How To Clean Air Conditioner Filters

What Is The Purpose Of An Air Conditioner Filter?

An air conditioner unit that is well maintained and regularly serviced can last 10 years or more. 

2. Improve indoor air quality

Pet owners are all too aware of just how much hair their animals can shed on a daily basis, especially in the case of indoor pets. In addition to pet hair and dust, mould spores can contribute to respiratory problems like allergies and asthma. 

Even if you’re regularly getting rid of dust via vacuuming, dirty aircon filters will allow these particles to freely float through the air when your air conditioner is in use. Furthermore, when filters are not regularly cleaned or replaced, this can lead to strange and unpleasant smells. 

3. Reduced energy consumption

Clogged AC filters affect the performance of your AC by reducing the airflow passing through the system.  When the aircon filter is dirty, the unit will take longer to completely cool a room.

Air conditioning units run more efficiently when the filter is clean, thus consuming less energy and reducing power bills. Clean aircon filters can improve your aircon efficiency and decrease its energy consumption by 5% to 15%.

What Is The Purpose Of An Air Conditioner Filter?

The frequency with which you clean your AC filter depends on a few factors. If you have pets in your home or allergies, you’ll have to clean your filters more frequently. You may also have to clean your filter more often if there’s a lot of traffic in your home. 

Ideally, you should clean your air conditioner filters every two weeks. In the case of dusty or polluted environments, filters should be cleaned more frequently.

Can Air Filters Be Cleaned And Reused?

Disposable air filters will need to be replaced regularly while reusable air filters can be cleaned and used again. Air filters with holes, tears or excessive damage need to be replaced immediately.

The frequency of replacement of disposable air con filters will vary. Check the air conditioner’s manufacturer recommendations for replacement guidance.   

If you choose to clean your filters, it’s essential that you do so properly. Improper cleaning can damage them and make them ineffective at filtering out particles in your home’s air supply.

Signs You Need To Clean Or Replace Your AC Filter

• You see lint or dirt coming out of the vents when the air conditioner unit is in use. This is a sign that something may be wrong with your filter — in this case, it’s too dirty and needs replacement or cleaning.

• You smell a musty or earthy odour when you turn on your AC. This is often a sign that your filter needs cleaning or replacement.

• Your air conditioner isn’t cooling as efficiently as it should be. If you feel like the air coming out of your vents is warmer than usual, this may be an indication that your filter needs cleaning or replacing.

• You notice an increase in energy bills due to high fan speed. An inefficient filter will make your air conditioner run continuously at higher speeds just to keep up with demand, which leads to higher energy bills over time.

• Your AC is louder than normal when in use. If you notice that it seems louder than usual when running, especially if it makes a clicking or rattling sound, this could be due to an accumulation of dust on the blower motor and fan blades.

How To Clean Air Conditioner Filters

How do you clean a reusable air conditioner filter?

It is important to clean your reusable air conditioner filters regularly. Thankfully, you don’t have to take the entire unit apart to clean the filter. Here are some tips on how to clean air conditioner filters:

Split System Air Filters

Step 1

Turn off the power to the unit. If you have a portable unit in your home, you’ll need to detach it from its power source before cleaning it. This may include unplugging the electrical cord from an outlet or disconnecting an extension cord from an exterior outlet box. Check your manufacturer’s manual for instructions on how to do this safely.

Step 2

Remove the dirty air filter from its housing by lifting the cover on the front of the unit and carefully pulling out the filter. You can use your hands or a tool like a wrench to do this.

Step 3 

Thoroughly check the filter to ensure it is not damaged. If the air filter contains any holes or tears, it will need to be replaced. 

Step 4 

Fill a bucket or sink with water and add a few drops of mild dishwashing soap to it. Place your filter in the bucket of water and let it soak for half an hour. A washcloth can be used to remove the debris caught in the mesh.

If you’re using a vacuum cleaner to clear your air con filter, clean both sides of the air filter with the vacuum cleaner. Then, use a dampened cloth with warm water to wipe away any dust or debris. 

Step 5

Remove the air filter from the dishwashing solution and allow it to air dry completely before placing it back into the AC unit.

Ducted Systems Air Filters

Ducted systems usually have one or more filter types depending on the model, so it’s important to check the manufacturer’s manual for instructions on how to clean air conditioner filters. Some filters can be washed in the washing machine, while others will require dry cleaning or replacement after every use.

Step 1

Turn off the power supply. This will prevent electric shock or damage to any electrical components during the cleaning process.

Step 2

Remove the cover from the air filter compartment. Take out all filters present inside it carefully using your hands. Other tools such as a screwdriver can be used if necessary to avoid damage during the removal process. 

Step 3

When cleaning these types of filters, water, a vacuum cleaner, or a similar device can be used to remove any dust or debris from the air filter. Use a small brush to clean any stubborn dirt off the surface of the filter. 

If water is going to be used, you can choose to hose down the filter outside or run it under a tap indoors until you are able to see clearly through the air filter. 

Step 4

If water was used, shake away the excess and leave the air filter to air dry. Once dry,  return the filter to the air filter compartment, close it and replace the screw.  

Once your air filter has been cleaned after vacuuming, you can place it back into its correct position within your ducted air conditioner system and continue cooling your home as normal.

What To Avoid When Cleaning Your Air Conditioning Filter

• Avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals as they may damage the filter and reduce its efficiency.

• Don’t use hot water or steam cleaners as they could damage your filter.

• While cleaning your filter, don’t use a pressure washer or any other high-pressure spraying equipment. 

The bottom line is that clean air is good for your health. You’re helping your machine when you clean the air filters. 

Regular AC maintenance does not only extend the life of your unit and cut down on repair costs, but it can also improve airflow and reduce energy usage. 

That goes a long way in helping you save money and keep your home cool and comfortable at the same time. Whether you’re a busy mum or someone who suffers from allergies, you will find that your air conditioner works better and more efficiently when you clean them regularly.

Periodic cleaning of your unit’s filter may seem like a pain. However, it will be worth it once you see how much better your air quality feels, how much more efficient your unit runs, and how much longer the whole system lasts.

If you need help cleaning your air conditioner filters or the overall maintenance of your home, please get in touch to discuss our various cleaning services.