Your air conditioner works hard to keep your Fort Smith home cool during hot Arkansas summers, but without a clean filter, it can’t perform at its best. A dirty filter restricts airflow, forces your system to work harder, and can leave you with higher utility bills and dusty air. The good news? Learning how to change your AC filter is simple, affordable, and one of the best ways to protect your HVAC investment.
At Riverside Comfort Care, we want homeowners across Fort Smith, Van Buren, Alma, and Greenwood to have the tools they need to keep their cooling systems running smoothly. Here’s a complete guide to understanding, changing, and maintaining your AC filter.
Why Changing Your AC Filter Matters
Think of your AC filter as your system’s first line of defense. Its job is to catch dust, pollen, pet hair, mold spores, and other airborne debris before they clog up the system or circulate through your home. When filters aren’t changed regularly, you might face:
Poor air quality – Dust and allergens get recycled into your living space.
Higher energy bills – A clogged filter forces your AC to work harder.
System breakdowns – Restricted airflow can freeze coils and overheat parts.
Shorter system lifespan – Your AC has to strain to compensate.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5–15%.
How Often Should You Change Your AC Filter in Fort Smith?
The frequency depends on your home’s environment and the type of filter you use.
1-inch filters: Replace every 1–3 months.
4–5 inch pleated filters: Replace every 6–12 months.
Homes with pets: Change monthly to reduce hair and dander buildup.
Allergy-sensitive households: Monthly filter changes for cleaner air.
Since Fort Smith and the River Valley region experience humid summers, seasonal pollen, and dust from rural and construction areas, most households benefit from monthly checks.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Your AC Filter
Changing your filter doesn’t require special tools — just a little attention to detail.
1. Turn off your AC unit
Always start by turning off the power. This keeps you safe and prevents dust from being pulled into the system while you’re working.
2. Locate the filter
Most filters are found either:
Behind a return air grille (often in a hallway ceiling or wall)
Inside the indoor air handler or furnace unit
3. Remove the old filter
Slide the filter out carefully. Notice how much dust has collected — it’s a good reminder of how much your filter protects your home.
4. Check the filter size
The dimensions (like 16x20x1) are printed on the frame. Write it down so you get the right replacement.
5. Insert the new filter
Pay attention to the arrows on the frame. They should point toward the system (in the direction of airflow).
6. Turn your system back on
Once the new filter is in place, power your system back up and enjoy cleaner airflow immediately.
Tips for Fort Smith Homeowners
Set a reminder: Mark your calendar or set a phone alert every 30 days.
Stock up: Buy filters in bulk so you always have one ready.
Upgrade wisely: HEPA or high-MERV filters catch more particles, but some older units can struggle with the restriction. Ask a technician before upgrading.
Pair with tune-ups: Changing filters helps, but a seasonal AC maintenance visit from Riverside Comfort Care ensures coils, fans, and refrigerant levels are in top shape.
For more details, check our AC Maintenance service page.
Signs It’s Time for More Than a Filter Change
Sometimes swapping the filter isn’t enough to solve the problem. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call a Fort Smith HVAC technician:
Weak airflow from vents
Warm air blowing instead of cool
Unusually high energy bills
Dust buildup no matter how often you clean
Strange odors when the AC runs
A clogged filter may cause these symptoms, but if they persist after a filter change, your system likely needs professional attention.
Local HVAC Help in Fort Smith and Surrounding Areas
At Riverside Comfort Care, we’ve built our reputation on honest service and reliable results. Whether you’re in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Alma, or Greenwood, our licensed HVAC team is ready to help with:
Filter replacements and upgrades
Seasonal tune-ups
AC repair and installation
Heat pump services (including Friedrich Breeze Universal Heat Pump upgrades)
Indoor air quality solutions
We know the River Valley climate, and we’ll make sure your system is prepared for summer heat or winter chill.
Authoritative Resources for Homeowners
These sources explain how simple maintenance steps — like changing filters — can improve efficiency and air quality.
Final Thoughts
Changing your AC filter is one of the easiest, most cost-effective steps you can take to keep your home comfortable in Fort Smith, AR. Regular filter replacement means cleaner air, lower bills, and a healthier HVAC system. Still, some issues go beyond a quick DIY fix.
When you need professional help, trust Riverside Comfort Care to keep your system running smoothly across Fort Smith, Van Buren, Alma, and Greenwood.
Call us today or schedule online for expert AC service you can count on.
