How To Clean an Air Conditioning Filter?

If you’ve never cleaned it, you’re not going to be disappointed when you open your air conditioner for the first time. When they are not cleaned for a long time, they begin to become clogged and accumulate moisture , which can lead to the appearance of mold on your filter and as you might expect, this mold is then released into the air you breathe at home.

These harmful contaminants not only have a negative impact on your health and comfort, but they also cause your HVAC Service Pros air conditioner to operate inefficiently, furthermore leading to excess electricity consumption. This is why it is so important to clean your air filters regularly to maintain healthy air quality and better energy efficiency. 

This following step-by-step guide will explain how to clean your air filters for a HVAC Service Pros split air conditioner – Multisplit and ducted systems , as well as the frequency and risks associated with neglecting them.

Clean my air conditioning filters: how often?

As a general rule, you should clean your air filters at the start of each season, which is usually every 3 to 4 months .

However, during peak seasons – summer and winter – it is recommended to clean them every month. Although it seems like overkill, you’d be surprised how much dirt can build up in a short time, especially with increased use.

The frequency will also depend on the environment of your air conditioner. For residential environments with pets, that are dustier, or that contain houseplants, they need to be cleaned more regularly. 

Cleaning or replacing a clogged filter with a clean one can reduce your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5-15%.

Cleaning my air conditioning filter: When to replace the filter? 

Air filters that appear excessively dirty or damaged in any way may need to be replaced. Keep an eye out for the following signs that your air filter needs replacing.

• If there are holes, tears or wrinkles in the filter
• Reduced airflow despite settings
• Excessively dirty and containing mold
• If you cannot see light through the filter when holding a light source
• Abnormally higher energy bills

What happens if you don’t clean your air conditioning filters?

Clogged air conditioning filters put unnecessary strain on your system, causing it to work harder than expected and will eventually lead to a costly breakdown.

It can also lead to:

• Poor indoor air quality. Accumulated dirt and allergens can be pumped throughout your home and affect the quality of the air you and your family breathe.
  This can cause headaches, trigger asthma symptoms, fatigue and difficulty breathing for those who are prone to respiratory problems.
• Less comfort: Clogged air filters can limit the amount of air coming out of your system.
  This means there is less cold air to cool or heat your home.
• Reduced energy efficiency. With your system working harder than it normally does to maintain comfort in your home, that means it uses more energy than it would with a clean air filter.
  This results in more expensive electricity bills.
• Shorter heating and cooling cycle: Dirty air filters can make cycles more frequent than they should, leading to wasted energy and skewed thermostat temperatures.
• Risk of Contaminated Air Circulation: Dirty air filters can also prevent dehumidifiers from working properly, allowing harmful contaminants such as mold and mildew to build up and circulate throughout your home.

How do I clean my air conditioning filters?

Before attempting to clean your air conditioner filters, be sure to consult the instruction manual for details on how to access and clean the air filters. If you no longer have the manual, you can download a copy from your air conditioner manufacturer’s website.

How to clean the filters of a ducted system?

1. Access the central unit which distributes the ducts in your air-conditioned rooms.
2. Unscrew the front of the central unit.
3. Once the screws are removed, pull it towards you. You should immediately see the air filter of your air conditioning.
4. Gently slide the filter out of the device.
5. Hose the filter outside or run it under your sink faucet until all the dust is removed. You should be able to see through it clearly now.
6. Turn the filter over and run a hose through the other side to remove any remaining dust.
7. Shake off any excess water and allow it to dry naturally outdoors.
8. Once completely dry, place the filter back into the unit, close it and tighten the faceplate screw.
9. As for the air extraction vents, a simple vacuum cleaner behind the ventilation grilles is enough.

How to clean the filter of a split system? 

1. Make sure the power to your split has been turned off.
2. Lift the cover on the front of the unit and carefully remove the filter.
3. Check the filter for any signs of damage such as tears. If there is excessive damage, it will need to be replaced.
4. Fill a sink or bathtub with lukewarm water and submerge the filter. Move it around to dislodge dust and debris caught in the mesh.
5. Remove the filter and drain the dirty water. Fill the sink or bathtub again with lukewarm water and this time with a little detergent or vinegar.
6. Submerge the filter and let it soak for five minutes. 
7. After 5 minutes, remove the filter and allow it to dry naturally before replacing it in the indoor unit.