\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. 3. Vacuum your filter to get rid of excess dust and dirt. Next, use a mixture of soap and warm water to make cleaning solution for the filter. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. remove the filter and clean it with a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush. Last Updated: September 18, 2022 Remove the air filter. Step 3 - Soak & Scrub. Allow it to work for a few minutes. If you see a lot of dust, then go ahead and clean it. Step 11. And let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Start by cleaning around the pool to reduce the amount of dirt that can drop into the pool accidentally. Wear a disposable face mask when cleaning air filters. How To Clean A Foam Vacuum Filter . So dont use a bleach solution on the condenser coils. It's best to clean most central air filters each month. Inside, use a soft brush to dust off the coil, then spray the coil with commercially-available, no-rinse coil cleaner (available at home improvement stores). Use the sponge or brush and dip it into the hot water. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Take a broom and sweep away loose dust and debris. Use a step ladder if the vent is up on the ceiling or a high wall. This article was co-authored by Victor Belavus. If the system isnt turned off first, it will suck in debris during the cleaning process. If your pool floor is made of soft vinyl flooring, you should use a nylon brush to get rid of dirt stick in . Make sure the filter is compatible with cleaning; for instance, disposable air filters should be replaced, not cleaned, whereas permanent filters may be washable. Read on for more information about proper filter maintenance. Rinse out the air filter with water after cleaning it with soap. Vacuum the location of the filter with a low-power vacuum cleaner to remove any excess dust while the filter is soaking in the cleaning solution. Given enough time, that buildup of cold air can eventually cause ice . To start with, you need to follow these steps to clean the window AC at home: Turn off the power supply as the first and foremost step. If you use the projector without the air filter, dust will be sucked into it, and this may cause a malfunction. It's super easy to clean and re-oil your K&N Air Filter with products you've probably got at home - some Fairy Liquid and some light spray oil.In this video . Use a gentle spray, not the full force of your hose, to avoid damaging the filter. Allow the condenser coils to dry before you replace the cover back. The canister was the only part that held the filter. Clean the grille assembly with a damp rag or towel. Consult the manufacturers instructions for any special steps you might need to take, but, generally, leaning it against the side of the bathtub for a few hours and flipping it over midway should do the trick. If you have a replaceable filter on your air conditioner, replace it at least every 3 months. The evaporator coils are located directly behind the air filter. Sprinkle baking soda and table salt on an area of the carpet. Dont allow the cleanser to dry on the filter; let it sit only for ten minutes. The second filter of your Hoover freedom stick vacuum cleaner can not be cleaned with water or detergent. #6 - Use a Hose and/or a Soak. You should clean your filter more frequently if you have pets or allergies, or if youre using your air conditioner regularly. Use a dustpan and eliminate dust from the car floor. While its okay to run an air conditioner for a short time without a filter, running one for hours with no filter will eventually cause serious damage to the AC unit while lowering the air quality in your home. Some air conditioners have filters that can be cleaned. Disposable furnace filters for the home are designed for one-time use. Step 4: Wash the Filter. To remove this grime, mix one drop of dish soap in 2 cups of warm water. Using a Brush to Clean Bottom of Pool. % of people told us that this article helped them. Open the screw (s) or latch and swing open the vent. Installing a window AC is a quick and easy solution to keep a space in your home cool. If you want to clean the condenser coils of your large central air conditioner unit outside, remove its outer case, then blow compressed air across its surface in short bursts. The easiest step to clean the filter is to use a vacuum cleaner. Approved. Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, http://www.partselect.com/JustForFun/Air-Conditioning-Filters-Guide.aspx, http://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Clean-Your-Home-Air-Filter-/10000000177632766/g.html, http://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/tip/cleaning-air-filters.html, http://procarmechanics.com/clean-air-filters-help-gas-mileage/, https://energy.gov/energysaver/maintaining-your-air-conditioner. More frequent changing is needed if your filter is exposed to a lot of dust or pet hair. If the water becomes black with excessive dust, mix a fresh solution and continue squeezing. Simply open the air filter cover, remove the old filter, plop in the new one, and close the cover. Last Updated: October 8, 2022 Step 4: Use a water hose to hose down the filter. The clinging foam is completely self-rinsing on condensate producing coils. After spraying down the drain pan, make sure that all the excess water drains out. Then, once you do that, you will want to add some solution for cleaning or soap to the water to make the process more effective. If your filter is disposable, replace it. Washing can get your filter cleaner than vacuuming alone, but is riskier and more time-consuming. Step #3: Brush Your Filter With A Dry Toothbrush. Easy DIY instructions on how to keep your Ducted air conditioning filter clean.This is an easy job that could potentially save you thousands.In this video yo. Just use the vacuum to suck up as much as you can. A clogged AC filter can shorten the life of your expensive AC unit while allowing pollen and dust to circulate throughout your home. After removing the screws, the grill and frame should pop out of the window AC. Remove dust and debris. I recommend using a Robinair Fin Straightener since it has many sizes included. Then, gently use the brush to dust away the fan on both sides. Then skip to Step 4. Gently rinse the filter afterwards. Examine the condition of the AC filter to see if it needs cleaning. Carefully install it back into the unit as you found it, ensuring that it sits firmly in place. If you wait too long to clean a washable filter, it may become heavily clogged with oily pet hair, cooking grease, and smoke residue. Use a toothbrush and more cleaning solution to clean off any troublesome areas. Clean the Cover. You dont want to open up and work on the window AC while its still connected to power. Step 2: Remove Air conditioner Filter. Enjoy! While filters for air conditioners may be located behind an inconspicuous grate on a wall or ceiling, out of sight and out of mind, forgetting to change a filter regularly is a big mistake that can cost you money while negatively impacting the air quality in your home. There are no additional nuts or clamps holding the filter down. Check the size, which is marked on the filters side, to avoid buying one that doesnt fit. You could also hose your filter down in your shower. If youre short on time, you can use a hair dryer or small fan on moderate heat to speed up the drying process, after the rinse stage only. 5. After removing all garbage, you need to remove loose dust and debris from the inside of the car. In newer models of window ACs, the drain pan may not fully drain since that water is used to splash on the condenser coil. Expert Interview. While maintaining clean air is the obvious goal of an air filter, it is also responsible for keeping the motor of your HVAC unit in proper working condition by preventing particles such as dirt from clogging the system. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Some interior edges and corners may need a little more elbow grease, so use the nylon brush. To clean the filters, put them under a tap and clean thoroughly. Make an effective car carpet cleaner. Disposable filters should be replaced, whereas permanent filters can be vacuumed or washed. Support wikiHow by Maintaining these filters is easy. But just like any other piece of equipment, window ACs need some cleaning to keep them running efficiently. After rinsing off your coils, inspect them to see if there are any parts that are still dirty. Afterwards, rinse the filter under running water to remove any remaining dust and debris. The next task is to press the side access valve and specify the minimum pressure. 2 versatile attachments for hard-to-reach and clean areas, while the powerful suction ensures efficient cleaning. For more tips on how to keep your air conditioner clean, like how to know when your filter needs to be replaced, keep reading! After using the toothbrush, take a clean cloth and remove the dust from the AC. You have to be careful when washing or brushing off excess dust. When you notice that your HEPA filter is dirty, invest in a store-bought new one. Wipe the second filter with a dry piece of cloth or tissue or a soft brush to clean it. [3] If the system isn't turned off first, it will suck in debris during the cleaning process. These tools will help to clean the filter like a soft paintbrush or an old toothbrush, hairdryer, or another vacuum cleaner if you have one. Learn How to Clean an Air Conditioner Servicing AC Cleaning at Home and remove bad smell for air Conditioner. If you live in a warm climates you should check the filter more frequently in the summer; homeowners in cold climates may need more maintenance in the winter. Soak the filter in an equal part solution of white vinegar and warm water for about an hour. After hosing your filter down, allow it to dry, then replace it. Dont remove the filter just yet. Unfortunately, the ACs air filter is not perfect and lets some dust and particles pass by. It is more expensive to run as compared to a new, clean air filter. Fortunately, cleaning the filter in your air conditioner is simple once you know what to do. Open the AC Be certain the AC is turned off at the mains. For added effect, you could sprinkle a few spoonfuls of baking soda over your filter before spraying it down. Pour the fish tank gravel into the strainer and put the strainer inside a bucket. Remove the plastic frame from the window ACmost models use a few screws to hold the frame in place. Use the vacuum attachment to . Next, remove the filter and vacuum the front and back sides, removing as much dust and dirt as possible. Step 1: Spray Your Preferred Cleaning Liquid onto the Air Filter Pick a cleaning liquid depending on the material your air filter is made of, as some cleaning solutions don't react well with aluminum. Subscribe today and get 5% off your first purchase, Learn how to properly clean your washable air filter and help protect your air unit. Whats more, an AC unit thats working harder because of a clogged filter will use more electricity, causing your utility bill to skyrocket. A clean AC filter can also help to keep the ductwork in your home clean by catching dust and debris that might otherwise accumulate inside of it. If the filter still has a lot of dirt after you vacuum it, try soaking it in a mixture of 1 part vinegar and 5 parts water for 1 to 2 hours. Cleaning the outdoor unit is a bit difficult. In a sense, yes. You. When they are completely clean, reattach the two filters then reconnect them to the bottom of the vacuum cleaner. Condenser coils usually dont get too dusty. Vacuuming is faster and safer than washing the filter. This may cause clogging. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Wash the air filter. Rest assured, it is getting clean. Alternately, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub between the grating of the air conditioners intake. They are usually made of cardboard and easy to dispose of. But they are usually layered with dirt since they are outside. Then carry the filter outside and gently rinse it with the garden hose. You can use a vacuum cleaner without a filter, but it is not recommended. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. There are two ways you can clean the filter. If you have bent fins on your condenser coils, now is a great time to straighten them out with a fin comb. Simply spray on and condensation generated will wash away the material. If your air conditioner doubles as a heat pump, you should clean or replace the filter once every three months year round. Unplug window AC from the power outlet. My vehicle has four housing tabs. Cleaning or replacing your filter can improve your air conditioners efficiency by 5% to 15%. 5. Failing to clean your air filters in the home can cause HVAC failure or even fire. Rinse the air filter with fresh water, allow it to dry completely, which should take about 30 minutes; this will help prevent any mold issues. Rinse it thoroughly and let it dry completely before replacing it. You cant afford NOT to clean your AC! wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The air filter housing is typically an easily identifiable box near the top of the engine compartment. Lift the cover on the front of the unit and carefully pull out the filter. How to Clean a Window Air Conditioner Without Removing It. Support wikiHow by Now that you know how to clean a central air conditioner filter, let's look at ducted units. When its safe to continue, unscrew the vent cover or use the release handle to remove the filter. Neglecting to let the filter dry completely can cause mold growth, which can spread spores throughout your home through the HVAC. Benefits of Cleaning a Window Air Conditioner without Removing It. When this happens, the air conditioner cannot work . But, the design is pretty much the same on all make and model vehicles. Wash it out. You can buy an air conditioner filter at your local home appliances store or online. If you dont change your air filter as needed, you may notice a decrease in your gas mileage, ignition problems, or fouled spark plugs. Fill a spray bottle with hot water and some drops of detergents. 6. This can damage the vehicles engine. If its reusable, you can vacuum or wash it. Dont put the filter back when its still wet! If you have ever had to clean a window AC unit filter, you know it can be a major pain. The control panel is usually held in by a few screws, so remove those screws and the panel should pop out. If you've used the vacuum cleaner and it still hasn't caught all of the dust and dirt, it's time to wash the filter. Remove the cover from the AC unit. To clean your window ACs air filter, spray it down with water from the backside of the filter. Do not use pressurized water to clean a filter. Use moderate water pressure while spraying the fins. Disposable air conditioner filters are the most common variety. Now it's the time to clean the filter. This guide will discuss how to clean an AC filter and the benefits of performing this routine HVAC maintenance. First, turn off the window AC and unplug it from its power outlet. Next, take a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment and gently vacuum the filter. Step 3: Vacuum the Filter You have to take off the filter from inside the unit and then scrub it, only to put it back on and find that there is still some dust getting through. Just like the removal process, this part is easy: Simply slide the filter back into its designated slot, making sure the arrows on its frame point away from you and toward the unit. 6 May 2020. 1 Turn the system off before touching the filter. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. There are several good reasons to clean the filter on your air conditioning unit regularly. Air-dry the filter for several hours outside the RV by placing it against a wall on some dry newspapers. Drain the water and vinegar solution and dry the filter on a rack. In addition, using a vacuum without a filter can damage the machine over time . Panasonic Vacuum Cleaner Panasonic MC-CL603G146, Panasonic vacuum cleaner provides a clean air exhaust via a 6-layer filtration system with HEPA. After the cabin air filter is revealed, you just need to pull it out. Use a screwdriver to open the unit and remove the filter. Blow dust from nooks and corners by a can of compressed air. He has over 10 years of experience working with HVAC systems. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Remove any pieces of debris that may be blocking any of the vents or filters. Next, inspect the grill for any grime and mold build-up. Your air conditioner filter can get pretty disgusting without cleaning it regularly, and a dirty filter doesn't do the job of keeping dust, dirt, and debris out of the air you breathe as well. Removing a washable-type air conditioning filter once a month (or twice during seasons of high use) and assessing it for either cleaning or replacement should keep quality and energy use in check. Once you're finished, replace the filter and plug the unit back in. This will prevent you from breathing in harmful dust particles that may carry bacteria. To clean your window ACs condenser coils, spray it down with a water hose. Let the soap soak for 5-10 minutes and then begin scrubbing the grill. To learn more, including how to tell whether you should clean or replace your filter, read on! References Lift the housing tabs In order to remove the plastic frame that holds the car AC filter, you will need to gently lift the tabs. In this case, 92% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Here's how to clean vacuum filters - the three most common types. 4. Ive found that a toothbrush works best for scrubbing the grill and front frame of a window AC. To clean a non-washable filter there are a few tools that you could use. This article has been viewed 107,681 times. 3. Vacuum Out the Filter. It's best to use a soft cloth and warm soapy water. Vacuum cleaners are designed to work with filters in order to trap dust, dirt, and other debris. Put the setting from between light to moderate to remove the sediments efficiently. Have healthy, clean air When you regularly change your air filter, it results in fresher, cleaner, and more beneficial air. Wipe down the knobs, rinse, and put aside to dry. Step #4: Unclog the Hose. These are the ways you can incorporate to clean an air filter at home. HVAC Training Shop is reader-supported. The air filter is the next step in cleaning your window AC. HVAC Training Shop is reader-supported. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. You are done once your air filter looks like new. The best way to clean window air conditioner filter is with a vacuum attachment, followed by a rinse in warm, soapy water. This frame extends around the front of the AC and encloses the air filter and control panel. Bent fins block the air while blowing the dust-out. You could also choose to use an industrial-strength vacuum fitted with a soft-bristle brush attachment to suck the grime and dirt from where it has collected between the coils. Put the air filter aside for now, since youll be cleaning it in the next step. Just prop the filter up in your shower and, using your showers detachable showerhead, spray the filters entire surface, front and back, in a zig-zag motion. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Step 2: Remove the Filter Some units can have multiple filters, so be sure you check all vents. Now, turn the AC on and that's it. It is important to use warm water and not hot with soap. Finally, the pressure will reach near the upper side valve and close the compressor. Gently slide the AC filter out, being careful not to damage it, and then give it a thorough look over. Spray all over the interior, where you can wipe off later. Washing disposable air filters can actually clog them, as well as cause mold. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. unlocking this expert answer. Step #2: Remove Your Filter From The Vacuum Cleaner. Give it a good shake to mix. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? The air filters housing should be on top of the engine, in a round or rectangular box. Do not vacuum the dust from the back side (the side with the pull stick) of the air filter when vacuuming with a vacuum cleaner. Moisture and debris can cause damage to the engine. This should be enough for a moderate level of dirt but if it's really dirty, you're going to have to leave it soaking for hours. Cleaning coils increases efficiency and saves. [2] Vacuum the encasement area, then take out the air filter. For a super deep cleanas long as your manual says it's okaysoak the filter for one hour in a sink filled 50:50 with water and white vinegar.