Have you seen some of the stuff that gets trapped in an air conditioner filter? If not, it may be because you haven’t cleaned yours in a while. Changing the AC filter two to three times per year is the best way to ensure optimal performance from the unit, and minimize particles in the air you breathe. Check out these pro tips on how to clean an AC filter.
Begin by assembling the following items:
– White vinegar or strained cider vinegar
– Permanent magic marker
– A strong vacuum (hand-vac is okay)
– A whole sheet pan with raised sides (or similar)
– A soft bristle scrub brush or roll of strong paper towels
– One bath towel
How To Clean An AC Filter
1. Turn off the unit and unplug it. Next, find and remove the filter cover. This may require a screwdriver, although some covers have slide or push tabs. Before removing the filter itself, use your magic marker to mark which side is the front and which goes on the left. This will make reinserting it much less frustrating. Once it’s clearly labeled, remove the filter. It should just slide or pull out. If it doesn’t, wiggle it slowly until it comes loose.
2. Once the filter is out, use the vacuum hose or hand-vac to suck as much dirt out of the filter as you can. When you’ve gotten as much dust and dirt off the filter as possible, it’s time to sanitize. This can be the tricky part.
3. Place the filter in the sheet pan or any container that is large enough for it to lie flat and has sides at least a half-inch taller than the filter itself. Pour in a solution of half-distilled or filtered water, and half white vinegar or strained cider vinegar. If you clean your filters often, you should only need to soak them for an hour or so. If they’ve not been cleaned in more than six months, you’ll want to soak them for at least three hours. The filter should be submerged, with no part of it exposed to the air.
4. When the soaking is done, it’s scrubbing time. Use the brush or paper towels to remove any additional debris from both sides of the filter. Once that’s done, take the filter outside and give it a vigorous shake. Place it on a towel in the sun and let it dry completely. When it’s fully dry, replace the filter using the handy guides you drew earlier.
Contact Heating And Cooling Professionals
Even if you do not know how to clean an AC filter, there are professionals who do. You can connect with them quickly and easily via TalkLocal. Our concierge service is fast and free and will take the heartache out of finding local professionals in your area.
