Last Updated on April 27, 2023 by Tabraiz
Introduction
At the end of each summer, it’s time for a deep-tissue cleaning on your AC unit. The air conditioning system in your home is a major investment and a large part of a healthy home environment, so you need to keep yours running at its best. Operating an AC unit with a dirty filter can have significant effects on energy bills and indoor air quality. Keeping the AC filter clean will keep energy bills low while maintaining the cooling capacity of the unit.
How to clean ac filter?
Step 1
First off, shut off power to the outdoor condensing fan by turning off both breakers located inside your electrical service panel/breaker box (or simply pulling the appropriate switch if you’re lucky enough to have individual switches for each breaker). Once done, head outside and disconnect the unit’s power supply.
Step 2
Remove the cover/housing of your AC unit and expose the condensing coil, which is located at the far end of any exposed tubing that you can see. Scrub off any rust or corrosion products with a wire brush to clear away potential blockages in the lines. If using a wire brush is not an option, try using a little elbow grease with some steel wool instead. Bring all components back up to speed by taping them together with electrical tape once they are clean and dry otherwise, you may get shock.
Step 3
Next, it’s time to change or clean out your filter(s). You have two options: replace them every month or so, or wash them out periodically (especially if you notice your indoor air quality decreasing, as that’s a surefire sign it’s time to clean). If opting for the latter, be sure to inspect your equipment regularly and note when the AC filter needs replaced.
Note: Clogged AC filters decrease an AC system’s ability to cool a home by blocking airflow from entering the home and allowing debris into the lines will also have a negative impact on energy bills.
Step 4
Inspecting and cleaning your unit’s outdoor AC unit should only take about thirty minutes of your day. So do yourself a solid and spend some time keeping up with this crucial task as doing so could save you hundreds in utility costs over time.
Examine the condition of AC
Examine the condition of the AC filter to see if it needs to be cleaned. To do so, first make sure your system is turned off you don’t want unfiltered air circulating throughout your home while the filter is removed. Then, remove the filter from its slot and check for dirt particles on both sides of the clean paper.
If most of the surface area you are seeing is dirty or dusty, then it is time to change it out. You can use a vacuum cleaner hose with an attachment to suction away dirt particles before putting back in place.
Advantages of AC
Most people have a central air conditioning system in their home. It helps keep the house cool during warm months and maintains a comfortable climate at all times. Most homes also use an air conditioner filter, which is found in the unit’s outdoor section or behind return vents inside the house.
Tips and methods
When it comes to cleaning ac filters, there are different methods to choose from. Each one has its pros and cons, so make sure you know what you’re doing before you decide on anything. While they vary for different houses, here are some of the most common ways on how to clean ac filter.
Vacuum the Filter
The first method involves vacuuming your air conditioner filter with canister or handheld vacuum cleaner. However, this method is not as effective as it may seem as most of the dust and dirt won’t be removed by the suction power of your vacuum cleaner. It will just push some dirt to other parts of the filter, making cleaning more tedious than needed.
Use a Brush and Detergent
This method involves using a soft-bristled brush and dish-washing soap on the ac filter. This method will definitely do a good job; however, you should remember that dish-washing soap can damage plastic filters. If you want to use this approach, make sure that you clean only metal filters with warm water and mild detergent like dish-washing liquid or laundry detergent (without fabric softener).
Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you have a wet/dry vacuum cleaner at home, then this will be the best method for cleaning ac filters. It is also the most effective way to do it. With this approach, make sure that you are using real wet/dry equipment instead of simply attaching your regular vacuum cleaner hose to an industrial wet dry shop vacuum. You can always buy separate attachments for powerful suction power or go to different websites where there are already many available brands, types, and sizes ready for purchase.
Deep Cleaning with Replacement Filters
This usually involves opening up your filter into smaller pieces by unscrewing its frame or plastic housing’s clasps or screws. Once it is opened, all parts should be cleaned thoroughly and let to dry for a few hours before they are assembled back together. You won’t have to worry about cleaning your filter again anytime soon.
Conclusion
Ac filter can be cleaned easily. This is not a difficult task to clean the filter of ac. Mostly people cleaned the filter daily which is unnecessary. To clean the ac filter you just need to follow the steps which are above mentioned. If you don’t clean the filter of ac it will not work properly. So, it is your responsibility to clean the filter of ac.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often long do we clean the ac?
It is necessary to clean the filter twice in a month.
- Can we clean the filter of ac at home?
Yes, we can clean the filter of ac at home. You do not need professional for this. You just have to aware about machinery of ac.
