Preventive maintenance on a Carrier air conditioner often involves caring for its filter. But now you’re wondering about the location of this component. We researched this concern for your convenience, and here’s what we found.
Carrier’s air conditioners usually have their filters in the cabinet or air handler. Make sure to check your owner’s guide to determine the correct location for your specific model’s filtration unit.
Identifying the location of a Carrier AC’s filter is essential. That way, you can properly replace or clean the filter when needed. Continue reading as we talk about the filters of Carrier air conditioners in greater detail.
Where Is The Filter On A Carrier AC Unit?
You can typically find the filter on a carrier air conditioner inside the indoor air handler. Otherwise, it should be in the ductwork outside the unit’s cabinet.
Take note that you can consult your appliance owner’s manual if you have trouble locating the filter on your particular carrier AC unit. Another option is to call Carrier’s customer service hotline to help you out in this regard.
How Do I Change The Filter On My Carrier Air Conditioner?
As mentioned in the previous section, it can be ideal to check your owner’s manual to verify the location of your carrier air conditioner’s filter, as the placement of that component often differs based on the AC’s type.
In this section, you’ll learn how to replace the filter on certain carrier AC units:
Carrier Optima Window Type Air Conditioner
You don't need any special tools or skills to replace this Carrier AC filter. After purchasing an appropriate filtration unit, follow these steps to continue this DIY project:
What You’ll Need
- Philips screwdriver
- Replacement filter
Step-By-Step Guide
- Turn off the air conditioner.
- Remove the screws from both sides of the window unit.
- Pull out the knobs and set them aside temporarily.
- Carefully take out the AC’s front panel.
- Remove the old filter and replace it with the new unit.
- Reinstall the front panel, knobs, and screws.
- Turn on the air conditioner to test its performance.
Check out this replacement window AC unit filter on Amazon.
You can also watch the video below to see a visual guide on the steps mentioned above:
Carrier Infinity System
Although it’s an HVAC system, the Carrier Infinity can supply cooling and heating to a connected space. You also only need a couple of items for this procedure. If you’re ready, proceed with this operation by following these steps:
What You’ll Need
- Replacement filter
- Duct tape
Step-By-Step Guide
- Turn off the Carrier HVAC system. You may also disconnect it from the mains if you desire.
- Open the lid housing the old air filter, which is usually at the bottom of the main unit.
- Take out the old filter and dispose of it properly.
- Place the new model into the receptacle with the correct orientation.
- Seal the lid with duct tape.
- Turn on the system to test its performance with the new filter.
Check out this replacement filter for Carrier Infinity HVAC systems on Amazon.
You can also watch the video below to see a visual representation of the steps mentioned above:
At this point, you might also be wondering about changing a central air conditioner’s filter. If so, read our post on the topic to learn the appropriate steps.
How Do You Clean A Carrier Air Conditioner Filter?
Keep in mind that cleaning a Carrier air conditioner’s filter requires you to know its location. That way, you can remove it from its bracket to properly clean it.
Although the filter removal procedures can be different among Carrier’s air conditioner line, the cleaning process is generally the same for these components. The typical steps for this operation are:
What You’ll Need
- Garden hose
Step-By-Step Guide
- Open the indoor air handler’s front panel. Doing so should expose the filters.
- Take out the air filters and head outside.
- Remove the loose dirt from the filters with water from the garden hose.
- Let the filters air dry before reinstalling them into the air conditioner.
- Turn on the AC to test if the cleanup job is a success.
Watch the video below to see an alternate method for cleaning an AC’s air filter:
You can also read our guide on how to clean a ductless air conditioner to gain additional insight on this procedure.
How Long Do Carrier Filters Last?
Carrier filters often have different lifespans. For instance, filtration units for Carrier Infinity models usually need replacements after one year of use. On the other hand, you may need to replace some filters of certain Carrier ACs at least once every three or six months.
Also, take note that certain factors can shorten the lifespan of air conditioner filters, including those installed in Carrier air conditioners. Some of the things that can adversely affect your filters’ serviceable lives are:
Pets
Cats, dogs, and other furry creatures shed their fur. The frequency of shedding typically differs for each animal and breed, but the hair can get into the air conditioner’s filter. If left unchecked, the fur can clog your AC’s filter faster than usual.
You can control this concern by brushing your pet’s fur frequently. Some pets may require you to brush their hair every day, particularly during the summer.
Check out this pet de-shedding brush on Amazon.
Dusty Location
It’s relatively safe to say that you can’t control the amount of dust lingering outside, which can shorten the lives of air conditioner filters. Also, some states are dustier than others. Some examples are:
- California
- Idaho
- Pennsylvania
- Indiana
- Illinois
Although it can be quite challenging to manage the amount of outside dust, solutions exist to help you control the amount of dust entering your home. For instance, you may invest in a quality air purifier to help filter dust alongside your air conditioning unit.
Check out this air purifier on Amazon.
AC Fan Is On
Connecting an air conditioner to a thermostat may allow certain parts to move separately. In particular, setting the AC’s fan to ‘on’ from the thermostat may make this assembly turn even if the cooling system is off.
Leaving the air conditioner's fan at the 'on' setting may pull in more dust from the surroundings than usual. Instead, set the AC’s fan to ‘auto’ on your thermostat. Otherwise, you can always turn the entire cooling system off when you don’t need it.
How Do You Know When To Change Your AC Filter?
Pay attention to certain indicators that tell you the appropriate time to clean or replace your AC’s filter, particularly for a cooling unit from Carrier. Some of these signs are:
Failure To Produce Cold Air
Take note that air conditioners generally function by pulling hot air into their system and converting it into cold air. If the air coming out of your cooling unit isn’t as cold as before, its filters might need cleaning or replacing.
Increased Energy Bill
You might be paying more than the national average of $2,060 per year for your home’s energy bill because of a dirty or faulty air conditioner filter. So it's a good idea to troubleshoot your home's utilities to verify if the AC's filter is the cause of this spike in energy costs.
Allergy Attacks
Generally, seasonal allergies start in February. Then, the allergies should end when summer arrives. However, you might be experiencing allergy symptoms even though that period is over. If so, check your air conditioner’s filter if it’s not doing its job well. Make sure to clean or replace that part if needed.
Health Issues
Aside from allergy attacks, household members and guests can be more prone to health concerns if an AC’s filter isn’t functioning properly. These health issues may include (but are not limited to):
- Persistent coughing and/or sneezing
- Asthma attacks
- Rhinitis
Failure to clean or replace the filter may lead to serious health complications, such as pneumoconiosis. This disease often occurs in the bodies of people who are in dusty areas frequently.
Also, if you have existing health issues, such as emphysema, you might complicate your well-being further if you’re staying in a dusty area for a long time.
Final Words
Consult your Carrier AC’s owner’s manual to determine the exact location of your cooling unit’s air filter. But you’ll usually find this component in the system’s cabinet or air handler. If you’re still having difficulty finding the filter, you may need to talk with one of the company’s customer service representatives.