Cleaning Your AC Air Filter and Why It’s Necessary

How long has it been since  you looked at your air conditioner filter? As a general rule, you should examine it each month and take the appropriate steps when it gets dirty. We’ll share details about the multiple types of AC filters, why they work better with regular maintenance and easy-to-follow instructions on how to wash reusable filters correctly.

There Are Several Different Kinds of AC Filters

Your filter design affects indoor air quality, how effectively air flows and whether you should clean or swap it out when it becomes worn down or clogged. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common types:

• Disposable filters are usually made from fiberglass with a paper frame. These filters are intended for short-term use and need to be changed every 30 to 90 days. They are usually inexpensive and quick to put in but not as environmentally friendly because they generate waste.
• Reusable filters have sturdier frame materials made with metals like aluminum or plastic. These filters can be cleaned and reused again, often lasting a few years if maintained properly. They are more eco-friendly and budget friendly over their life span. However, washing them takes extra time and effort than simply changing a disposable model.
• Electrostatic filters utilize static electricity to trap pollutants quickly while preserving airflow. These can be either disposable or reusable. Reusable electrostatic filters need regular upkeep to preserve their effectiveness.
• HEPA filters, or high-efficiency particulate air filters, are the best filters for residential needs, trapping 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. The bulk of HEPA filters are single use, but they remain effective for up to one year before needing to be replaced. While they provide superior filtration, they are higher priced and may not be compatible with all HVAC systems.

Why Should You Clean or Change Your AC Filter? 4 Key Reasons

It’s an easy chore to overlook, but cleaning or changing your AC filter is a key part of overall system maintenance for reasons like:

1. Enhanced air quality: A new filter is more effective at trapping dust, pollen, pet dander and other particles, keeping your indoor air purer and contamination free. This plus is particularly crucial for people with allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions.

• Less energy waste: If you never wash or change the filter, the dust and debris clogging it makes the AC to work even harder. A fresh filter restores airflow, lowering the unit’s workload and putting a stop to an increase in your energy bills.

• Prolonging your equipment’s life span: Regularly cleaning the filter prevents the system from overheating, decreases wear and tear, and can even lengthen your unit’s lifespan!

• Saving money on energy bills and early replacement: A fresh filter reduces costs by cutting your energy bills, limiting damage and minimizing the risk of unexpected AC replacement.

Your Guide to Maintaining the AC Filter

Follow these guidelines every one to three months to get all the perks of a new air filter:

Prepare: First, shut off the AC system to avoid electrical damage. Then, find your AC filter. It is usually in the return air duct, in the air handler cabinet or inside the unit itself.

Remove the filter: Carefully pull out the filter from the housing. Look it over for holes or tears. If the filter is torn, go ahead and change it.

Vacuum the filter: Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to get rid of dirt, hair, fibers and other loose debris.

Wash the filter: Take the filter outside the house and spray it down with a garden hose. For a filter that’s as clean as possible, use a mild detergent.

Dry the filter: Set the filter out to dry on its own completely before reinstalling it. In the meantime, do not turn on your air conditioner or you risk getting more dust particles right back into the system.

It’s important to note that disposable filters aren’t washable. They should always be replaced after they become too dirty. The replacement filter should be the same size and type to make sure there’s compatibility with your AC unit.

Other Elements of an Air Conditioner to Maintain

In addition to the air filter, additional AC parts should receive routine maintenance for peak operation and minimal expense. Call an HVAC professional for help cleaning parts like:

• The evaporator coils located in the indoor unit absorb heat from the air. With use, these coils gather a lot of dust, which hampers heat transfer efficiency. Technicians use a commercial-grade cleaning solution to remove dust and grime.
• The condenser coils found in the part of the unit kept outside exhaust the heat absorbed from your house. These coils are subjected to the elements and become dirty very easily. Although you can gently rinse off dirt, leaves and other debris by grabbing a garden hose, leave more in-depth seasonal maintenance to a professional.
• The fan blades in your AC unit will also collect dust and dirt. An HVAC technician will check the fan as part of their yearly tune-up, wiping down and aligning the blades as required to return to normal operation.
• The condensate drain line in your AC system can get clogged up with algae, mold and debris. When drainage slows or stops, contact a qualified maintenance specialist to clean the drain line using a professional-grade cleaner or algaecide treatment.

Request AC Maintenance Service

Regularly servicing your AC air filter and other parts of your air conditioning system fosters efficient operation and higher indoor air quality. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is ready to help. Our ACE-certified technicians offer prompt, long-lasting solutions to all your air conditioning concerns. To schedule your next AC maintenance visit, please contact us today.