Cleaning an air conditioner filter is an important part of maintaining a healthy and efficient air conditioning system. If the filter is not cleaned regularly, dust, dirt, bacteria, mold and mildew can accumulate, leading to a restriction of air flow and increased energy consumption. Fortunately, cleaning an air conditioner filter is a relatively simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. The first step is to safely remove the filter from the air conditioning unit.
Rinse it in a sink or tub with water and use a soft brush and mild detergent to remove any sticky particles. Once this is done, shake off any excess water and reinstall the filter back into the system. The system air flow will then completely dry the clean filter. For more thorough cleaning, you can use a leave-in coil cleaner that can be purchased at your local home improvement store.
This spray foams and then drips into the drain pan of the unit, taking dirt and dust with it. Spray the foam as evenly as you can and apply it to all the small areas you can't reach with your hand. If your air conditioner filter is in good condition, you can use a vacuum on a medium setting to remove all dust and other particles from the filter. This will also help to clean the air a little in the process.
When cleaning larger units inside your home, it is important to turn off the air conditioning unit for a while before disconnecting the air filter. This will ensure that unfiltered air does not circulate around your home while you are cleaning the filter. It is also important to refer to the instruction manual of larger units to see if cleaning the filter is really an option as some filters are designed to be replaced rather than cleaned. Keeping an air conditioning filter clean and functional is one of the keys to keeping any commercial building safe from dirty air.
Washable air filters can help improve indoor air quality in commercial environments and offer the lowest cost over a filter life. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, however, the air filter in your air conditioning unit loses effectiveness.
