Anyone living in Brisbane knows just how important air conditioning is for getting through our hot, humid summers. But what a lot of people don’t realise, is that cleaning your air con filter regularly is essential for keeping your AC in tip-top condition. Taking half an hour a few times a year to clean your air conditioner filters can not only extend the life of your system, but also improve the air quality in your home—all while keeping your power bills down!
So, whether you’ve never cleaned an air con filter before, or you’ve just purchased a brand-new split AC system, this guide on ‘how to clean air conditioner filters’ has you sorted. We answer the most common questions about how to clean an air conditioner filter, from how to remove the filter to how often you should clean aircon filters.
Knowing how to clean air con filters is one of the best things you can do to maximise your air conditioner efficiency. The filter plays an important role in preventing dust, dirt, pet hair, cobwebs and other particles from getting inside your air conditioner. In simple terms, the filter is your air conditioner’s first line of defence against these nasties. It not only stops them from coating the inside of the unit but also from being re-circulated throughout your house.
Over time, if too much dust is left to build up in the filter, it can start to prevent air from flowing freely into the air conditioner. This means the AC unit has to work harder to get more air into the unit, using more energy for the same amount of output. This not only hits the hip pocket when it comes to power bills but can cause damage to the AC unit in the long run—particularly if it leads to issues with overheating.
Whether you’ve been googling ‘how to clean reverse cycle air conditioner filter’, or ‘how to clean split ac filter’, we’ve got you covered. These five simple steps on how to clean an air conditioner filter will work for nearly all types of air conditioners, from wall-mounted split systems to ducted air conditioners.
First things first: always make sure your AC unit is switched off before doing any maintenance. This is essential for avoiding damaging the system. When it comes to how to clean air conditioner filters, it’s also a good idea to read your owner’s manual—particularly if it’s your first time cleaning your AC unit. The owner’s manual will have details on the specific type of filters your system has, how often they should be replaced, and how to remove any air conditioner panels to access the filter.
To clean the filter, you first need to remove it from inside the wall unit. Air conditioners are all slightly different, but you typically need to open and remove the internal unit’s cover first. Do this either by removing the screws, or undoing locking push tabs or hinges. If it has screws, make sure to keep the screws in a safe place while you’re cleaning the filter!
Once you’ve opened the front panel, you can slide the air conditioner filter out. Some air conditioners will have more than one filter. Usually, the second one is an air purification filter (such as an ionising filter) that can be removed and cleaned the same way.
If you’re worried you won’t get the air filters back in correctly, it can be a good idea to take a photo to refer to later when you’re putting it back on.
The best way to clean air con filters really depends on how much dust and dirt has built up. Once you’ve removed the filter, you have a couple of options:
Once you’ve cleaned the filter, it’s a good idea to inspect it for rips or tears, and to check for mould growth—if you find any, it’s time to get a new filter.
When it comes to how to clean air con filters, making sure you let the filter dry fully before putting it back into the unit is essential. Putting a damp filter into your AC unit can not only make it smell bad, but also create a perfect breeding ground for mould and other bacteria.
Once you’ve washed the filter, leave it in the dishrack or against a wall to air dry. Outside in the sun, the filter will dry in no time, but you can also leave it in a warm, well-ventilated room.
Once the filter’s clean and dry, simply slide it back into the unit. Before replacing the unit cover, give it a quick dust with a soft microfibre cloth to remove any surface dust. Then all you need to do is reverse the steps you took to remove the cover!
When it comes to air conditioner maintenance, taking the time to check and clean your air conditioner filter a few times a year can save you serious headaches in the long run. We generally recommend cleaning your air conditioner filter at least once every six months. The exact answer to the question of how often should you clean aircon filters depends on a few things:
If you’ve noticed your air conditioner isn’t working as well as it used to, giving the air conditioner filters a quick clean is a good first step that can help to rule out other problems. Signs that your air con filter might need a clean include:
If your AC’s got a different problem, head over to this blog for more information on common AC problems and what to do about them.
For more advice on how to clean air conditioner filters, or to book an air conditioner service, contact our expert team today.
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