The air filter in your air conditioning unit becomes less effective if it is not cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. Dirty air filters use more energy to function, resulting in higher electricity bills. If you don’t clean your central air conditioner filter regularly, dust, mildew, and mold can build up. Allowing these things inside your home can degrade the air quality. How to clean an air conditioner filter is covered in this guide.

Step 1. Turn Off Air Conditioner

Turning off your air conditioner is the first step in understanding how to clean an AC filter. If you leave it on while you remove and clean the filter, unfiltered air will begin to circulate throughout your home.

• Your air conditioner should be turned off.
• You may need to use a screwdriver to open the air conditioning unit, or it may simply pry open.
• Because some units have many vents, double-check to be sure you’ve removed all of the filters.
• Examine the filter now.

Make certain that you should be cleaning your filter. Some air conditioner filters may need to be cleaned, while others must be replaced on a regular basis.

Step 2. Vacuum Dirt from Filter

• It is time to clean if there is any buildup of dust.
• If there are no symptoms of dust buildup on your central air filter, you can vacuum it with the hose attachment from your vacuum cleaner or a handheld vacuum.
• You’ll have to wash the vacuum hose if it doesn’t eliminate the buildup.

Step 3. Soak Filter and Wash

• Fill a sink halfway with water and one-third with white vinegar, then immerse your HVAC filter in the solution for one hour.
• Before putting it back in your air conditioner, give it a good rinse and let it dry completely.
• If your filter is too big to fit in your sink, take the project outside to the garden hose. To avoid accidentally damaging the filter, do not use a pressure washer.

Step 4. Replace Filter

• Filters in air conditioners wear out or become damaged over time and must be replaced.
• It’s time to replace your air filter if it displays symptoms of wear, such as tears, holes, or heavy filth.
• When replacing an air conditioner filter, check the label to determine how long the manufacturer guarantees the filter’s performance.
• Make a spot to remember when the next time your air conditioner filter should be cleaner. Some air conditioners have an automatic sensor that will also tell you when it is time to clean or replace the filter.

Air Conditioner Cleaning Tips

When cleaning air conditioner filters, there are a few things to keep in mind. When learning how to clean air conditioner filters, keep the following guidelines in mind:

• To get the most out of your air conditioner, clean it once a month.
• If you’re going to wash an air filter, make sure to let it air dry for 20-30 minutes before replacing it. You will be able to avoid any mold problems as a result of this.
• The method you use to clean the filter is determined by the filter’s type. A window unit air conditioner, for example, may require different filters than a normal HVAC unit. Check the manufacturer’s directions to be sure you’re using the right procedure.

Learning how to clean an air conditioner filter will help you save money on energy bills while also increasing the life of your air conditioner.