Before you start, make sure to turn off the HVAC unit to prevent unfiltered air from circulating around the house. If the filter frame looks dirty or feels sticky, mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Use a sponge or soft-bristled brush to clean the filter and rinse it thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Now that you know how to clean a central air conditioning filter, let's take a look at ducted units.
First, safely remove the filter from the air conditioning unit and rinse it in a sink or bathtub with water. You can use a soft brush and a mild detergent to remove sticky particles. Once done, stir the excess water to drain through the drain holes in the frame and reinstall the air filter into the system. The air flow from the system will completely dry the clean filter.
The hood fan filter is usually under the hood and looks like a wire mesh grille. Clean it with warm water and a degreaser to remove grease. Sometimes it may be necessary to soak it in hot (barely boiling) water if it is very dirty. The dehumidifier air filter should also be washed with warm soapy water or according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Keep your home's air clean, allow your air conditioning unit to operate more efficiently, and help filters last longer with these simple tips. It is important to clean washable filters once a month, as neglecting it can lead to restriction of air flow due to dirt accumulation inside the filter. Washable air filters are great for filtering particles visible or invisible to the naked eye; 0.5 micron or more. Whether you're trying to improve air quality in your home for health reasons or want to reduce energy and maintenance costs in your home, regularly cleaning or replacing your HVAC filter is an easy step in your home maintenance routine.
If the filter of the central air conditioner is not cleaned regularly, it can accumulate dust, dirt, bacteria, mold and mold spores. An easy way to know if an air filter in a system or appliance needs cleaning is to remove it from its usual location. Other common appliances that use air filters are the range hood fan, vacuum cleaner, and dehumidifiers. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, the air filter of the air conditioning unit becomes less effective. If you leave it on while you remove and clean the filter, it can cause unfiltered air to circulate through your home.
It's easy to forget about these important preventive maintenance steps until your AC stops working due to all Fido's hair in the air filter! Your air conditioner filter can be pretty gross without regular cleanings, and a dirty filter doesn't do as well at keeping dust, dirt, and debris out of your home's air. For central air conditioning, you can use either the same filter as your oven or a separate one from which the unit channels cold air.
