Cleaning Your AC Air Filter and Why It’s Necessary

When was the last time you looked at your air conditioner filter? As a rule of thumb, you should examine 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 maintenance and detailed instructions on how to clean and replace reusable filters properly.

Types of AC Filters

Your filter design influences indoor air quality, ventilation efficiency and whether you can wash or replace it when it becomes old. Here’s a breakdown of some common models:

• Disposable filters are usually made of fiberglass along with a paper frame. These filters are meant for short-term use and are best swapped out every one to three months. They are typically inexpensive and easy to replace but not as environmentally friendly as they need to be thrown out.
• Reusable filters have sturdier frame materials made with metals like aluminum or plastic. These filters can be rinsed out and reused again, often lasting a few years if maintained properly. They are more environmentally friendly and cost effective over time. On the other hand, washing them takes more time and effort than simply changing a disposable model.
• Electrostatic filters use static electricity to capture pollutants quickly while preserving airflow. These can be either disposable or reusable. Reusable electrostatic filters will need regular washing to maintain their effectiveness.
• HEPA filters, or high-efficiency particulate air filters, are the most effective filters around, removing 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. Most HEPA filters are disposable, but they remain effective for up to an entire year before needing to be replaced. While they offer superior filtration, they are costlier and may not be compatible with all HVAC systems.

Why Clean or Change Your AC Filter? 4 Important Reasons

It’s a common chore to forget about, but washing or replacing your AC filter is crucial for reasons like:

1. Better air quality: A clean filter is more effective at trapping dust, pollen, pet dander and other pollutants, keeping your indoor air purer and contamination free. This benefit is particularly important for people with allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions.

• Energy efficiency: If you never wash or swap out the filter, the dust and debris clogging it forces the AC to exert even more energy. A fresh filter preserves airflow, decreasing the unit’s workload and helping to manage your energy bills.

• Prolonging your equipment’s life span: Regularly cleaning the filter stops the system from overheating, lowers wear and tear, and can even extend 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 premature replacement costs.

Your Guide to Cleaning Your AC Filter

Use these guidelines every one to three months to continue enjoying 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 is usually in the return air duct, in the air handler cabinet or inside of the unit itself.

Remove the filter: Carefully remove the filter from the housing. Examine for holes or tears. If the filter is damaged, go ahead and toss it.

Vacuum the filter: Get the brush add-on for your vacuum cleaner to get rid of dirt, hair, fibers and other loose debris.

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

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

It’s important to note that disposable filters aren’t washable. They should always be swapped out when 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 Parts of an Air Conditioning System to Clean

In addition to the filter, additional AC parts require consistent servicing for best performance and longevity. Call an HVAC professional for help cleaning the following:

• The evaporator coils inside the indoor unit remove heat from the air. With use, these coils collect a lot of dust, which lowers heat transfer efficiency. Professionals use a specific coil cleaner to eliminate dust and grime.
• The condenser coils located in the outdoor system get rid of heat absorbed from your house. These coils are subjected to the worst weather and can get dirty very easily. Although you can carefully rinse off dirt, leaves and other debris using a garden hose, leave more in-depth seasonal servicing to a professional.
• The fan blades in your AC system’s blower will also gather dust and dirt. An HVAC technician will examine the fan as part of an annual tune-up, wiping down and adjusting the blades as needed to return to regular operation.
• The condensate drain line in your AC system can become clogged up with algae, mold and debris. If this happens, choose a qualified maintenance specialist to clean the drain line using a professional-grade cleaner or mold treatment.

Receive AC Maintenance Service

Regularly maintaining your AC air filter and other important elements of your HVAC encourages smooth operation and healthy indoor air quality. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver quick, reliable solutions to all your comfort problems. To book your next AC maintenance appointment, please contact us today.