Cleaning Your AC Air Filter and Why It’s Essential

When was the last time you looked at your air conditioner filter? As a rule of thumb, you should examine it every month and clean or replace it when it is dirty. Find out what you should know about the different types of AC filters, why they require regular care and detailed instructions on how to clean reusable filters properly.

Kinds of AC Filters

Your filter choice impacts indoor air quality, how effectively air flows and whether you should clean or change it when it becomes dirty. Here’s a breakdown of some common models:

• Disposable filters are usually made with fiberglass along with a paper frame. These filters are intended for short-term use and are best changed every 30 to 90 days. They are typically affordable and easy to install but less environmentally friendly because they need to be thrown out.
• Reusable filters have sturdier frame materials made with metals like aluminum or plastic. These filters can be cleaned and reused several times, often lasting a few years if cared for correctly. They are more eco-friendly and affordable over their life span. However, washing them takes more time and effort than simply changing a disposable model.
• Electrostatic filters employ static electricity to capture airborne particles effectively while maintaining airflow. These can be either disposable or reusable. Reusable electrostatic filters will need regular upkeep to preserve their effectiveness.
• HEPA filters, or high-efficiency particulate air filters, are the best filters for residential needs, removing 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. The bulk of HEPA filters are disposable, but they last for up to an entire year before needing to be replaced. While they offer high filtration, they are more expensive and aren’t always compatible with all HVAC systems.

Why Should You Clean or Change the AC Filter? 4 Important Reasons

It’s a simple chore to overlook, but cleaning or changing your AC filter is a key part of overall system maintenance for reasons like:

1. Improved air quality: A new filter traps dust, pollen, pet dander and other pollutants, keeping your indoor air cleaner and safer. This kind of full spectrum comfort is particularly crucial for people with allergies, asthma or other health conditions that restrict breathing.

• Energy efficiency: If you never clean or change the filter, the dust and debris slowly filling it it makes the AC to exert even more energy. A new filter preserves airflow, reducing the unit’s workload and putting a stop to an increase in your energy bills.

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

• Saving money on energy bills and early replacement: A new filter reduces costs by tightening up your energy bills, preventing damage and minimizing the risk of early replacement for the AC.

Instructions for Cleaning the AC Filter

Follow these guidelines every one to three months to get all the perks of a new air filter:

Prepare: As the first step, turn off the AC unit to prevent electrical damage. Then, access your AC filter. It might be in the return air duct, in the air handler cabinet or inside the unit itself.

Remove the filter: Carefully pull out the filter from its slot. Look it over for holes or tears. If the filter is torn, go ahead and toss it.

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

Wash the filter: Take the filter outside the house and spray it down with a garden hose. For a filter that’s as clean as possible, apply a mild detergent.

Dry the filter: Set the filter out to air dry completely before placing it back. Before that happens, do not run your air conditioner or you risk bringing more dust particles right back into the system.

It’s necessary to note that disposable filters aren’t washable. They must be thrown away when they become too clogged up with debris. The replacement filter should be the appropriate size to make sure there’s compatibility with your AC unit.

Other Parts of an Air Conditioner to Maintain

In addition to the filter, other AC components should receive consistent maintenance for peak operation and longevity. Call an HVAC contractor for help servicing components including:

• The evaporator coils within the indoor system remove heat from the air. After enough time, these coils collect a lot of dust, which hampers heat transfer efficiency. HVAC Experts use a commercial-grade coil cleaning solution to eliminate dust and grime.
• The condenser coils found in the outdoor unit get rid of heat taken out of your home. These coils are exposed to the rain and snow, and become dirty fast. While you can gently rinse off dirt, leaves and other debris using a garden hose, leave more detailed seasonal cleanings to a professional.
• The fan blades in your AC system will also accumulate dust and dirt. An HVAC contractor will inspect the fan as part of their yearly tune-up, wiping down and tightening the blades as required to restore normal performance.
• The condensate drain line in your AC unit can get clogged up with algae, mold and debris. Should this happen, contact a professional technician to restore the drain line using a commercial cleaner or algaecide treatment.

Request AC Maintenance Help

Consistently cleaning your AC filter and other parts of your air conditioner ensures smooth operation and healthier indoor air quality. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. Our ACE-certified technicians offer quick, reliable solutions to all your air conditioning concerns. To book your next AC maintenance service, please contact us today.