As temperatures rise, your air conditioner works challenging to hold you relaxed and comfortably. But with that difficult work comes a buildup of dust, dirt, and particles in the air filter. Regular air filter cleansing is vital to hold your air conditioning unit jogging efficiently, minimize power costs, and enhance the best of the air in your home. In this guide, we’ll show you how to smooth your AC filter and talk about the unique filters available.
Why Should You Clean Your AC Filter?
Regularly cleaning or replacing your AC filter has several benefits, including:
Cleaner Air Quality
Dust, pollen, and different allergens can accumulate in the air filter over time, decreasing the air fantastic in your home. Regular cleansing or substituting of the air filter can reduce the quantity of airborne mildew and frequent allergens circulating thru your pressured air system.
Improved Energy Efficiency
When your air filter is clogged with dust and debris, your AC unit has to work more hard to flow into the air, which is central to more significant strength costs. Regular cleansing or substituting of the air filter can enhance the effectiveness of your AC unit, decreasing power charges and prolonging the lifestyle of your HVAC system.
Prolonged Life of Your HVAC System
When your AC unit is compelled to work more challenging to flow into the air via a filthy filter, it can purpose the device to overheat or end up damaged, shortening the lifespan of your HVAC system. Regular cleansing or an alternative air filter can assist in lengthening the existence of your unit and decrease restoration costs.
Types of Filters
There are two sorts of air filters: disposable and washable/reusable/permanent filters, additionally recognized as electrostatic filters. Let’s take a nearer appearance at every type.
Disposable Filters
Disposable filters are typically made of paper or cardboard and can’t be cleaned. They must be thrown away and replaced. Although disposable filters are extra affordable, they want to be changed more significantly regularly than washable filters, making them more tremendously high-priced in the long run.
Washable/Reusable/Permanent Filters (Electrostatic Filters)
Washable filters are designed to be cleaned and reused for years. They’re made of a unique material that uses air friction to create an electrostatic cling, trapping particles. They’re more expensive than disposable filters but can save you money in the long run.
When replacing a disposable filter with a washable filter, ensure you get the highest MERV filter rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) that your system allows. However, hold in the idea that reusable filters are commonly much less advantageous at taking pictures of small particles than disposable filters, so they might also now not be the excellent preference if you or everybody in Your household has allergies.
How to Clean Your AC Filter
Follow these steps to clean your AC filter:
Step 1: Turn Off Your AC Unit
Before removing the air filter, turn off your AC unit to prevent dirty air from circulating through your home.
Step 2: Remove the Filter
Some AC units have multiple filters, so check all vents.
Step 3: Vacuum the Filter
Getting this top layer of sediment and anything lost is the next step clean and easy. Use a hand vacuum to lift allergens and dust from the filter. Use a microfiber cloth to clean any dust along the frame.
Step 4: Wash the Filter
Rinse the filter gently and utterly in a deep sink or outside with your hose, and enable it to dry. If the filter desires a deep clean, soak it in a flat bin with 1 phase of white vinegar and 1 section heat water for an hour, and then rinse it gently with the hose.
Step 5: Reinstall the filter back into the unit.
It’s appropriate to mark your calendar when it desires to be cleaned or changed so that you can bear it in mind easily.
Other Maintenance Tips
In addition to cleaning your air conditioner filter, there are other maintenance tips that you can follow to keep your AC unit running smoothly, including:
- You are keeping your outdoor unit free of debris.
- You are checking your refrigerant levels.
- You are inspecting your ductwork for leaks.
- We are hiring a professional to inspect and service your AC unit regularly.
Final Thought
Cleaning your AC filter is quintessential in preserving your unit’s effectiveness and prolonging its lifespan. Regular maintenance, cleansing your filter and hiring an expert to check out and carrier your team can assist you in shopping cash on strength payments and stop breakdowns. With a smooth filter and proper maintenance, your AC unit can provide you with clean, cool air all summer.