How To Clean Air Conditioner Filters
The most critical maintenance task that will ensure the air conditioner efficiency is replacing or clean its filters routinely. Generally clogged, dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce a system’s performance significantly. With normal airflow obstructed, the air that bypasses the filter may carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil’s heat-absorbing capacity. Repairing a dirty, clogged filter with a fresh one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
Some kinds of filters are reusable. They are available in many different types and efficiencies. Clean or replace your air conditioning system’s filter or filters every month or two during the cooling system. Filters may need more frequent attention if the air conditioner is in constant use, is subjected to dusty conditions, or you’ve got fur-bearing pets in the house. So you must know if your air conditioner’s filter is replaceable and how you would do that.
Process To Clean Air Conditioner Filters
The filter on your air conditioner may become quite gross without routine cleaning, along with a dirty filter does not do as well of a job keeping dust, soil, and debris outside the air you are breathing. Luckily, cleaning the filters on your air conditioner is more manageable as soon as you understand what to do. Have a look at the measures below to know how to wash out the filter, how frequently you need to clean this, and the way to learn whether your AC filter needs to be washed in the first place. Before getting into how to clean air conditioner filters, let’s get to know what tools we need.
- Screwdriver
- Vacuum
- Hairdryer
Step 1
Please inspect the condition of the AC filter to find out whether it has to be cleaned. To accomplish this, first, make sure your system is turned off. You do not need unfiltered air circulating throughout your house while the filter is eliminated. When it’s safe to keep, unscrew the vent cover or use the release handle to separate the filter. Gently glide it out, being careful not to hurt it, and then give it a more thorough look.
The filter’s accurate location will depend on your HVAC system. Most units house their filters only supporting the return vent, typically found either near the ceiling or close to the ground. Some systems may have several return vents (especially in huge houses), so check around to make certain you’re not overlooking any filters during this maintenance. When in doubt, call your manufacturer and inquire how you can find the AC filter and if your system uses over one.
Step 2
If it’s possible to observe any greyness, discoloration, or observable surface dust around your Air Conditioner filters, replace or clean it.
Eliminate the dirt and dust out of a nontoxic filter (one using a plastic or metallic framework) using a handheld vacuum cleaner or an attachment at the end of a vertical vacuum hose or, for a much deeper wash, use your tub faucet or handheld showerhead to run hot water through the filter in the other area of moisture. To try it, check to find out if the dust is the most visible, then face that side down; the water must hit on the other side and proceed through as a way to wash the gunk without forcing it deeper in the filter.
If your AC unit utilizes disposable filters (usually framed in cardboard), replace the filthy disposable filter with a fresh one from the regional hardware shop. Examine the dimensions recorded on the other side for the benefit to prevent purchasing one that does not match.
Step 3
If you have cleaned your compacted AC filter, then allow it to dry completely. Consult with the manufacturer’s instructions for any particular actions that you may have to take; however, typically, leaning against the face of the tub for a couple of hours and turning it on midway through will do just fine. You can use a hairdryer to elevate the cooling process, but remember that overly hot temperatures may burn or otherwise damage the filter.
Step 4
Reinsert a fresh, dry reusable filter plus a fresh disposable in your AC unit. The same as the elimination procedure, this component is simple: Slide back the filter into its designated slot, ensuring that the arrows on its framework line away from you and on the device.
To maintain your airflow clean all the time, establish a monthly reminder to inspect the AC filter’s illness. If necessary, replace or cleanse the filter into your AC device at the moment. Warm climates might require more regular tests in the summertime, while chilly temperatures may require more winter maintenance. As soon as you’ve figured out that your specific unit’s rhythms, create a program and make sure you adhere to it so that you can breathe all through the year.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Question)
Can filters be non-serviceable?
First things first, perhaps not all of the air conditioner filters are cleanable. If your filter comes with a cardboard framework or comprises a few written indications of non-serviceability, then you are going to want to replace it. It’s possible to locate replacement air filters at many home hardware shops. Ensure to find the appropriate size; deliver your previous filter together so that you can compare.
Should You Clean Your Air Conditioner Filters?
Air conditioners circulate air throughout your house. They rely on filters to trap debris and dirt, which would otherwise get circulated alongside your clean air. If a filter is obstructed, the air conditioner has to work a lot harder to pump air. Thus it uses more energy and reduces your air conditioner’s lifespan. Naturally, also, it reduces your home’s air essence.
How Frequently Should You Wash Your Air Conditioner Filter?
Cleaning your air filter should not be something that you do just twice per year when You’ve Got a professional look in the air conditioner. You ought to look after your filter (if that means replacement or cleaning it) monthly. You may do so more often than that if you live in a place with higher pollution or possess a dusty hobby such as woodworking.
If you become aware of a lot of dust installed in your filter throughout your monthly inspections, then look at boosting your cleansing and substitute frequency to every few weeks.
Is it Okay to Spray Water onto Your Air Conditioner?
When you’ve got a central external device, it is possible to spray water onto it. Window air conditioners are also typically not reluctant to water; however, read the manufacturer’s manual to be specific regarding this matter. The air conditioner is made to be cleaned as it soaks all the dirt around you. Thus, washing with water should not be a problem for you. If some problem persists, you might want to call the manufacturer for help.
Final Recap
In order to have an exemplary operation of the air conditioning system, it is necessary to carry out a regular air conditioner repair program. Preventative maintenance corrects air conditioners and reduces the number of pollutants in an environment that increases equipment’s life span and reduces energy intake.
Complete preventive maintenance should be carried out yearly to ensure a gain in this item’s useful life and, therefore, the warranty’s permanence. During this care, removing the equipment and the dismantling and cleanup of the internal and external parts (cleanup of the heat exchanger, trays, lovers, and other internal components) have precisely the same importance. By going through the whole article, we can expect that now you know why & how to clean air conditioner filters.
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