Cleaning Your HVAC System’s Air Filter and Why It’s Necessary

Have you looked at your air conditioner filter? As standard practice, you should check it each month and clean or replace it when it is dirty. Find out what you should know about the multiple types of AC filters, why they require regular maintenance and easy-to-follow instructions on how to wash reusable filters properly.

The Available Types of AC Filters

Your filter design affects indoor air quality, how effectively air flows and whether you should clean or change it when it becomes dirty. Here’s an overview of some common types:

  • Disposable filters are usually made using fiberglass along with a paper frame. These filters are meant for short-term use and should be swapped out every one to three months. They are generally affordable and easy to put in but not very environmentally friendly as they are eventually thrown away.
  • Reusable filters have more durable frame materials like aluminum or plastic. These filters can be rinsed out and reused several times, often lasting many years if cared for properly. They are more eco-friendly and cost effective over time. But on the downside, washing them takes additional time and effort than simply replacing a disposable model.
  • Electrostatic filters utilize static electricity to capture particles efficiently while maintaining airflow. These can be either disposable or reusable. Reusable electrostatic filters will need regular upkeep to preserve their effectiveness.
  • HEPA filters, or high-efficiency particulate air filters, are the most effective filters around, removing 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. Most HEPA filters are single use, but they can be used for up to one year before having to be replaced. While they provide high filtration, they are more expensive and aren’t always compatible with all HVAC systems.

Why Should You Wash or Replace Your AC Filter? 4 Reasons Why

It’s a simple chore to overlook, but rinsing or changing your AC filter is crucial for several reasons:

  1. Enhanced air quality: A new filter captures dust, pollen, pet dander and other particles, keeping your indoor air cleaner and healthier. This kind of full spectrum comfort is especially important for people with allergies, asthma or other health conditions that restrict breathing.
  • Less energy waste: If you never clean or replace the filter, the dust and debris clogging it causes the AC to exert even more energy. A new filter optimizes airflow, decreasing the unit’s workload and helping rein in your energy bills.
  • Longer life span: Regularly cleaning the filter prevents the system from overheating, lowers wear and tear, and can even extend your unit’s lifespan!
  • Cost savings: A clean filter lowers extra expenses by tightening up your energy bills, limiting damage and minimizing the risk of early replacement for the AC.

Your Guide to Cleaning the AC Filter

Apply these steps every one to three months to continue enjoying all the advantages of a fresh air filter:

Prepare: As the first step, shut off the AC unit to prevent electrical fire or similar hazards. Then, find 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 remove the filter from the housing. Look it over for holes or tears. If the filter is damaged, go ahead and replace it.

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

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

Dry the filter: Set the filter out to dry on its own completely before placing it back. But before you do so, do not use your air conditioner or you risk bringing more dust particles right back into the system.

It’s helpful to remember that disposable filters cannot be washed. They need to be replaced once they become clogged with dust. The replacement filter should be the same size and type to ensure compatibility with your AC unit.

Other Elements of an Air Conditioning System to Clean

In addition to the filter, additional AC parts require consistent maintenance for best performance and longevity. Contact an HVAC contractor for help servicing components including:

  • The evaporator coils within the indoor unit remove heat from the air. After enough time, these coils gather a lot of dust, which hampers heat transfer efficiency. Technicians use a specific coil cleaner to clear away dust and grime.
  • The condenser coils located in the outdoor system expel heat taken out of your house. These coils are subjected to the worst weather and become dirty quickly. Even though you can gently wash away dirt, leaves and other debris with a garden hose, leave more thorough seasonal cleanings to a professional.
  • The fan blades in your AC system’s blower will also gather dust and dirt. An HVAC contractor will examine the fan as part of their yearly tune-up, wiping down and aligning the blades as necessary to restore regular operation.
  • The condensate drain line in your AC system can become clogged up with algae, mold and debris. When drainage slows or stops, choose a certified technician to clean the drain line using a professional-grade cleaner or algaecide treatment.

Schedule AC Maintenance Support

Regularly maintaining your AC filter and other important elements of your air conditioner fosters smooth operation and higher indoor air quality. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is available to offer our support. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver fast, reliable solutions to all your air conditioning concerns. To book your next AC maintenance service, please contact us today.

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