Overview
After about six months of use, one of the most common issues an air conditioning unit faces is a buildup of dust and debris in the filter. A dirty filter forces the system to work harder, reducing efficiency and increasing energy costs. It can also restrict airflow, which puts strain on the unit and may shorten its lifespan. Regularly cleaning your filter not only keeps your air conditioner running smoothly but also ensures that the air circulating in your home is clean and healthy, reducing allergens and improving overall indoor air quality. Here are some steps below on the best way to clean your filter.
Cleaning the Filter
Step 1: Ensure your Air Conditioning is currently OFF
- Always switch if OFF when opening your unit to prevent electrical accidents.
Step 2: Removing the Filter
- Locate the return vent for your ducted system. This can be either found on your roof or on the wall.
- Open the front panel of the vent (some may require unscrewing, others may only require disconnecting a latch). If you don’t know how to open the panel, refer to your manufacturer’s manual.
- Once the front plate has been detached, slide out the filter of the unit. Ensure not to pull it out with too much force as it could break the filter.
Step 3: Vacuum the Filter
- Vacuum with a brush attachment. This will clear off any large clumps of dirt or debris stuck to the filter.
Step 4: Washing the Filter
- Wash it down with a hose as the pressure will help remove any extra dust and dirt.
- Ensure that the water isn’t too hot as it could damage the filter.
- For a more thorough clean, consider using soapy water. This will remove more stubborn dirt.
- Allow time for the filter to dry. As dry as possible is optimal, but if it's still a little damp then that's ok. It may just require your air conditioner to take a little longer to reach its desired temperature the first time after putting the filter back in.
Step 5: Reinsert the Filter into the Unit
- Slowly reinsert it the same way as you took it off.
- Finally close the front panel and your air conditioner is now clean.
Maintenance Tips
- It’s recommended that you clean your air conditioner filter at least once every 3-6 months. The manufacturer may recommend that you clean your filter weekly which will result in the best condition for your unit, but for most people this frequency is unrealistic and unnecessary.
- If a technician is dispatched and the problem was just a dirty filter that hasn’t been cleaned properly, the visit will be billed to the customer for the maintenance of the filter. To save time and money, make sure that you're thoroughly cleaning your filter.
If you encounter any further issues during this process, raise a support ticket with SolarHub’s Support and Service Team for further assistance.