If you’ve used your air conditioner a lot lately during our hot South East Queensland summer, it’s probably time to give your filter a clean. You should get into the habit of regularly cleaning your air con filters so that your system works energy efficiently to its full capacity. Here’s a guide on how to do it yourself.
Why you should regularly clean your air con filter
First, let’s look at the importance of regularly cleaning your air con filter. You should do it at least twice a year (and more often if you use your air con system heavily). There are three main benefits of cleaning your air con filter:
1. It helps to reduce your power bill because your system doesn’t have to work as hard to get to the air temperature you want.
2. It improves air flow and circulation within your home.
3. It improves the quality of the air circulating around your home. Clean air will be circulating from your clean air con filter, rather than dirty air.
Cleaning a ducted air con filter
There are two basic types of air conditioning systems – ducted and split. A ducted air con system circulates air through the ceiling. Here’s how to clean a ducted air con filter:
1. Turn off the power to your air con system.
2. Find your air con ceiling grill and remove it (check your system’s operating manual if you’re unsure how to remove it).
3. Remove the filter and get rid of any dust by taking it outside and tapping it against a wall and then vacuuming it or wiping it over with a damp cloth using mild detergent.
4. Spray the filter with an anti-bacterial spray.
5. Place it back in your unit when it’s clean and dry.
6. Reattach the grill
7. Turn the power back on.
Cleaning a split system air con filter
A split system air conditioner has one unit inside and one outside. Both units are usually mounted on walls. Here’s how to clean a split system air con filter.
1. Turn off the power to both units.
2. Locate the filter panel on your inside unit (use your operating manual to locate it if necessary).
3. Remove the filter and get rid of any dust by taking it outside and tapping it against a wall and then vacuuming it or wiping it over with a damp cloth using mild detergent.
4. Spray the filter with an anti-bacterial spray.
5. Place it back in your unit when it’s clean and dry.
6. Close the panel.
7. Use a damp cloth to clean the louvres that direct the air flow from the inside unit.
8. Use a damp cloth to clean the exterior of the outside unit. Make sure nothing is blocking its air flow.
9. Turn the power back on.
Professional servicing
Even though you can easily clean your air con filter yourself, you should also get a professional service of your entire air con system at least once a year, especially if you have an older system.
You should also get a professional service if you find that your air conditioner isn’t performing well even after you’ve cleaned your filter. There may be another more serious issue that needs fixing.
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