How To Clean Your Air Conditioner Filter

Why is a clean air conditioner filter important?

Maintaining a clean air con filter is as important as vacuuming your carpets when it comes to keeping a hygienic home. Here’s why…

Indoor air quality

“Cleaning your air conditioner, particularly its filters, is one of the simplest ways to keep the air in your home clean and your family breathing easy,” says Scott Bazley, The Good Guys Buyer – Seasonal. “When you consider your aircon’s job is to circulate temperate air around the room, you want to make sure that it’s doing that through filters that are clean enough to trap dust, dirt and pollen and remove these particles from the air.”

Energy efficiency

A dirty air conditioner has to work harder to cool and circulate air. So, considering heating and cooling are often the biggest contributors to your home’s energy consumption, maintaining a clean aircon is an easy way to help keep your household bills in check.

Appliance lifespan

Evaporator coils covered in dust, clogged air filters and mouldy parts can all contribute towards costly repairs, or worse, needing to completely replace your machine. Like with anything good in life, the better you care for your air conditioner, the longer it will last.

How often should you clean your aircon?

There’s plenty to consider when determining how often to clean your aircon filter, but it’s worth remembering it can never be too clean, so more frequently is better than less frequently.

If you only fire up your air conditioner on the hottest days of summer, a pre-use clean to blow out the winter dust is a good idea. If you use yours regularly throughout the year, have indoor pets or live in a dusty or humid area, make air conditioner maintenance a monthly job.

“If your air con filters appear dirty, give them a clean. Regular checks will save you from having to do an intense clean and will help prevent your air conditioner from running into problems.” says Scott Bazley, The Good Guys Buyer – Seasonal. “Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations and you’ll be set for many hot summers to come.”

How to clean your air conditioner filter and louvres

Time for the dirty work! Here’s your step-by-step guide to cleaning air conditioner filters. These instructions are based on a split system air conditioner, but can generally be applied to portable air conditioners and window wall units as well.

Step 1: Turn it off

For a safe clean, switch off your air conditioner at the wall.

Step 2: Remove indoor aircon dust filter

Pop open the plastic cover on the unit and carefully pull out the filter. You’ll recognise it as a mesh-type insert inside a plastic frame.

Step 4: Vacuum and brush

Use your vacuum cleaner to remove the dust and lint caught in the filter mesh. The small handheld brush from your dustpan also works well for this job.

Step 3: Wash filter

To remove any grime, fill a bucket or sink with warm, soapy water and soak the filter. A soft cloth can be used to remove any leftover lint or debris caught in the mesh.

Step 4: Clean louvres

If you notice they also need a clean, you may be able to remove the louvre blades and give them a thorough clean with a damp cloth. While you’re at it, vacuum the space behind them in the unit.

Step 5: Reinstall filter and louvres

When the filter and louvres are completely dry, place them back into the aircon unit and close the cover. Job done!

Time for an upgrade? Shop air conditioners

From air quality issues to strange noises and drips, there will be obvious signs when it’s time to replace your old unit. If you’re looking to upgrade your home cooling (or heating), consider these hardworking options:

• Portable air conditioner: A great choice for small spaces or rentals – just plug it in and it’s ready for use.

• Split system air conditioner: One part is attached to the internal wall while the other is outside to exhaust heat. These models are best in larger spaces, and some can also heat in winter.

• Window wall unit: It can be installed onto a window sill or into an external hole in the wall. Some models heat and cool.

Installing an air conditioner

Leave that to us! The Good Guys Home Services can organise a licensed and insured professional to do it all for you – including helping you find the perfect spot for your air conditioner.

Visit The Good Guys in-store or online and keep your place comfy all year round with our wide range of heating and cooling appliances. See you soon!