How to Care for Your AC Filter

When was the last time you checked your air conditioner filter? As standard practice, you should check it once a month and take the appropriate steps when it is dirty. Learn more about the multiple types of AC filters, why they need regular care and detailed instructions on how to clean reusable filters effectively.

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

It’s an easy chore to forget about, but rinsing or replacing your AC filter is important for reasons like:

1. Saving Money

A clean filter saves money by cutting your energy bills, avoiding damage and minimizing the risk of unexpected AC replacement.

2. Less Energy Waste

If you never wash or change the filter, the dust and debris caught inside it forces the AC to exert even more energy. A new filter restores airflow, lowering the unit’s workload and helping to manage your energy bills.

3. Enhanced Air Quality

A new filter is more effective at trapping dust, pollen, pet dander and other pollutants, keeping your indoor air fresher and safer. This plus is particularly crucial for people with allergies, asthma or other health issues.

4. Extend the System’s Life Span

Regularly maintaining the filter prevents the system from overheating, lowers wear and tear, and can even lengthen 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 must be replaced once they become too dirty. The replacement filter should be the same size and type to make sure there’s compatibility with your AC unit.

Apply these guidelines every one to three months to enjoy all the benefits of a clean air filter:

1. Prepare: As the first step, turn off 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 within the unit itself.

2. Remove the filter: Carefully take out the filter from its compartment. Look it over for holes or tears. If the filter is torn, go ahead and replace it.

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

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

5. Dry the filter: Leave the filter out to dry completely before placing it back. In the meantime, remember to not run your air conditioner or you risk allowing more dust particles inside.

Additional Useful Information About AC Filters and Maintenance

The Available Types of AC Filters

Your filter choice affects indoor air quality, how effectively air flows and whether you should clean or swap it out when it becomes dirty. Here’s an overview of some popular models:

Disposable filters are usually made of fiberglass with a paper frame. These filters are meant for short-term use and are best replaced every 1 to 3 months. They are typically inexpensive and simple to replace but less environmentally friendly as they need to be thrown out.

Reusable filters have stronger frame materials like aluminum or plastic. These filters can be rinsed out and reused several times, and can last several years if maintenance is handled properly. They are more environmentally friendly and cost effective in the long run. However, cleaning them takes more time and effort than simply changing a disposable filter.

Electrostatic filters use static electricity to trap particles quickly while ensuring airflow. These can be both disposable or reusable. Reusable electrostatic filters need regular cleaning to maintain their effectiveness.

HEPA filters, or high-efficiency particulate air filters, are the top filters for residential needs, capturing 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 an entire year before requiring replacement. While they offer exceptional filtration, they are higher priced and aren’t compatible with all HVAC systems.

Other Parts of an Air Conditioner to Maintain

Along with the filter, other AC components require regular upkeep for peak performance and minimal expense. Contact an HVAC technician for help servicing parts like:

• The fan blades in your AC unit will also gather dust and dirt. An HVAC contractor will examine the fan as part of an annual tune-up, cleaning and aligning the blades as needed to return to normal performance.

• The condenser coils located in the outdoor system exhaust the heat taken out of your house. These coils are exposed to the worst weather and become dirty very easily. Even though you can lightly wash away dirt, leaves and other debris using a garden hose, leave more in-depth seasonal servicing to a professional.

• The evaporator coils inside the indoor unit extract heat from the air. With use, these coils accumulate a lot of dust, which reduces heat transfer efficiency. Professionals use a specific coil cleaner to clear away dust and grime.

• The condensate drain lines in your AC system can get clogged up with algae, mold and debris. When drainage slows or stops, call a certified technician to clean the drain line using a commercial cleaner or mold treatment.

Receive AC Maintenance Service

Regularly servicing your AC air filter and the rest of your air conditioning system fosters optimal performance and healthy indoor air quality. Hays Cooling, Heating & Plumbing is available to offer our support. Our certified technicians offer fast, long-lasting solutions to all your HVAC headaches. To arrange your next AC maintenance service, please contact us today.