Your air conditioner has a filter that removes dust and other pollutants from the air in your home. Naturally, it gets quite dirty over time, which can compromise your indoor air quality and force your AC to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature.
While many AC filters are disposable and can be replaced every one to three months, some filters can be cleaned and reused instead. If you have a reusable filter, here’s what you need to do to clean it, courtesy of our heating and cooling services experts.
1. Turn Off Your AC
Before you do anything else, you’ll need to turn off your air conditioner. If you leave it on while cleaning the filter, you’ll only be blowing unfiltered air throughout your home and lowering your indoor air quality.
2. Find and Remove the Filter
Your next step will be to find the air filter. If you’re not sure where that is, look at your air conditioner’s manual. It should tell you where the filter is and how to remove it. You may need to open the unit itself with a screwdriver, but most central AC systems will make it relatively easy to access the filter. Larger AC units with multiple vents may have more than one filter, so make sure you remove all of them.
3. Start with a Vacuum
If your AC filter only has a small amount of dust and debris in it, you may be able to clean it with a vacuum. A small handheld vacuum is perfect for this job, but the hose attachment of a larger vacuum will still work.
4. Deep Cleaning
If your AC filter is too dirty to clean with a vacuum, you’ll need to clean it more thoroughly. If you have a smaller filter or a larger sink, fill your sink with a solution of one part water and one part vinegar and let the filter soak for an hour. This should remove the worst of the grimy buildup. After letting the filter soak, rinse it gently with fresh water and allow it to dry for 20 to 30 minutes before putting it back into your AC unit.
If your filter is too big for your sink, you may be able to clean it outside with a garden hose. Be very gentle when doing this, and do not use a pressurized setting. Doing so could damage the filter.
5. Know When to Replace Your Filter
Although many air conditioner filters can be reused, there will come a time when they need to be replaced. This will depend on the type of filter you have, but most reusable filters last between one and two years. To know if it’s time to replace your filter, check for signs of damage or dirty spots that won’t come out. When you have to buy a new filter, check the packaging to make sure it’s compatible with your air conditioner, and follow all directions when it comes to care and cleaning.
Other AC Filter Cleaning Tips
While these tips will certainly help when it comes to cleaning most filters, there are still a few things to keep in mind. First of all, you should at least check your air filters once a month. Some filters can work for up to nine months, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution and check it monthly, especially if you live in a larger household or have a lot of pets.
Second, make sure that your AC filter can actually be cleaned. Most disposable filters are meant to be thrown away and replaced after one to three months of use. Trying to clean these filters can damage them, so buy a replacement instead.
Finally, read the directions on your filter when cleaning. Different types of filters require different cleaning methods, so what works for one may not be appropriate for another.
Call Avalon Air Heating & Cooling For Assistance
Cleaning or replacing your AC filter is one of the few parts of heating and AC maintenance that most homeowners can handle themselves. If you have any other issues with your air conditioner, Avalon Air Heating & Cooling is there to help.
We are an HVAC contractor serving residents in Pensacola, FL, and Foley, AL, and we are available 24/7 for emergency repairs or basic heating and cooling maintenance. We are committed to rapid response times, and our competitive pricing helps keep our services affordable to anyone who needs them.
To learn more about our AC services or to schedule service in Foley, Pensacola, or the surrounding areas, call Avalon Air Heating & Cooling today.
