Cleaning Your AC Air Filter and Why It’s Necessary

Have you looked at your air conditioner filter? As a general rule, you should examine it each 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 clean and replace reusable filters effectively.

Types of AC Filters

Your filter choice affects indoor air quality, how effectively air flows and whether you can clean or swap it out when it becomes worn down or clogged. Here’s a breakdown of some common options:

• Disposable filters are typically made with fiberglass and a paper frame. These filters are meant for short-term use and need to be replaced every 30 to 90 days. They are typically affordable and simple to swap out but not very environmentally friendly since they are eventually thrown away.
• Reusable filters have stronger frame materials made with metals like aluminum or plastic. These filters can be cleaned and reused again, often lasting a few years if maintenance is handled properly. They are more eco-friendly and cost effective in the long run. But on the downside, cleaning them takes extra time and effort than simply swapping out a disposable model.
• Electrostatic filters utilize static electricity to trap particles effectively while preserving airflow. These can be either disposable or reusable. Reusable electrostatic filters require regular cleaning to preserve their effectiveness.
• HEPA filters, or high-efficiency particulate air filters, are the best filters around, trapping 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. The majority of HEPA filters are single use, but they last for up to 12 months before requiring replacement. While they provide high filtration, they are more expensive and may not be compatible with all HVAC systems.

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

It’s an easy chore to forget about, but rinsing or changing your AC filter is a key part of overall system maintenance for a few reasons:

1. Better air quality: A clean filter traps dust, pollen, pet dander and other contaminants, keeping your indoor air purer and contamination free. This plus is especially vital for people with allergies, asthma or other health conditions that restrict breathing.

• Energy efficiency: If you never clean or replace the filter, the dust and debris slowly filling it it makes the AC to work even harder. A clean filter preserves airflow, reducing the unit’s workload and helping to manage your energy bills.

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

• Saving money: A new filter lowers extra expenses by cutting your energy bills, limiting damage and minimizing the risk of unexpected AC replacement.

Instructions for Washing Your AC Filter

Follow these instructions every one to three months to enjoy all the advantages of a clean air filter:

Prepare: First, power down the AC unit to prevent electrical fire or similar hazards. Then, locate your AC filter. It might be in the return air duct, in the air handler cabinet or within the unit itself.

Remove the filter: Slowly remove the filter from the housing. Check for holes or tears. If the filter is visibly damaged, go ahead and change it.

Vacuum the filter: Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to clear out any dirt, hair, fibers and other loose debris.

Wash the filter: Bring the filter outside and spray it down with a garden hose. For a filter that’s as clean as possible, add a small amount of a mild detergent.

Dry the filter: Lay the filter out to air dry completely before placing it back. But before you do so, remember to not use your air conditioner or you risk allowing more dust particles inside the unit.

It’s helpful to remember that disposable filters should not be washed. They must be replaced after they become too clogged up with debris. The replacement filter should be the same size and type to confirm compatibility with your AC unit.

Other Elements of an Air Conditioner to Clean

In addition to the air filter, other AC components require routine maintenance for peak operation and minimal expense. Call an HVAC technician for help servicing components including:

• The evaporator coils within the air handler extract heat from the air. Over time, these coils gather a lot of dust, which hampers heat transfer efficiency. Professionals apply a specific coil cleaner to clear away dust and grime.
• The condenser coils within the part of the unit kept outside expel heat removed from your home. These coils are subjected to the rain and snow, and get dirty very easily. Although you can gently wash away dirt, leaves and other debris by grabbing a garden hose, leave more in-depth seasonal maintenance to a professional.
• The fan blades in your AC system will also accumulate dust and dirt. An HVAC professional will inspect the fan as part of an annual tune-up, cleaning and aligning the blades as necessary to restore normal operation.
• The condensate drain line in your AC unit can get clogged up with algae, mold and debris. When drainage slows or stops, call a professional contractor to clean the drain line using a strong cleaning solution or algaecide treatment.

Schedule AC Maintenance Help

Regularly maintaining your AC air filter and the rest of your HVAC fosters optimal performance and higher indoor air quality. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is ready to help. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver prompt, long-lasting solutions to all your air conditioning concerns. To book your next AC maintenance visit, please contact us today.