How to Care for Your AC Filter

When was the last time you looked at your air conditioner filter? As standard practice, you should examine it once a month and take the appropriate steps when it gets dirty. Learn more about the multiple types of AC filters, why they need regular upkeep and step-by-step instructions on how to clean reusable filters properly.

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

It’s an easy chore to forget about, but rinsing or replacing your AC filter is a key part of overall system maintenance for several reasons:

1. Cost Savings

A fresh filter reduces costs by tightening up your energy bills, avoiding damage and minimizing the risk of premature replacement costs.

2. Less Energy Waste

If you never wash or swap out your filter, the dust and debris slowly filling it it makes the AC to work even harder. A new filter restores airflow, decreasing the unit’s workload and helping rein in your energy bills.

3. Improved Air Quality

A new filter captures dust, pollen, pet dander and other particles, keeping your indoor air cleaner and safer. This plus is particularly vital for people with allergies, asthma or other health issues.

4. Extend the System’s Life Span

Regularly maintaining the filter can help keep the system from overheating, lowers wear and tear, and can even extend your unit’s life span!

A Step-by-Step Guide to Washing the AC Filter

Before you go grab the filter, it’s necessary to point out first that disposable filters cannot be washed. They need to be swapped out after they become too dirty. The replacement filter should be the appropriate size to confirm compatibility with your AC unit.

Apply these instructions every one to three months to continue enjoying all the benefits of a new air filter:

1. Prepare: As the first step, power down the AC system to avoid electrical hazards. Then, find your AC filter. It might be in the return air duct, in the air handler cabinet or inside the unit itself.

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

3. Vacuum the filter: Grab the brush accessory on your vacuum cleaner to clear out any dirt, hair, fibers and other particles.

4. Wash the filter: Bring the filter outside and rinse it off with a garden hose. For a deeper clean, add a small amount of a mild detergent.

5. Dry the filter: Leave the filter out to dry on its own completely before reinstalling it. In the meantime, don’t run your air conditioner or you risk bringing more dust particles inside.

Extra Helpful Information About AC Filters and Maintenance

The Available Types of AC Filters

Your filter type impacts indoor air quality, ventilation efficiency and whether you should clean or change it when it becomes dirty. Here’s a breakdown of some common types:

Disposable filters are usually made from fiberglass with a paper frame. These filters are designed for short-term use and are best changed every 30 to 90 days. They are generally inexpensive and easy to install but not very environmentally friendly because they need to be thrown out.

Reusable filters have sturdier frame materials like aluminum or plastic. These filters can be washed and reused several times, and can last several years if maintained properly. They are more eco-friendly and budget friendly over time. But on the downside, washing them takes additional time and effort than simply swapping out a disposable filter.

Electrostatic filters utilize static electricity to capture airborne particles effectively while ensuring airflow. These can be designed to either be disposable or reusable. Reusable electrostatic filters will need regular cleaning to maintain their effectiveness.

HEPA filters, or high-efficiency particulate air filters, are the best filters of all, capturing 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. Most HEPA filters are single use, but they remain effective for up to an entire year before needing to be replaced. While they offer high filtration, they are costlier and aren’t compatible with all HVAC systems.

Other Parts of an Air Conditioning System to Clean

Along with the filter, other AC components should receive consistent servicing for best operation and minimal expense. Call an HVAC technician for help maintaining the following:

• The fan blades in your AC system will also gather dust and dirt. An HVAC contractor will examine the fan as part of their yearly tune-up, cleaning and aligning the blades as necessary to return to regular performance.

• The condenser coils within the part of the unit kept outside exhaust the heat removed from your home. These coils are exposed to the elements and become dirty quickly. Even though you can lightly rinse off dirt, leaves and other debris with a garden hose, leave more in-depth seasonal servicing to a professional.

• The evaporator coils located in the indoor system extract heat from the air. Over time, these coils accumulate a lot of dust, which lowers heat transfer efficiency. Technicians apply a commercial-grade cleaning solution to remove dust and grime.

• The condensate drain lines in your AC system can become clogged up with algae, mold and debris. Should this happen, contact a qualified contractor to clean the drain line using a strong cleaning solution or mold treatment.

Schedule AC Maintenance Support

Consistently servicing your AC air filter and the rest of your air conditioning system promotes smooth operation and better indoor air quality. Mark Allen is here to help. Our certified technicians deliver quick, reliable solutions to all your HVAC headaches. To schedule your next AC maintenance service, please contact us today.