Filters are an essential component of your home heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system whether you’re gearing up for a hot summer or settling in for winter.
Filters are your first line of defence to help reduce odours, dust, mould, pollen and other airborne pollutants from entering the air inside, providing cleaner and healthier air for you and your family to enjoy.
How does the filter work?
Air conditioner filters contain a porous material, such as fibreglass thread, to capture particles that can be damaging to your air conditioner as well as your health. By trapping these particles, filters help to maintain the energy efficiency and safety of your air conditioner.
Which filter should you use?
Check the air conditioner manual for information on the specific filter your model uses.
We work with many brands including Fujitsu, Daikin, Panasonic, Samsung and Mitsubishi so if you’re unsure give us a call on 0426 601 322 and we’ll be happy to help you.
How often should you clean the filter?
A little bit of air con maintenance goes a long way. If your For You Page isn’t flooded with #CleanTok videos you may not be aware that your air conditioner’s filter needs regular cleaning. Not only will this ensure premium air quality for you, but your AC will continue being energy efficient and cheaper to operate.
An unclean air conditioner can reintroduce harmful particles back into the air and lead to a variety of issues including for your family including allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions. Poor air quality can worsen existing conditions and even cause new ones. It’s important to ensure your AC unit is clean and well-maintained to protect yourself and your family from potential health risks.
The accumulation of particles in the filter can also reduce the airflow over time, meaning you may need to increase the fan speed or lower the temperature on your AC to be able to feel anything. This makes the unit work harder and results in higher energy bills for you.
How often you clean the filter will depend on how frequently you use it. In a high usage environment you should clean the filter every two weeks, others may only need to clean it every 2–3 months. Check the filter regularly and keep track of when you clean it in a notebook or on the notes app on your phone to help you establish a routine.
If you notice your air conditioner isn’t performing well, check the filter first and clean if needed before booking a maintenance check.
How to clean an air conditioner a filter in 4 easy steps
Check your air conditioner’s manual for any specifics to your model before proceeding.
1. Remove the filter from the AC unit by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Use the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner or a microfibre cloth to remove the built-up dust and particles.
3. Gently wipe down the filter with a cloth soaked in equal parts water and white vinegar or a mild detergent. You can also wash the filter in a bucket or sink if it’s particularly dirty.
4. Ensure the filter is completely dry before returning it to the unit and if damaged replace immediately.
When should you replace a filter?
You should have your air conditioner professionally serviced at least once a year, preferably in the spring before it gets a good work out in summer. This will help to ensure that it is working properly and can prevent problems in the future. The annual service is a great time to check the filter, make any repairs and replace if needed.
The team at Climate Care are proud to be the leading Northern beaches-based air conditioning specialists in Sydney. We offer a comprehensive air conditioner maintenance program to keep your unit running at peak performance all season long, including replacing the filters.
Ready to book or have questions? Call 0426 601 322 now for a free quote or drop us a line.
