Cleaning Your AC Air Filter and Why It’s Important

How long has it been since  you inspected your air conditioner filter? As a general rule, you should examine it every month and take the appropriate steps when it gets dirty. Learn more about the different types of AC filters, why they work better with regular care and easy-to-follow instructions on how to clean and replace reusable filters effectively.

Kinds of AC Filters

Your filter design affects indoor air quality, airflow efficiency and whether you should wash or swap it out when it becomes worn down or clogged. Here’s a summary of some common models:

• Disposable filters are usually made from fiberglass with a paper frame. These filters are meant for short-term use and should be swapped out every 30 to 90 days. They are usually affordable and easy to put in but not as environmentally friendly since they generate waste.
• Reusable filters have sturdier frame materials such as aluminum or plastic. These filters can be rinsed out and reused again, often lasting a few years if maintenance is handled correctly. They are more eco-friendly and cost effective over their life span. On the other hand, washing them takes extra time and effort than simply replacing a disposable model.
• Electrostatic filters use static electricity to capture airborne particles effectively while ensuring airflow. These can be either disposable or reusable. Reusable electrostatic filters will need regular washing to preserve their effectiveness.
• HEPA filters, or high-efficiency particulate air filters, are the top filters of all, trapping 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. Most HEPA filters are disposable, but they remain effective for up to 12 months before requiring replacement. While they deliver superior filtration, they are higher priced and aren’t always compatible with all HVAC systems.

Why Should You Wash or Replace the AC Filter? 4 Important Reasons

It’s an easy chore to overlook, but washing or changing your AC filter is important for a few reasons:

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

• Less energy waste: If you never wash or replace your filter, the dust and debris caught inside it makes the AC to exert even more energy. A new filter preserves airflow, decreasing the unit’s workload and helping to manage your energy bills.

• Prolonging your equipment’s life span: Regularly maintaining 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 lowers extra expenses by cutting your energy bills, preventing damage and minimizing the risk of early replacement for the AC.

Your Guide to Cleaning the AC Filter

Use these steps every one to three months to continue enjoying all the perks of a fresh air filter:

Prepare: To start, shut off the AC unit to avoid electrical fire or similar hazards. Then, access your AC filter. It is usually in the return air duct, in the air handler cabinet or within the unit itself.

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

Vacuum the filter: Grab the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to get rid of dirt, hair, fibers and other particles.

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

Dry the filter: Place the filter out to dry on its own completely before placing it back. Before that happens, remember to not turn on your air conditioner or you risk allowing more dust particles inside the unit.

It’s helpful to remember that disposable filters cannot be washed. They need to be thrown away when they become clogged with dust. The replacement filter should be the appropriate size to ensure compatibility with your AC unit.

Other Elements of an Air Conditioning System to Clean

Along with the filter, other AC parts require regular maintenance for peak performance and longevity. Call an HVAC technician for help maintaining parts like:

• The evaporator coils within the indoor unit absorb heat from the air. After enough time, these coils gather a lot of dust, which hampers heat transfer efficiency. Professionals use a special coil cleaner to remove dust and grime.
• The condenser coils located in the outdoor system get rid of heat removed from your house. These coils are exposed to the worst weather and get dirty quickly. Although you can carefully wash away dirt, leaves and other debris by grabbing a garden hose, leave more in-depth seasonal servicing to a professional.
• The fan blades in your AC unit will also gather dust and dirt. An HVAC technician will inspect the fan as part of their yearly tune-up, cleaning and aligning the blades as required to return to regular operation.
• The condensate drain line in your AC system can get clogged up with algae, mold and debris. When drainage slows or stops, call a qualified contractor to restore the drain line using a strong cleaning solution or mold treatment.

Receive AC Maintenance Help

Regularly cleaning your AC filter and other important elements of your HVAC promotes smooth operation and better indoor air quality. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is available to offer our support. Our ACE-certified technicians provide prompt, long-lasting solutions to all your HVAC headaches. To arrange your next AC maintenance appointment, please contact us today.