Follow These Steps to Care for Your AC Filter

Have you checked your air conditioner filter? As a general rule, you should check it each month and take the appropriate steps when it looks dirty. Learn more about the multiple types of AC filters, why they need regular maintenance and easy-to-follow instructions on how to clean and replace reusable filters correctly.

Why Clean or Replace Your AC Filter? 4 Reasons Why

It’s an easy chore to ignore, but washing or changing your AC filter is a key part of overall system maintenance for reasons like:

1. Cost Savings

A new filter lowers extra expenses by tightening up your energy bills, preventing damage and minimizing the risk of early replacement for the AC.

2. Energy Efficiency

If you never clean or replace your filter, the dust and debris caught inside it causes the AC to work even harder. A clean filter preserves airflow, reducing the unit’s workload and putting a stop to an increase in your energy bills.

3. Better Indoor Air Quality

A clean filter is more effective at trapping dust, pollen, pet dander and other particles, keeping your indoor air cleaner and contamination free. This plus is especially important for people with allergies, asthma or other health issues.

4. Longer Life Span

Regularly washing the filter can help keep the system from overheating, decreases wear and tear, and can even prolong your unit’s life span!

Your Guide to Washing the AC Filter

Before you go grab the filter, it’s necessary to point out first that disposable filters aren’t washable. They should always be swapped out once they become too clogged up with debris. The replacement filter should be the appropriate size to confirm compatibility with your AC unit.

Apply these instructions every one to three months to enjoy all the advantages of a new air filter:

1. Prepare: To start, shut off the AC unit to avoid electrical damage. Then, access your AC filter. It might be in the return air duct, in the air handler cabinet or inside of the unit itself.

2. Remove the filter: Slowly take out the filter from its compartment. Check for holes or tears. If the filter is torn, go ahead and change it.

3. Vacuum the filter: Grab the brush add-on for your vacuum cleaner to get rid of dirt, hair, fibers and other particles.

4. Wash the filter: Take the filter outdoors and rinse it off with a garden hose. For a deeper clean, use a mild detergent.

5. Dry the filter: Lay the filter out to dry on its own completely before putting it back. But before you do so, do not turn on your air conditioner or you risk allowing more dust particles inside the unit.

Additional Useful Info About AC Filters and Routine Service

Kinds of AC Filters

Your filter design affects indoor air quality, airflow efficiency and whether you can wash or swap it out when it becomes old. Here’s a breakdown of some popular designs:

Disposable filters are usually made with fiberglass along with a paper frame. These filters are meant for short-term use and should be changed every 1 to 3 months. They are typically low cost and quick to put in but not as environmentally friendly because they need to be thrown out.

Reusable filters have sturdier frame materials made with metals like aluminum or plastic. These filters can be cleaned and reused multiple times, and can last a few years if maintained correctly. They are more environmentally friendly and cost effective over their life span. However, washing them takes extra time and effort than simply swapping out a disposable filter.

Electrostatic filters use static electricity to capture airborne particles quickly while ensuring airflow. These can be either disposable or reusable. Reusable electrostatic filters need regular cleaning to preserve their effectiveness.

HEPA filters, or high-efficiency particulate air filters, are the most effective filters for residential needs, capturing 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. The bulk of HEPA filters are single use, but they remain effective for up to one year before having to be replaced. While they deliver high filtration, they are higher priced and aren’t always compatible with all HVAC systems.

Other Elements of an AC Unit to Maintain

Along with the air filter, other AC components require routine upkeep for optimal performance and longevity. Call an HVAC contractor for help cleaning parts like:

• The fan blades in your AC unit will also collect dust and dirt. An HVAC technician will examine the fan as part of an annual tune-up, cleaning and adjusting the blades as necessary to restore regular performance.

• The condenser coils found in the part of the unit kept outside exhaust the heat taken out of your home. These coils are exposed to the worst weather and get dirty quickly. Even though you can gently clean off dirt, leaves and other debris by grabbing a garden hose, leave more detailed seasonal servicing to a professional.

• The evaporator coils inside the indoor unit absorb heat from the air. Over time, these coils gather a lot of dust, which restricts heat transfer efficiency. HVAC Experts employ a specific cleaning solution to remove dust and grime.

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

Request AC Maintenance Service

Routinely servicing your AC air filter and other important elements of your air conditioning system promotes smooth operation and healthy indoor air quality. Freedom Heating & Cooling is ready to help. Our certified technicians offer fast, long-lasting solutions to all your air conditioning concerns. To arrange your next AC maintenance service, please contact us today.