. Install the new filter. Place the new filter inside the compartment with the airflow arrows pointing into the unit. Secure the cover or grille and turn your HVAC system back on.

Disposable HVAC air filters are available at home stores, hardware stores and online retailers. They tend to be quite affordable and, as we’ve established, make a huge difference in lowering your energy usage, improving your comfort and extending the lifespan of your system.

Reach Out to Atlantic-Pratt Energy for Comprehensive HVAC Care

In addition to staying on top of your air filters, it’s essential to bring in a professional HVAC team to regularly tune up your home’s heating and cooling equipment. In Braintree and throughout the South Shore, Atlantic-Pratt Energy is the HVAC maintenance provider of choice.

Our team can provide yearly service to boost your heating and A/C efficiency, prevent system breakdowns and extend your system’s life expectancy. You can also protect your equipment with our service plan coverage, which includes annual maintenance and big savings on any needed repairs.

Reach out to our team today to enroll in an Atlantic-Pratt service plan and schedule your annual HVAC maintenance. We’re here to help you achieve the best, most efficient home cooling — all year round!