An air conditioner is the most useful appliance in maintaining the cooling and comfort of a home. Cleaning aircon filter is crucial to keep the air fresh. An AC with dirty filters results in reduced airflow. Also, the performance of the system gets hindered because of dirty filters. Apart from air quality, the operating expense and electricity bills go up. Fortunately, anyone can clean a filter at home with proper tools and techniques. Let’s learn aircon filter cleaning process in the step by step guide below.
Required Tools for Aircon Filter Cleaning
Below are the tools that are required for the cleaning process:
- A vacuum cleaner or a soft brush
- Mild soap or dishwashing soap
- Warm water
- A towel or piece of cloth
- Optional: A screwdriver, depending on the model
Aircon Filter Cleaning Process
Follow the simple steps to clean your aircon filter at home.
Step 1: Ensure the Air Conditioner is Turned Off
To ensure safety, always start by turning off the AC unit. Unplug it and switch it off to ensure it will not be turned on from its power source.
Step 2: Access the Front Panel
Attempt to lift or pull the cover of the indoor unit. Most split ACs have tabs or clips that hold the panel in place. For a Window AC, you might require removing the front grille.
If you have trouble accessing the front panel, check your manual.
Step 3: Filter Removal
After opening the cover, you will see mesh filters. Remove one or both filters. You will need to slide them out carefully. Take note of how they’re placed so you can place them correctly after cleaning.
Step 4: Dust Cleaning
Utilize a vacuum cleaner to clean off the dust. If you do not have a vacuum cleaner, use a soft brush to remove dry and loose dust. If the filter is only slightly dusty, this step will be sufficient to clean the filter.
Step 5: Wash with Soap and Water
If the filter is very dirty, you need to wash it with mild soap and warm water. Follow process below:
- Fill a basin with warm water.
- Add a small amount of soap or dishwashing liquid.
- Soak the filter for 10-15 minutes.
- Gently scrub using your hand or a soft brush.
Avoid using strong chemicals or hot water as they can damage the filter.
Step 6: Rinse and Dry
After washing, rinse the filter thoroughly to remove any traces of soap. Shake off the extra water and place the filter in a shaded area until it’s dry. Never use hair dryers or direct sunlight to speed up the process.
Step 7: Reinstall The Filter
Once the filter is dry, slide it back into the unit just like the removal process. Ensure that the filter is secured in place.
Step 8: Close The Panel and Turn on the Power
Close the front panel carefully. Make sure all latches are secured. Power the unit on and run the aircon to check it’s functioning smoothly.
Why Cleaning the Aircon Filter Matters
Let’s take a deep on why cleaning the filter is important:
- It improves cooling performance.
- Aircon will consume less electricity.
- It improves the longevity of the AC.
- It keeps the air in your room clean and healthy.
- It prevents dust and mold build-up inside the unit.
Therefore, follow the users’ manual and clean your aircon filter regularly.
How Often Should You Clean Aircon Filter?
You need to maintain a proper aircon cleaning frequency to keep the unit running smoothly. Follow below frequency to clean the aircon filter.
- Every 2-4 weeks if you use the AC daily.
- Once a month if used occasionally.
- More often if you live in a dusty area or have pets.
Some air conditioners have a filter-cleaning alert. If your unit has one, follow the alert.
Signs Your Filter Needs to be Cleaned
You need to clean air conditioner filter if you can see one or more of the signs below:
- The airflow feels weak.
- Cooling takes longer than usual.
- Dust is expelled from the unit.
- A musty smell emanates.
- Unusual noises are emitted from the unit.
These are signs that your filter may be blocked. Therefore, you need to clean the filter.
FAQ
What happens if I don’t clean the aircon filter?
The free flow of air will get hindered if the filter is clogged. It will increase energy consumption and reduce the cooling efficiency. It can also cause unpleasant smells and unhealthy air quality.
Can I clean the filter without removing it?
No. You must take out the filter in order to clean it.
How long does it take to clean the filter?
About 20 to 30 minutes is enough for aircon filter cleaning. You can allow the filter to dry for a few hours before reinserting it.
Is it safe to wash the filter with water?
Yes, provided that the water is lukewarm and a mild soap is used.
Should I call a technician to clean the filter?
Not really. You can do the task yourself. Know the cleaning process before you attempt to start the job.
Conclusion
Maintaining your aircon filter won’t take much of your time but it makes a significant difference in the quality of air in your home. Therefore, do this job regularly to keep your indoor air fresh and safe. If in doubt, reach out to a technician. Take help from the user manual to learn the filter cleaning process for your specific aircon model.
