Although air conditioner filters are often overlooked, they play an essential role. Filters keep the indoor air quality healthy by blocking dust, dirt, and debris from getting into the air that everyone breathes. And, as residents start to spend more time indoors as the season changes, keeping healthy indoor air quality becomes a necessity.
When the filter is clogged, the AC unit will likely work much harder to pump air, using more electricity and reducing the unit’s lifespan. This means that cleaning them throughout the year is vital not only for health, but also for the wallet. Luckily, washable air filters are now more common than ever, and the process of cleaning them is easy.
How often to clean an AC filter?
According to experts, HVAC maintenance should be done once or twice a year
According to experts, HVAC maintenance should be done once or twice a year. Filters, however, are a different question altogether. Ideally, filters should be cleaned on a monthly basis. Furthermore, it’s recommended to do this more frequently if living in highly polluted areas, such as urban areas or if residing near highways or construction areas.
With filter maintenance, a visual inspection is the easiest way to determine how often to perform a cleaning. If residents start noticing clear signs of dust buildup on the filter, then it’s high time for another clean-up.
Step-by-step guide on AC filter cleaning
To provide some guidance, Air Docs Heating & Cooling have made this step-by-step guide on cleaning the air conditioner’s filter. However, note this guide only applies to units with washable or reusable filters. If the unit uses disposable filters, residents will have to replace them in lieu of cleaning.
Step One: Shut the power off
First, make sure the unit is properly turned off. This step should also apply whenever performing any type of servicing on the air conditioner. This will not only ensure the safety, but also stop the air conditioner from experiencing any potential damage. As an extra precaution, residents can also completely unplug the unit from the power outlet.
Step Two: Identify the location of the AC filter
The exact location of the filter will depend on the type of HVAC system. Usually, units house their filters just near the cold air return, typically found either close to the floor or near the ceiling. If the house has a basement, then the component is usually found there. However, if they don’t have a basement, it will typically be in the garage or some other type of storage room.
In other cases, residents may also have a few filters behind return vents scattered around the house. If in doubt, then it’s a good idea to call the air conditioner’s manufacturer and ask where the filter can be found.
Step Three: Check the filter’s condition
Once having located where the filter is, unscrew the vent cover or release the handle to remove the filte
Once having located where the filter is, unscrew the vent cover or release the handle to remove the filter. Gently slide it out to make sure it doesn’t get damaged, and then give it a thorough look over. If any grayness, discoloration, or visible surface dust on the filter is seen, then it’s time to clean.
Step Four: Vacuum the filter
To start cleaning the filter, use a vacuum with a bristled attachment to remove all the dust that’s caked onto the filter. Take the time with the vacuum to make sure that all the dust is removed from the AC’s filters by cleaning both sides. Residents may need to empty the vacuum cleaner for increased power to ensure they get all of the dust removed from the filters.
Step Five: Soak filter in 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar
Before performing this step, make sure to contact the manufacturer or read the AC’s manual. Sometimes, the instructions will be directly printed onto the air conditioner. This step is important because some air conditioner filters are simply not designed to get wet. Avoid creating any damage that could lead to costly repairs to the unit.
Once checked and confirmed that the filter is water-friendly, make a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar and soak the filter in it for about an hour. The acidic nature of vinegar is powerful enough to dissolve mineral deposits, grime, grease, and dirt. In fact, it’s even strong enough to kill bacteria.
After soaking the filter in the mixture, run it under the bathtub faucet or handheld shower to rinse it with clean water. Make sure to use warm water as well, as this will remove the remaining debris and rinse the filter from any vinegar smell and residue. Do this until the filter is spotless, but make sure the water pressure is not too intense, as this can rip through the filter material and damage it.
Step Six: Let the filter dry completely
Take note that hotter temperatures can burn or damage the filter, so be careful when using one
After washing the air filter, let it dry thoroughly. Consult the AC instructions for any particular or specific steps to take. Lay the filter against the side of the bathtub or a wall for a few hours to dry it without damaging the filter’s grille. However, make sure to flip it over midway through the drying process.
For those who need to use the air conditioner sooner than expected, they can also use a hairdryer set to “cool” to increase the filter’s drying. However, take note that hotter temperatures can burn or damage the filter, so be careful when using one.
Step Seven: Reinstall the filter
Once the filter is thoroughly cleaned and dried, reinstall it. Usually, most filters have an arrow that indicates which way they are supposed to face. Note that this arrow needs to point in the direction of the air conditioner’s airflow.
Afterwards, simply plug the air conditioner back in, and voila! It’s done. Now that these steps are known, simply follow them whenever it’s time to clean the air filter.
Top-notch home service at a premium rate
When was the last time that the AC was cleaned and maintained in Vero Beach or the Treasure Coast area? While they are engineered to last, proper AC clean-up and maintenance are critical to making sure the AC functions remain optimal. The staff at Air Docs Heating & Cooling can help keep the AC clean.
Striving to serve their local neighbors diligently, they offer affordable pricing for quality heating and air conditioning services, including repairs, installations, preventative maintenance, and more. In addition, they also provide indoor air quality (IAQ) and air purification services because people deserve to breathe nothing but clean air.
With highly skilled and certified technicians and a can-do attitude, Air Docs Heating & Cooling in Vero Beach and the surrounding Treasure Coast area is committed to making the home more comfortable without charging excessively high fees. For those who are concerned about the indoor air quality, get peace of mind by hiring one of their experienced technicians to perform the annual AC checkup. Contact them now to schedule an appointment or learn more about how they can be of service.
