Cleaning Your AC Air Filter and Why It’s Necessary

When was the last time you checked your air conditioner filter? As standard practice, you should check it each month and take the appropriate steps when it is dirty. We’ll share details about the multiple types of AC filters, why they require regular care and detailed instructions on how to clean and replace reusable filters properly.

Types of AC Filters

Your filter type impacts indoor air quality, airflow efficiency and whether you can clean or swap it out when it becomes old. Here’s a summary of some popular models:

  • Disposable filters are typically made of 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 generally affordable and simple to put in but less environmentally friendly as they need to be thrown out.
  • Reusable filters have more durable frame materials like aluminum or plastic. These filters can be washed and reused several times, and can last many years if maintenance is handled properly. They are more environmentally friendly and affordable over time. However, washing them takes more time and effort than simply swapping out a disposable filter.
  • Electrostatic filters utilize static electricity to trap airborne particles quickly while maintaining 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 most effective filters for residential needs, capturing 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. The majority of HEPA filters are disposable, but they can be used for up to an entire year before having to be replaced. While they offer superior filtration, they are more expensive and may not be compatible with all HVAC systems.

Why Clean or Replace Your AC Filter? 4 Key Reasons

It’s an easy chore to ignore, but cleaning or replacing your AC filter is crucial for a few reasons:

  1. Enhanced air quality: A new filter is more effective at trapping dust, pollen, pet dander and other pollutants, keeping your indoor air cleaner and safer. This benefit is especially crucial for people with allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions.
  • Use energy more efficiently: If you never wash or replace the filter, the dust and debris slowly filling it it forces the AC to strain even more. A new filter preserves airflow, lowering the unit’s workload and helping to manage your energy bills.
  • Extend the system’s life span: Regularly maintaining the filter stops the system from overheating, decreases wear and tear, and can even prolong your unit’s lifespan!
  • Saving money: A new filter lowers extra expenses by tightening up your energy bills, avoiding damage and minimizing the risk of early replacement for the AC.

Your Guide to Cleaning Your AC Filter

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

Prepare: First, power down the AC unit to avoid 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 take out the filter from its housing. Look it over for holes or tears. If the filter is visibly damaged, go ahead and toss it.

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

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

Dry the filter: Lay the filter out to dry on its own completely before putting it back. But before you do so, do not use your air conditioner or you risk getting more dust particles inside the unit.

It’s important to note that disposable filters aren’t washable. They need to be replaced after they become too dirty. The replacement filter should be the appropriate size to confirm compatibility with your AC unit.

Other Parts of an Air Conditioner to Maintain

Besides the air filter, additional AC components should receive routine servicing for peak results and minimal expense. Contact an HVAC technician for help servicing parts like:

  • The evaporator coils inside the indoor system absorb heat from the air. After enough time, these coils gather a lot of dust, which hampers heat transfer efficiency. Technicians employ a specific coil cleaner to eliminate dust and grime.
  • The condenser coils found in the outdoor unit expel heat absorbed from your home. These coils are subjected to the elements and become dirty fast. Even though you can lightly clean off 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 system will also collect dust and dirt. An HVAC technician will inspect the fan as part of an annual tune-up, cleaning and tightening the blades as necessary to restore regular performance.
  • The condensate drain line in your AC unit can become clogged up with algae, mold and debris. If this happens, choose a certified technician to clean the drain line using a commercial cleaner or algaecide.

Request AC Maintenance Help

Regularly servicing your AC filter and other important elements of your air conditioner ensures efficient operation and better indoor air quality. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is available to offer our support. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver prompt, long-lasting solutions to all your air conditioning concerns. To arrange your next AC maintenance visit, please contact us today.

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