Should I replace air filter myself or call a pro?« Back to Previous Page

Absolutely, replacing your air filter yourself can be both practical and safe. However, it’s always wise to consider the specifics of your situation before you proceed.

Firstly, in terms of regulations, the UAE doesn't have specific laws mandating how often filters must be replaced; however, ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) guidelines recommend replacing air filters every 30 to 90 days depending on usage. Given that you've only had the filter for about six months and now are noticing a faint smell of burnt something in your living room, it's reasonable to suspect that dust accumulation could have led to this issue.

Replacing an air filter is typically straightforward and can be done without professional assistance. Here’s how:

1. Assess the Situation: If you're seeing signs of a problem like a burnt smell or noticing a significant amount of dust around your unit, it might be worth having a professional inspection just to rule out any more serious issues.

2. Safety First: Before starting, ensure that the system is turned off and unplugged. This prevents any accidents from occurring while you're working on it. The last thing you want is an electrical shock or another accident.

3. Tools Required: You’ll need a replacement filter of the right size, which can usually be found at local hardware stores or online retailers. A flathead screwdriver might also come in handy to remove any screws holding the cover plate in place if necessary.

4. Replacement Process: Open the air handler access panel (usually located near your HVAC unit) and locate the filter slot. Carefully pull out the old, dirty filter and replace it with a new one. Make sure the replacement filter fits snugly into its slot and that you align the filter correctly to avoid any airflow issues.

5. Check and Clean: After replacing, check around the edges of the filter for any leaks or gaps where dust might escape. Also, clean up any debris that may have fallen out during the process.

6. System Reset: Once everything is back in place and you’ve confirmed no leaks, turn the system back on and monitor it for a few hours to ensure there are no issues with airflow or odors.

While this can be done by yourself, if the smell persists or gets worse, or if you find any other unusual signs, it would be prudent to call a professional. Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com offer reliable and experienced services that can help identify and resolve these issues.

Remember, maintaining good air quality is crucial for your family’s health, especially in the UAE where environmental conditions like dust storms are common. Regular maintenance and inspection by professionals ensure your HVAC system operates efficiently and safely.