How to clean the aircon filter? That’s likely a question you ask when you begin missing the state of your room two days ago. Fresh, cool… Now, it’s all hot and dusty.
But the more pressing question is: should you clean your air conditioning filter yourself?
Let’s set the record straight and address both questions in one article!
What Should You Prepare Before Cleaning Your AC Filter?
First off, clearing the air: yes, it’s entirely possible to clean the aircon filter yourself, and you don’t even need a tradie licence.
Cleaning filters is considered a regular upkeep, so, for the sake of survival, get to know what you need before you begin:
- Compressed air. This doesn’t literally mean air that you compress and put in a bottle. It refers to a canister or machine that blows air under pressure.
- Drip tray. A shallow tray that you should place under your AC. It’ll catch any dripping water, dirt, or cleaning solution. As a result, your floor or furniture will stay protected and dry.
- Fin comb or soft-bristle brush. A fin comb is a brush with narrow teeth, designed to straighten and clean the delicate aluminium fins on an AC coil. Meanwhile, a soft-bristle brush is a gentle alternative, loosening dirt without bending or damaging the fins.
- Mild soap or detergent. A gentle cleaning agent that can effectively remove grime. It’s diluted in water to wash filters, casings, and drip trays.
- Reusable cloth. Opt for a soft, lint-free cloth for wiping. A reusable cloth also means that you can launder it and cut down on waste or extra fees on every paper towel purchase.
- Screwdriver. We’re all familiar with this one. It can loosen or tighten screws, remove or mount panels; it’s basically a handy-dandy tool.
- Spray bottle filled with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Pour a hydrogen peroxide solution into a bottle with a trigger nozzle for an easy mist. This will be used as a disinfectant to kill bacteria and mould on coils or plastic panels.
- Warm water. Prepare warm water in a bucket or a big bowl. This will be useful to rinse out soap, detergent, or loosened dirt.
How to Clean Your AC Filter in X Steps
Losing your air conditioner’s cooling power is like experiencing a network error. It’ll turn even a level-headed person into a grumpy gremlin.
So, to restore your patience, here’s how to clean aircon filters:
A disclaimer upfront: understand which aircon behaviors are normal, so you don’t get to fixing the filters right away. Some AC models require more time to start, usually taking up to 3 minutes after you switch the power on or off. Occasional mist, ticking, gurgling, or light whistling sounds are no causes of worry.
Sometimes, once the target temperature is reached or during a defrost cycle in winter, your AC will stop blowing air altogether.
1. Switch the Unit Off
Imagine cleaning a fan when it’s still on – definitely not a good idea. For safety, always turn the air conditioner off. Press the “Off” button on the remote.
2. Open the Front Cover
Depending on your AC type, whether it’s a ducted or a split system, there’ll usually be small tabs or clips on either side of the unit.
Gently pull or press them to lift the cover up. If needed, you can also get your screwdriver out.
More premium models will usually open automatically when you press and hold a specific button on the remote. Wait for the panel to rise before you touch the filters.
3. Remove the Filters
When you’ve lifted up the panel, you’ll see rectangular mesh screens. These are your primary air filters. Lift the bottom edge first and then slide them up and out.
Avoid bending the mesh, so pay attention and be extra careful. Some units, such as when you’re doing a ducted air conditioner repair, might have smaller secondary filters near the top. Remove those as well.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
Prepare warm water. Rinse both sides inside to wash away dust. Use a mild soap or detergent if the grime persists.
Watch the dark dirt flow off and repeat until the water runs clear. If the mesh gets wet, don’t worry, they’re designed to be waterproof.
5. Clean the Inside Unit
While the filters dry, wipe the inner surfaces with a reusable cloth. Remove any remaining dust with a fin comb or soft-bristle brush. This prevents immediate recontamination once you reinstall the filters.
6. Wait to Dry
Place a drip tray under the AC unit. The filters will drip-dry naturally. Never use a towel-dry or a hair-dryer. You might assume they’ll fast-track the drying process, but heat and friction can damage the mess.
7. Reinstall and Close
Slide the dry filters back in from the top. Clip the bottom edge into place and close the front cover. For automatic panels, hold the cancel button on the remote to lower the cover again.
8. Test Run
Turn the unit back on. Close all windows, doors, or vents to let the temperature regulate. Run the AC for a few minutes and check if the airflow is back to normal.
If the filters are clean, congratulations, you have masterfully cleaned your aircon filter.
But if your AC still doesn’t cool properly, even after a few days, it’s time to call a professional. There might be deeper-run problems, like a leaking AC pipe.
FAQ about Cleaning the AC Filter
And that’s how you clean aircon filters. Have more questions? Find the answers below.
Why should I clean the AC filter?
Mainly for comfort. An AC that doesn’t function normally won’t cool your room properly. As a result, you might have productivity problems (if you work at home) or sleeping problems.
Plus, cleaning the AC filters is good to do every 3 months to protect the system from damage and extend its lifespan.
A clogged filter, usually undiscovered, forces the AC to work harder, which increases the risk of costly repairs and premature failure.
What is the best way to clean an AC filter?
The best way to clean a ducted AC filter, or whichever unit type you have, is to prepare the materials and follow the instructions above.
Can AC filters be washed and reused?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to wash and reuse some air filters. However, check the manual.
Some filters are made to be disposable, especially if they’re made of paper or fiberglass. Meanwhile, washable filters are typically made of plastic gauze or electrostatic material.
Can I clean my own air conditioner filter?
In general, yes, you can. The steps above can be your starter guide. However, if the air in your room still feels stale after cleaning, there might be more serious problems.
Conclusion
Don’t panic if you have followed all the steps on how to clean your AC filter and still end up with issues. It’s not you, it’s the AC.
Call a professional like Lightning Bult. We will promptly fix any issues so you can work, rest, or go about your day peacefully.
