key points
- The simplest way to improve AC performance is to change or clean the air filter.
- A clean AC filter enhances cooling, improves air quality, and increases the lifetime of the unit.
- Wash vacuum and permanent Aries filters or replace the disposable paper filter completely.
You want Cold, crisp air When it is hot out of your AC. So if your AC is not blowing cold airYou can first see more complex solutions, such as adding more cold. While it often resolves this issue, often has an easy solution: cleaning of air filters.
Michael Bref, who has more than thirty years of experience in HVAC with Frederick Air Conditioning, explains why cleaning the air filter is the most effective way to get cooler air from your AC.
Meet experts
Michael brief Frederick is headed by retail sales in air conditioning.
Why do you get cooler air by cleaning the filter
The primary purpose of an HVAC filter is Stop dust and other contaminants According to the brief, by entering the air stream. It creates a healthy living environment and improves air quality.
“If the filter is not properly cleaned, the owners of the house may face an increase in infectious air particles such as allergies and other pollutants,” says briefly.
A clean AC air filter allows air to pass independently, while a dirty filter restrictions airflow.
“And this can eventually affect the cooling performance of your unit,” says briefs.
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How many times to clean the air filter
There will be either one in your AC unit Permanent, Washable Nylon Aries Filter Or a disposable filter.
“Most Room air conditioner Come with nylon mesh filter that can fulfill the life of the unit, “briefly says.” Nylon Aries filters should be cleaned monthly. ,
Disposable fabric, carbon and MRV 13 paper filters also require monthly replacement when the unit is in heavy use, briefly adds.
If AC unit is not often used, clean or Change the filter Once every three months. If it is being used daily or if you have dirty air in your house, clean it or change it at least once a month, or more often as required.
How to clean the filter
Before changing or Air filter cleaningClose the unit on the thermostat or flip the circuit breaker in the electric service panel.
Find the filter for yourself Window AC unit Behind the front face. For split AC units, detect the filter behind the front panel. Central AC unit filters are usually located in returns or behind the air returns.
Cleaning a washedable filter
- Remove the filter: Slide or unlip the filter to remove it.
- Vacuum the filter: Use Vacuum with brush attachment To extract dust gently from the filter. Be gentle, because Aries nylon filters are delicate.
- Wash the filter: If the filter is still dirty, sprinkle it baking soda And then gently rinse with a hose (no high pressure).
- Dry and install the filter: Perfect filter air-dry before installation. Restore it, secure any clip, and close the access panel.
Clean or change a disposable filter
- Make the latch unseen: Make the latch holding the air filter drawer in place. It is air-tight, so the latch can be tight.
- Remove the filter: Remove the old filter and leave it. Wash and reuse the disposable filter.
- Add new filter: Insert a new filter in the filter drawer. Arrows on the edge of the filter should indicate in the direction of airflow.
- Safe drawer: Put the drawer again.
What type of air filter to use
Is it better to use a permanent wash filter or disposable paper filter?
“Both disposable and wash -able filters serve the same purpose to protect your system and living environment from harmful air particles,” says briefs.
So this is mostly a matter of personal priority. While a washable filter is better for the environment, it is still a defect if you do not wash it regularly. In that case, it would be best to use disposable paper filters.
A brief Mervv 13 disasseable filters recommends, as it is effective in capturing between 50 and 90 percent of particles from the air.
Cooler air and other tips for more efficient AC
Promote your AC efficiency with these tips:
- Close all the blinds and curtains, especially those who withstand the sun.
- Limit heat-producing activities such as using ovens, stoves or dryers.
- Change the ceiling fan direction To do left.
- Seal gaps and cracks In windows and walls with caulk.
- Keep all the air duct vents open even in unused rooms.