Replace HVAC Filter

How to do it

Turn the system off. Slide out the old 20x25x1 filter, note the airflow arrow, and slide the new one in facing the same way.

For yours: Filter 20x25x1

What this is keeping at bay

The things that tend to go wrong with central air conditioning, and what they cost once they do.

• AC leaking water indoorsWater around an indoor AC unit is usually a clogged condensate drain line. Your AC pulls humidity out of the air, and that water has to drain somewhere — when the line clogs with algae or sludge, it backs up and overflows the drain pan. A frozen coil thawing, or a cracked pan, can cause the same thing.Urgent — days matter · Some steps you can try · $100–$450
• Ice on the AC unit or linesIce on an air conditioner almost always comes down to restricted airflow or low refrigerant. A dirty filter, blocked return vents, a failing blower, or a refrigerant leak lets the coil get cold enough to freeze condensation. Turn the system off and let it thaw before anything else — running it while frozen can damage the compressor.Urgent — days matter · Some steps you can try · $150–$700
• AC running but not coolingAn air conditioner that runs but doesn't cool is most often caused by a dirty air filter, a blocked outdoor unit, low refrigerant from a leak, or a frozen evaporator coil. Start by checking the filter and the outdoor unit — those two account for a large share of calls and cost nothing to rule out.Address soon · Some steps you can try · $150–$650

What this work costs

Published typical ranges, not a quote for your job.

• AC repair costMost air conditioning repairs fall between $150 and $650, with a diagnostic fee of roughly $75–$200 that many companies credit toward the work. Capacitor replacement is among the cheapest common repairs; compressor failure is the most expensive and usually prompts a replace-or-repair decision.$400
• AC replacement costReplacing a central air conditioning system typically costs $5,500–$12,000 installed for a standard home, with most falling around $8,000. Replacing the full system including the furnace or air handler, or upgrading ductwork, moves you toward and past the top of that range.$8,000

The thing this belongs to

Upstairs HVAC SystemTrane · Attic · installed May 11, 2022