Cleaning Your AC Air Filter and Why It’s Necessary

Have you inspected your air conditioner filter? As standard practice, you should inspect it every month and take the appropriate steps when it gets dirty. We’ll share details about the various kinds of AC filters, why they work better with regular maintenance and easy-to-follow instructions on how to clean reusable filters properly.

Kinds of AC Filters

Your filter type impacts indoor air quality, airflow efficiency and whether you should wash or change it when it becomes dirty. Here’s a summary of some common models:

• Disposable filters are commonly made of fiberglass with a paper frame. These filters are meant for short-term use and need to be changed every 1 to 3 months. They are generally affordable and simple to install but not very environmentally friendly because they need to be thrown out.
• Reusable filters have sturdier frame materials like aluminum or plastic. These filters can be washed and reused multiple times, and can last several years if maintenance is handled correctly. They are more eco-friendly and budget friendly over time. But on the downside, washing them takes more time and effort than simply swapping out a disposable model.
• Electrostatic filters employ static electricity to trap particles efficiently while preserving airflow. These can be either 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 of all, capturing 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. The bulk of HEPA filters are disposable, but they remain effective for up to one year before having to be replaced. While they provide superior filtration, they are higher priced and may not be compatible with all HVAC systems.

Why Should You Clean or Change Your AC Filter? 4 Key Reasons

It’s an easy chore to forget about, but washing or replacing your AC filter is important for several reasons:

1. Improved air quality: A fresh filter is more effective at trapping dust, pollen, pet dander and other pollutants, keeping your indoor air cleaner and healthier. This benefit is particularly crucial for people with allergies, asthma or other health conditions that restrict breathing.

• Less energy waste: If you never clean or replace your filter, the dust and debris clogging it makes the AC to work even harder. A clean filter restores airflow, decreasing the unit’s workload and putting a stop to an increase in your energy bills.

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

• Saving money: A clean filter reduces costs by tightening up your energy bills, limiting damage and minimizing the risk of premature replacement costs.

Your Guide to Maintaining the AC Filter

Use these instructions every one to three months to continue enjoying all the advantages of a new air filter:

Prepare: To start, turn off the AC unit to avoid electrical fire or similar hazards. Then, access your AC filter. It might be in the return air duct, in the air handler cabinet or inside of the unit itself.

Remove the filter: Gently take out the filter from the housing. Examine for holes or tears. If the filter is visibly damaged, go ahead and replace it.

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

Wash the filter: Bring the filter outside 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 reinstalling it. But before you do so, don’t run your air conditioner or you risk bringing more dust particles inside the unit.

It’s necessary to note that disposable filters cannot be washed. They must be thrown away when 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 Air Conditioner to Maintain

In addition to the air filter, other AC components should receive regular maintenance for peak operation and longevity. Call an HVAC contractor for help maintaining parts like:

• The evaporator coils within the indoor unit absorb heat from the air. Over time, these coils accumulate a lot of dust, which reduces heat transfer efficiency. Technicians employ a commercial-grade coil cleaner to clear away dust and grime.
• The condenser coils found in the part of the unit kept outside release heat taken out of your house. These coils are exposed to the worst weather and get dirty very easily. While you can lightly clean off dirt, leaves and other debris with a garden hose, leave more detailed seasonal servicing to a professional.
• The fan blades in your AC system’s blower will also accumulate dust and dirt. An HVAC technician will check the fan as part of an annual tune-up, wiping down and tightening the blades as needed to return to normal operation.
• The condensate drain line in your AC system can become clogged up with algae, mold and debris. Should this happen, choose a qualified technician to clear the drain line using a professional-grade cleaner or mold treatment.

Request AC Maintenance Service

Routinely cleaning your AC air filter and the rest of your HVAC fosters efficient operation and better indoor air quality. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is available to offer our support. Our ACE-certified technicians offer quick, long-lasting solutions to all your HVAC headaches. To arrange your next AC maintenance appointment, please contact us today.