How to Clean Your AC Filters

August 7, 2024

Air filter maintenance is an easy and important part of keeping your cooling system working efficiently. If you have excess humidity in your Portland, OR home, consistently poor indoor air quality (IAQ), or higher-than-normal energy bills, a dirty filter could be why. According to the United States Department of Energy (DOE), filter maintenance can cut HVAC-related energy costs by up to 15%. The following is everything you need to know about cleaning or replacing your AC filter.

Set the Right Filter Maintenance Schedule

According to most HVAC equipment manufacturers, standard, pleated air filters last just 30 to 90 days. Homeowners should inspect these components monthly and swap them out as needed. These filters have thin, simple constructs and are often coated in debris after just six to eight weeks of continual AC operation. Standard, pleated filters typically have maximum efficiency reporting value (MERV) ratings of six to 10.

If you have a washable filter instead, you should check this component every two to four weeks and wash it monthly. Washable AC filters typically have MERV ratings of one to four.

Replaceable vs. Washable Filters

In Portland, many homeowners are actively seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprints and limit the amount of waste that they’re adding to local landfills. Opting for washable filters rather than replaceable options is one way to reduce the waste that your AC produces over time. However, washable filters can cost quite a bit more than their alternatives. More importantly, they also have finite lifespans and limited air filtration capabilities.

While high-quality and well-maintained washable filters can last five to 10 years, many low-cost options require replacement every six to 12 months. For adequate air filtration, it’s best to target high-end products with MERV ratings of at least six to eight.

Setting a Filter Maintenance Schedule for a Ductless AC

If you have a ductless air conditioner and multiple indoor air handlers, you have your work cut out for you. All air handlers in a ductless AC have their own washable filters. You’ll need to inspect and clean each of these filters every two to four weeks. Despite being washable, these components should also be replaced every six to 12 months according to manufacturer recommendations.

How to Know If Your Air Filter Is Ready for Cleaning or Replacement

There’s a very simple trick for knowing when it’s time to clean or replace an AC filter. Simply take this component out and hold it up to the overhead light. In theory, as long as light can still pass through a filter’s mesh, air can pass through it as well. When these components are coated in heavy build-ups of gray, lint-like debris, it’s time to take action.

Where to Find Your Central AC Filter

Ductless mini-split systems have replaceable air filters in each of their air handlers. Air filters for air conditioners can often be found in return ducts or in or just next to their indoor air handlers. If you have a hard time finding your AC filter when performing filter maintenance for the first time, just give us a call. We can walk you through this process or schedule an in-person demonstration. Filter changes are part of our annual AC tune-up services.

Things to Remember When Changing or Cleaning Your AC Filter

When cleaning your AC filter, take this component outside and use cool water from your water hose. Although some pressure is necessary for sloughing off tough, tacky build-ups, never let your water pressure get too high. Excessively high pressure can loosen filter mesh from its outer frame and render a replaceable filter useless. Before reinstalling a replaceable filter, make sure that it’s completely dry.

When replacing any AC filter, always make sure that this component has the right size and the right orientation. You can take a picture of your old filter in its housing before removing it to use as a point of reference. Running your AC with an improperly sized or installed filter can be just as detrimental to your cooling equipment as having no filter at all.

Checking Your HVAC Air Registers, Vents, or Grilles

After changing your air filter, take a look at the HVAC air registers, vents, or grilles throughout your home. When filters are excessively dirty, they can shed clumps of collected debris that eventually make their way to these features. You can wipe vents, registers, and grilles with a damp cloth. In a central HVAC system, you can also remove air vent covers and clean behind them using your vacuum cleaner’s hose attachment.

Residents of Portland, OR can count on us for expert heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services. We also provide generators, duct cleaning, heat pumps, and ductless mini-splits. If you have additional questions about AC filter maintenance or want to schedule an appointment, contact Climate Control now.