Why is it important to clean your aircon filters?
Since aircon units circulate air throughout your home, they rely on filters to trap dirt and debris that would otherwise get circulated alongside your fresh air. When a filter is clogged, the aircon unit has to work a lot harder to pump air. This uses more electricity and reduces your aircon unit’s lifespan. Therefore, you need to clean it regularly following a professional AC installation after using it for a while.
How often should you clean your aircon filters?
Cleaning your air filter shouldn’t be something you do only twice a year when you have a professional aircon servicing company in SG look at your aircon unit. It would help if you took care of your filter, whether that means replacing or simply cleaning it on at least a monthly basis. You might do this much more frequently than that if you live in an area with high pollution or have a dusty hobby like woodworking.
If you notice lots of dust buildup on your filter during your monthly inspections, consider increasing your cleaning and replacement frequency to every couple of weeks. This could lead to more serious aircon issues when not taken care of right away.
How to clean aircon filter from a centralized aircon unit?
Step 1) Determine the air filter location
With central aircon units, the filter typically resides near the cold air return. However, you may also have filters behind your return vents, which will be scattered throughout the house.
Step 2) Turn off your aircon unit
Whenever you perform any type of servicing on your aircon unit, it’s a good idea to turn the unit off. This will protect it and you.
Step 3) Remove the air filter and vacuum it
Typically, there will be a good amount of dust build-up onto the filter. You can remove most of it using a vacuum with a bristled attachment. Do this for all of your central aircon filters, including those hiding behind the returns. And make sure you vacuum either side of your filter as well.
Step 4) Soak the filter in a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar
If your filter is water-friendly, soak it in a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar for about an hour. Before reinstalling the filter, let it dry completely.
If you don’t have a basin large enough to hold your aircon unit filter, use a hose instead. Make sure you set the pressure very low as anything too intense will easily rip through the filter.
Pro 338 Reminder: It is important to read your filter’s manual or the instructions printed directly onto it, if applicable before you do this. Some aircon filters aren’t designed to get wet and you definitely want to avoid causing damage.
Step 5) Carefully reinstall the aircon filter
Once you have thoroughly cleaned the filter, carefully reinstall it. Most filters have an arrow indicating which way they’re supposed to face. This arrow needs to point in the direction of the airflow.
How to clean a ducted aircon filter?
Step 1) Determine the location of the air filter
With a ducted aircon unit, your filter will be located behind the main return air duct.
Step 2) Turn off your aircon unit
As mentioned previously, shutting your aircon unit off while cleaning its filter can help you avoid damage.
Step 3) Vacuum and soak your filter down
This includes leaving the filter to dry thoroughly before you reinstall it. While all reusable filters will be vacuum-friendly, double-check whether yours is waterproof.
Step 4) Reinstall the filters carefully and use your aircon unit
Once you are sure that the air filters have been thoroughly cleaned, it is now safe to reinstall your air filter and you can enjoy fresher and cooler air around you and your home.
How to clean a window-type aircon unit filter?
Step 1) Turn your aircon unit off
This is an especially important step for window aircon units since you’ll be working in close proximity to the aircon unit’s moving parts, whereas the previously discussed types of aircon units are fairly distant from where the filter is.
Step 2) Carefully remove the front panel to access the filter
This panel will be held in place by screws, pressure, or some simple plastic clips. Once you remove the panel, it’ll be impossible to miss the filter.
Step 3) Vacuum and thoroughly wash your window aircon unit filter
As always, read your aircon unit’s instruction manual to make sure water won’t harm the filter. If the filter smells a little musty, that may be an indication of moisture problems inside that would require a more thorough cleaning of the entire aircon unit.
Step 4) Let the filter dry before reinstalling
Return the filter and front panel to their proper places. And make sure that everything is in place to avoid problems that may result in more expensive repairs or aircon replacement.
Here are other frequently asked questions about your aircon unit filter:
How often should you clean your air conditioner?
General cleaning on a monthly basis is a good idea. You should conduct more rigorous cleaning more often or even multiple times during the summer months when aircon units get the most use.
Is it safe to spray water on your aircon unit?
If you have an outdoor central aircon unit, you can definitely spray water on it. Window aircon units are also generally not averse to water but read the instruction manual to be sure.
About 338aircon.sg
It’s always a good time to talk about the common issues that aircon units have. This way, you’ll be able to spot if there are problems with your unit or not and prepare for its replacement accordingly. If you require our aircon servicing services, Whatsapp us at +65 9222 4141 for a fast and transparent quote.
338 AC Servicing Singapore provides an extensive range of Aircon Services including Aircon Servicing, Aircon Repairs, Aircon Installation of the best aircon brands, Chemical Overhaul, Gas Top-up, Aircon Leaking Water, and Aircon Not Cold Fix, and more. We have a team of professional technicians who are equipped with vast knowledge and experience in the Aircon industry.
We have over 15 years of experience in dealing with aircon works and have completed thousands of aircon works for both residential (Landed, Condo, and HDB) and commercial. We are a highly recommended Aircon Company in Singapore, with many delighted customers and reviews over the years on Google and Facebook. WhatsApp us at +65 9222 4141 for a transparent quotation and honest pricing for all your aircon needs or Call us at +65 9222 4141. We offer a fast and efficient service to serve any of your aircon needs!