If you have an air conditioning or air conditioning system at home or at work, surely you are wondering how to clean the air conditioning filter and how often you have to do it. It is a necessary action, since the maintenance of the air conditioning device is mandatory to ensure that it works well, for a long time and in a healthy way.
In this article we will talk about the air conditioning filter, its cleaning and its maintenance to efficiently enjoy this device at home. To get our cleaning service reach out this post end of tenancy cleaning southampton
What are air conditioning filters?
The filters have the task of purifying the air that comes out of our air conditioning. In the air there are usually pollutants such as smoke particles, dust and allergens, which can affect our health. And these filters are in charge of stopping and eliminating all those particles so that we can breathe cleaner and purer air.
In the same way that they influence the quality of the air, they also influence the performance of the equipment, since a dirty filter can cause a device to consume up to 30% more than a model in optimal conditions.
Types of air conditioning filters
We can find various types of filters and, in recent years, there have been innovations that make them more efficient. Some of these types are:
- Nylon filters . It is the most common and basic. It is easy to maintain, since it can be washed at home with warm water and neutral soap.
- Metallic filters . They can be made of steel or aluminum and it is the type most used in window models. Regarding its maintenance, it can be cleaned with water or high pressure air and, in case of deterioration, replaced.
- Activated carbon filters . This type is more sophisticated and can absorb odors. It is very effective if there are smokers in the home, although it cannot be washed and, when its useful life is over, it is necessary to change it.
- HEPA filter . They are very effective, since they can trap particles with a size of up to 0.3 microns. They are usually made of fiberglass and can be washed gently with warm water.
- Plasma filter . It is one of the most advanced filters, with the capacity to purify and deodorize the air. In this case, these filters are not mechanical.
Why clean air conditioning filters?
Next, we give you the reasons why it is advisable to clean the air conditioning filters and keep them in optimal conditions.
They keep the air clean
We have already pointed out that air conditioning filters help trap suspended particles in the environment. Therefore, its main task is to clean and filter the air before passing through the entire system of the equipment. In this way, the exchanger is prevented from clogging and cleaner air is obtained, free of dust, pollen, other allergens and bad odors.
In addition, the filters help in homes where there are children or people with asthma, allergies or other respiratory problems.
Better performance, reduced consumption and avoid breakdowns
If the filters of the air conditioning equipment are not cleaned correctly, the particles enter the battery, clog it and deteriorate the interior of the device. This causes worse performance.
Also, if they are heat exchangers , the system can be clogged and not perform its function correctly. And this leads to increased power consumption and a breakdown may occur. In the same way, obstructions force the compressor , causing the temperature to rise and, since the refrigerant cannot evaporate, the device will break down.
For all this, it is always recommended to keep them clean in a preventive way, to achieve better performance and their components last longer.
How often should we clean them?
To get an idea, in equipment with power similar to or less than 70 kW (most equipment in the home) it is recommended to clean it at least once a year. Likewise, it is good to do it before the start of the summer season to remove all the dirt. Depending on traffic, pollution or the presence of pollen, lint and other allergens, we will have to check the filter several times to know the proper periodicity of the reviews.
If the equipment has a reversible function and includes a heat pump , cleaning must be carried out at least once before summer and another time before winter. As always, we are talking about minimums, since revisions may have to be carried out more often. In this way, it is guaranteed that the equipment works properly and that the filters fulfill their task of keeping the air clean of impurities.
How to clean air conditioning filters (split)
Before cleaning, we have to remember that the filters are delicate elements, which can be damaged and deformed when handled. Taking this into account, we point out the steps to clean them.
Switch off the appliance
To avoid possible electrical accidents, it is always advisable to remove them from the outlet. Later, we access the interior of the split by opening the front cover of the device.
remove the filters
It is common for air conditioners to contain between one or two grilles . There are even models that include a second type of filter (such as HEPA) that collects the smallest particles of dust, pollen, or other allergens. These can also be cleaned, although care must be taken not to fold or wrinkle them.
Clean the filters
We vacuum the dust and other elements that have been embedded in the filters. The filters are very dirty, we can put them in a mixture of warm water with vinegar. Have a vacuum cleaner, we can use a cloth and warm water with vinegar.
In the case of being cellulose filters , we can submerge them in cold water with a jet of neutral soap for two hours, although they must not be rubbed or drained so as not to damage their structure.
Vinegar is known to be a good disinfectant and odor remover. If you don’t have vinegar, you can use liquid soap. Never use chemical or abrasive products such as bleach or ammonia, as they can damage the filters.
Dry and replace the filters
We let the filters dry in the open air or with absorbent paper. By the way, we can also clean the tubes behind the filters.
To put the filters back in the device, we have to do it in the reverse order to how we removed it. First we put the particulate filters in place and then the main filter. Finally, we close the lid tightly and wipe the device with a cloth to remove all traces of dust.
