Air filter in your air conditioner: What does it do and how to look after it?

Air filter in your air conditioner: What does it do and how to look after it?

Did you know that the air you breathe can affect your health? We're not just talking about smog; we're talking about the amount of airborne dust, pollen, and other contaminants that can get into your lungs and affect your health. Not only that, but over time, this debris can also affect the health of your air conditioner. The more it builds up, the more difficult it is for your system to operate.

 

Your air system filter is one of the most important parts of your air conditioner. It's capable of removing a wide variety of contaminants from your home or even your lungs. However, there are limits to what it can do for you and your cooling system. So how can you take care of your air filtration system?

 

Air filters and their role in my AC

Air filters are one of the most important components of an air conditioner. If you have ductless systems, heat pumps, etc., your cooler needs an air filter that is properly installed and maintained.

 

As recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy, your air filter is one of the most significant components of your air conditioning system. Its primary purpose is to clean the air in your home by trapping harmful particles and preventing them from entering your air conditioner.

 

Without a filter, your air conditioner wouldn't work as well as it does. For example, if you were to turn on your AC without a filter, dust and dirt could build up on the evaporator coil. This would make it harder for the coil to absorb heat.

 

Keeping air filters in check

Your air filter maintenance schedule will depend on whether it’s a reusable filter or not. You’ll want to clean it once a month (or at least once every three months) to make sure it’s working properly.

 

It’s easy to clean a reusable filter. 

  ✅Simply remove the filter, 

  ✅vacuum it to get rid of the larger particles, 

  ✅then wash it with hot water to get rid of any remaining debris. 

 

Allow the filter to dry completely before replacing it.

 

For single-use filters, also known as disposable filters, the process is a little simpler. 

  ✅Remove the old filter, 

  ✅dispose of it properly, 

  ✅and replace it with the new filter. 

You should do this as often as you would with a reusable filter.

 

Read more: How to fix rising energy bills for your AC?

 

Rely on scheduled, professional maintenance

While your filter will certainly do its part to keep the air that circulates in your AC system and that you breathe clean, no air filter is going to completely protect your AC system from all the wear and tear that comes with it. Whether it's a clogged air filter or something else that's causing your cooling system to malfunction, it's always a good idea to call in a professional for efficient air conditioning repairs, large or small.

 

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