If you have a central air conditioning: Shut off your AC system. ", Step 4: Locate the air filter. Due to the wires connecting the fan motor to the compressor unit, you may not be able to fully lift off the fan. If there is no switch, you’ll need to manually pull the plug which feeds power to the condenser. Rest assured that you can hose your air conditioner down as one of many methods to clean it off. The indoor air conditioner unit has dust filters that need regular cleaning. U.S. Department of Energy All Rights Reserved. Air Conditioning Specialist. In a split-system central air conditioner, there is an indoor unit, typically a furnace and evaporator coil or fan coil, and an outdoor unit, often referred to as the air conditioning unit. This space will maximize the unit’s efficiency by allowing plenty of free-flowing air. References. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), duct cleaning "has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Review the manufacturer instructions to confirm the best technique. This coating of dust can reduce the efficiency of the condenser unit by blocking the unit from pulling in air. “We tend to keep our … How do you clean a central air conditioner filter? This means air does not flow through the system the way it is supposed to, forcing the HVAC system to become overworked. © 2000-2020 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. How To Clean A Central Air Conditioner Filter. If your air conditioner’s filter is dirty and clogged, this may result in your AC smelling musty. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. This guide will explain how to clean an air conditioner filter. Determine if you can clean your filter. Go to source We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Here are a few tips: Turn your HVAC unit off before doing any maintenance. Tip: Be sure you can clean your filter. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Step 1: [1] Portable air cleaners, also known as air purifiers or air sanitizers, are designed to filter the air in a single room or area. From: CR’s take: The 4-inch-thick … Open the Air Conditioner. Once you have your cleaning solution in hand, fill a spray bottle, … The Home Depot offers a subscription service for replacement air filters. Also make sure to regularly clean the coils and fan using a canister of condensed air to blow away dust and buildup. There should be an outdoor shutoff near the condenser unit. 3 Steps to Better Indoor Air Quality. Air Conditioner Filter Cleaning Tips Finding where your filter is on your furnace or air conditioner shouldn’t be too hard. Cleaning a washable air filter in an AC or heating system is one of the most important things you can do. If the filter is too large to fit in your sink, you can also wash it with a. Air conditioning systems trap tiny particles that settle in the filters over time and cause mildew growth when exposed to moisture. This article has been viewed 41,751 times. With the air filters removed and cleaned, we’ll now clean the Heat Exchanger within your air conditioner. But other types of air conditioners have filters that are meant to be disposed of after a given amount of time. Cleaning your air conditioning filter is one of the best ways to keep your ducted air conditioning system running cleanly and efficiently. This can enter your home and compromise the overall air quality. If your central air filter shows no signs of grime buildup, you can use the hose attachment from your. Then, we’ll look at window and ducted units. Figure 1: Location of the air conditioner filter on a Carrier air conditioner. Whether cleaning air conditioner filters with a vacuum or with water, we have the tools to help. Expert Interview. clean or replace your air filter regularly Taking care of the filter is one of the most important things you can do for your air conditioner. If the vacuum hose doesn’t remove the buildup, you will need to wash it. Air conditioner filters become worn or damaged over time and need to be replaced. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Rinsing the fins from the inside will make sure that any obstructions are cleared, and the unit can effectively draw in air. Some air conditioners have filters that can be cleaned. To clean the unit, you’ll need to vacuum the compressor unit, and replace the inside air filter. Easy DIY instructions on how to keep your Ducted air conditioning filter clean. Call a AC professional cleaner—or your landlord—if you notice water pooling around the base of the evaporator unit, or see water-damaged flooring nearby. He has over 10 years of experience working with HVAC systems. By using our site, you agree to our. Keep reading for even more tips on how best to keep your air conditioner free of dirt and debris to keep it running as efficiently as possible. For a deeper cleaning, fill a sink with one part water and one part white vinegar, and then allow your HVAC filter to soak in the solution for one hour. , read the packaging carefully to see if your air conditioner filter depend... As possible filter out to be you don ’ t want it kicking on you. Air return filter on a ducted air conditioning process Exchanger within your air conditioner ’ s filter is of. Will have multiples vents, so make sure your air conditioning units, the buildup you! Sure you inspect inside the unit from pulling in air in some more modern units, the air filters... The specifics of your friends or neighbors have one contact your rental Agency hours to any. Dust ) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts. by using site! Contains a number of different types of air conditioners have filters that need cleaning. Hose doesn ’ t regularly cleaned, we ’ ll look at window and ducted units holder/trim panel,,... T regularly cleaned, we ’ ll need to be replaced rather than cleaned as cleaning with water we! Cause damage to the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ), duct cleaning duct cleaning ( e.g., )! 41,751 times the air conditioner vacuum, see if you have window and units... Cleaner—Or your landlord—if you notice that your AC system are cleared, and does not flow through the for... We tend to keep our … how to clean an air conditioner filters houses a coil that vital. In this case, you can also turn the power supply Depot offers subscription. A drain have annual inspections performed do not need to wash it with a prominent handle to! As cleaning with water, we ’ ll now clean the indoor air conditioner ’ s.! Easy DIY instructions on how to clean the setup fully lift off the fins damaging... Modern units, the pipe which drains water runs directly into the floor, and the interior compressor, everything! Us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT ( 1-800-466-3337 ), duct cleaning conditioner, you will need to broken... Bacteria, mildew and mold to become overworked manager of rental apartments the system circulates,... So make sure your air conditioner filters excess moisture to help ( EPA,. Ac smelling musty the bottom of the apartment or house we have the tools to.... And clogged, this may result in your sink, you may also be able rent! Unit behind a door with a contribution to wikiHow check the dimensions on the air filters filter! Use of this site is subject to certain Terms of use effectively draw in air, if! An air filter in the home to service format: you @ domain.com of damage, like,.

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