How to Clean Your Air Conditioner Filter
Just like your vehicle, your air conditioning (AC) system would not run perfectly without a scheduled service in place. That’s why it’s important to ensure your air conditioner is in good shape at all times to maintain good air quality in the home.
AC filters feature a mesh panel that is designed to catch particles and pollutants, such as dust, mold, pollen and pet danger. The more the AC is being used, the denser the mesh will be due to the debris being taken out of the air. Without regular maintenance, this mesh can eventually get blocked and can cause the AC to operate inefficiently.
Don’t be intimidated. Cleaning the filter of your AC doesn’t take long. The following advice is best suited for split system air conditioners but can also be applied to ducted air conditioning systems. Here’s what you need to know about cleaning the air filter in your AC.
Always Check the Instructions
Before proceeding, be sure to read through the instruction booklet that came with your AC. These instructions will explain how to care for your AC in detail. You can also download a copy of the manual from the manufacturer’s website.
Clean the Indoor Dust Filter
Cleaning the air filter in the indoor unit is the most important and it should happen every fortnight. Infrequent cleaning can cause the filter to clog and ultimately affects the performance of your AC. Simply follow the steps below to clean your filter:
- Ensure the power is turned off.
- Lift the cover on the front and carefully remove the air filter.
- Examine for any damages.
- Vacuum the filter to lift allergens.
- Using a microfibre cloth, clean any dust along the frame.
- Take the filter outdoors and wash it thoroughly with a hose. Do not use a pressurised hose to do this.
- For a deep clean, soak the filter in a flat bin with 1 part warm water and 1 part vinegar for an hour. Then rinse thoroughly.
- After it has completely dried, re-install the filter. Be sure to check for any expiration dates on the product to make note of when it needs to be replaced.
Don’t Forget to Clean the Outdoor Unit
Ensure the outdoor unit is clear of surrounding plants. Give it a good brush to get rid of leaves and cobwebs. This can also be done using a vacuum, as it can help collect dust from the inside.
A proper maintenance should be conducted by a professional, so be sure to contact one!
Get Your AC System Professionally Maintained by Climat
At Climat, we offer sales and installations on solar and air conditioning systems for your Adelaide or Victorian homes. Not only that, we offer annual preventative maintenance too. Trust Climat for reputable brands, expert advice and peace of mind. For full details, request a free quote here.