Cleaning Your AC Air Filter and Why It’s Necessary

Have you looked at your air conditioner filter? As standard practice, you should inspect it every month and take the appropriate steps when it looks dirty. Find out what you should know about the various kinds of AC filters, why they work better with regular care and detailed instructions on how to wash reusable filters effectively.

There Are Several Different Kinds of AC Filters

Your filter type influences indoor air quality, how effectively air flows and whether you should wash or change it when it becomes dirty. Here’s a breakdown of some popular designs:

• Disposable filters are commonly made of fiberglass along with a paper frame. These filters are intended for short-term use and need to be swapped out every 30 to 90 days. They are usually low cost and easy to swap out but not very environmentally friendly as they are eventually thrown away.
• Reusable filters have sturdier frame materials like aluminum or plastic. These filters can be cleaned and reused again, often lasting many years if maintenance is handled correctly. They are more environmentally friendly and cost effective over their life span. That being said, washing them takes more time and effort than simply changing a disposable model.
• Electrostatic filters use static electricity to capture pollutants quickly while maintaining airflow. These can be both disposable or reusable. Reusable electrostatic filters need regular upkeep to preserve their effectiveness.
• HEPA filters, or high-efficiency particulate air filters, are the best filters around, removing 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. The majority of HEPA filters are disposable, but they last for up to one year before requiring replacement. While they offer superior filtration, they are costlier and may not be compatible with all HVAC systems.

Why Should You Clean or Replace the AC Filter? 4 Reasons Why

It’s a common chore to ignore, but cleaning or replacing your AC filter is a key part of overall system maintenance for a few reasons:

1. Improved air quality: A clean filter captures dust, pollen, pet dander and other contaminants, keeping your indoor air fresher and contamination free. This kind of full spectrum comfort is particularly vital for people with allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions.

• Use energy more efficiently: If you never clean or replace your filter, the dust and debris caught inside it makes the AC to exert even more energy. A clean filter optimizes airflow, decreasing the unit’s workload and helping to manage your energy bills.

• Prolonging your equipment’s life span: Regularly washing the filter stops the system from overheating, lowers wear and tear, and can even lengthen your unit’s lifespan!

• Cost savings: A fresh filter reduces costs by cutting your energy bills, avoiding damage and minimizing the risk of unexpected AC replacement.

Instructions for Maintaining Your AC Filter

Apply these instructions every one to three months to get all the benefits of a new air filter:

Prepare: As the first step, power down the AC unit to prevent electrical fire or similar hazards. Then, locate your AC filter. It will most likely be found in the return air duct, in the air handler cabinet or inside of the unit itself.

Remove the filter: Carefully take out the filter from its slot. Examine for holes or tears. If the filter is visibly damaged, go ahead and toss it.

Vacuum the filter: Use the brush add-on for your vacuum cleaner to clear out any dirt, hair, fibers and other particles.

Wash the filter: Bring the filter outside the house and give it a thorough rinse with a garden hose. For a more thorough clean, use a mild detergent.

Dry the filter: Set the filter out to dry on its own completely before placing it back. In the meantime, remember to not run your air conditioner or you risk allowing more dust particles inside the unit.

It’s helpful to remember that disposable filters aren’t washable. They need to be thrown away once they become clogged with dust. The replacement filter should be the same size and type to confirm compatibility with your AC unit.

Additional Components of an AC Unit to Clean

In addition to the filter, other AC parts require regular upkeep for best operation and longevity. Contact an HVAC technician for help cleaning parts like:

• The evaporator coils inside the air handler extract heat from the air. Over time, these coils gather a lot of dust, which lowers heat transfer efficiency. HVAC Experts use a commercial-grade coil cleaning solution to eliminate dust and grime.
• The condenser coils located in the outdoor unit release heat taken out of your house. These coils are exposed to the worst weather and get dirty fast. Although you can gently rinse off dirt, leaves and other debris using a garden hose, leave more thorough seasonal maintenance to a professional.
• The fan blades in your AC system’s blower will also accumulate dust and dirt. An HVAC professional will examine the fan as part of an annual tune-up, cleaning and aligning the blades as needed to return to regular performance.
• The condensate drain line in your AC system can get clogged up with algae, mold and debris. Should this happen, choose a professional technician to clean the drain line using a strong cleaning solution or mold treatment.

Schedule AC Maintenance Help

Regularly maintaining your AC filter and the rest of your air conditioning system encourages efficient operation and better indoor air quality. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver prompt, long-lasting solutions to all your air conditioning concerns. To book your next AC maintenance appointment, please contact us today.