Air conditioning units are a great way to keep your home cool and comfortable, but they require regular maintenance to ensure they are working properly. Cleaning or replacing the air filters in your air conditioner is an important step in keeping your home's air quality healthy and reducing the likelihood of airborne mold and allergens being circulated through the forced air system. This is especially important for window air conditioners, since you'll be working very close to the moving parts of the unit. When air filters become filled with dirt and grime, they require more energy to work, resulting in higher electricity bills.
Before you can clean the filter, you must turn off the air conditioner unit. This will ensure that no dirty air is circulated around your home while the filter is being cleaned. If the central air conditioner filter is not cleaned regularly, it can build up dust, grime, bacteria, mold and mildew. To clean the filter, you should first turn off the air conditioner and then remove it from its housing.
Some filters are not designed to get wet, so make sure to read the instruction manual before cleaning it. Victor Belavus is an air conditioning specialist and owner of 212 HVAC, an air conditioning repair and installation company based in Brooklyn, New York. He recommends using a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris from the filter before washing it with warm water and a mild detergent. After washing, it's important to disinfect the filter to eliminate any microbes that may have been present.
Knowing when to clean your air filter is essential for saving energy and avoiding costly maintenance bills. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, the air filter in your air conditioner will lose its effectiveness. Regularly cleaning your air filter will help keep your home's air quality healthy and reduce your energy bills. For more blogs on air conditioning and water filtration, see these articles on “Different Types of Hot Water Tanks” and “How to Remove Nitrates from Well Water”. As always, read the instruction manual for your air conditioner before attempting any maintenance.
