Follow These Steps to Clean Your AC Filter

When was the last time 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. We’ll share details about the multiple types of AC filters, why they need regular maintenance and easy-to-follow instructions on how to wash reusable filters correctly.

Why Clean or Replace the AC Filter? 4 Key Reasons

It’s an easy chore to forget about, but cleaning or changing your AC filter is crucial for several reasons:

1. Saving Money

A fresh filter saves money by cutting your energy bills, preventing damage and minimizing the risk of unexpected AC replacement.

2. Less Energy Waste

If you never clean or change your filter, the dust and debris caught inside it causes the AC to work even harder. A new filter preserves airflow, lowering the unit’s workload and helping to manage your energy bills.

3. Enhanced Air Quality

A fresh filter captures dust, pollen, pet dander and other pollutants, keeping your indoor air purer and healthier. This benefit is particularly crucial for people with allergies, asthma or other breathing problems.

4. 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 life span!

Your Guide to Washing Your AC Filter

Before you go grab the filter, it’s necessary to point out first that disposable filters aren’t washable. They must be thrown away after they become clogged with dust. The replacement filter should be the same size and type to make sure there’s compatibility with your AC unit.

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

1. Prepare: First, power down the AC system to prevent electrical damage. Then, find your AC filter. It will most likely be found in the return air duct, in the air handler cabinet or within the unit itself.

2. Remove the filter: Gently remove the filter from the slot. Check for holes or tears. If the filter is damaged, go ahead and change it.

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

4. Wash the filter: Take the filter outside and rinse it off with a garden hose. For a more thorough clean, apply a mild detergent.

5. Dry the filter: Leave the filter out to air dry completely before reinstalling it. In the meantime, remember to not run your air conditioner or you risk allowing more dust particles inside the unit.

Other Useful Info About AC Filters and Maintenance

The Available Types of AC Filters

Your filter type impacts indoor air quality, ventilation efficiency and whether you should clean or replace it when it becomes old. Here’s a summary of some popular designs:

Disposable filters are commonly made using fiberglass along with a paper frame. These filters are intended for short-term use and should be changed every 30 to 90 days. They are generally inexpensive and quick to replace but less environmentally friendly since they generate waste.

Reusable filters have sturdier frame materials such as aluminum or plastic. These filters can be washed and reused again, often lasting many years if maintenance is handled correctly. They are more environmentally friendly and affordable over their life span. However, washing them takes additional time and effort than simply changing a disposable model.

Electrostatic filters utilize static electricity to capture airborne particles efficiently while ensuring airflow. These can be both disposable or reusable. Reusable electrostatic filters need regular cleaning to preserve their effectiveness.

HEPA filters, or high-efficiency particulate air filters, are the top filters around, removing 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. Most HEPA filters are disposable, but they last for up to one year before having to be replaced. While they provide high filtration, they are costlier and aren’t compatible with all HVAC systems.

Other Elements of an AC Unit to Clean

Besides the filter, other AC parts require routine servicing for optimal performance and longevity. Reach out to an HVAC technician for help maintaining the following:

• The fan blades in your AC unit will also gather dust and dirt. An HVAC contractor will examine the fan as part of their yearly tune-up, wiping down and tightening the blades as required to restore normal operation.

• The condenser coils within the part of the unit kept outside expel heat removed from your house. These coils are left out in the rain and snow, and can get dirty fast. Although you can lightly rinse off dirt, leaves and other debris with a garden hose, leave more thorough seasonal cleanings to a professional.

• The evaporator coils inside the air handler remove heat from the air. With use, these coils collect a lot of dust, which lowers heat transfer efficiency. Technicians employ a specific coil cleaning solution to eliminate dust and grime.

• The condensate drain lines in your AC unit can get clogged up with algae, mold and debris. Should this happen, contact a certified maintenance specialist to clean the drain line using a commercial cleaner or algaecide treatment.

Request AC Maintenance Help

Consistently cleaning your AC air filter and other important elements of your HVAC ensures smooth operation and healthy indoor air quality. Arundel Cooling is ready to help. Our certified technicians offer fast, long-lasting solutions to all your HVAC headaches. To arrange your next AC maintenance appointment, please contact us today.