Keeping your furnace filter clean is essential for maintaining a healthy and efficient air conditioning system. A good rule of thumb is to check your filter every month and replace it at least every three months. Cleaning your filter regularly will prevent dust and dirt from accumulating in the system, which could lead to costly utility and maintenance bills. Additionally, if not cleaned properly, mold and other problems can appear on the filter surface.
ENERGY STAR recommends cleaning a filter at least every 3 months. To do this, you must safely remove the filter from the air conditioning unit. Rinse it in a sink or tub with water and use a soft brush and mild detergent to remove sticky particles. Once this is done, shake off excess water to drain through the drain holes in the rack and reinstall the air cleaner to the system.
The system air flow will completely dry the clean filter. Low-cost fiberglass filters need to be changed every 30 days, while more expensive pleated filters can last up to 6 months. A good rule of thumb is to replace pleated filters every 90 days. If you have electrostatic or washable filters, you should wash, dry and reinstall them once a month.
Washable filters are more environmentally friendly and, if properly cleaned and reused, can last 5 to 10 years. Air filters need maintenance every 3 to 5 months to avoid airflow or quality problems. Disposable air filters allow you to skip work and simply attach a new air filter. New filters may even be delivered directly to your door. Disposable oven filters have cardboard frames, while permanent filters have metal or fiberglass frames. Proper cleaning of reusable air filters is important to maintaining critical airflow and extending the life of the air conditioning unit.
Washable filters and reusable oven filters provide filtration benefits that keep contaminants out and fresh air in. Cleaning a washable air filter in an air conditioning or heating system is one of the most important things you can do. Keeping an air conditioning filter clean and functional is one of the keys to keeping any commercial building safe from dirty air. Cleanable oven filters are reusable tools capable of protecting a clean heating system for long periods of time. When you inspect your AC filter and see dust on the filter surface, it's time to clean it.
In terms of maintenance, you should clean the washable filters once a month, neglecting this can lead to a restriction of air flow, as dirt accumulates inside the filter. Disposable air filters can't be cleaned enough, and attempting to clean them could lead to AC efficiency problems or even mold.
