Cleaning or replacing your HVAC filter is an important part of your home maintenance routine. But can an AC filter be washed? The answer is yes, but it depends on the type of filter you have. Washable air filters can be easily cleaned and reused as needed, while disposable AC filters offer a shorter life cycle. In this article, we'll discuss the different types of air conditioner filters, how to clean them, and when to replace them. There are two main types of air conditioner filters: disposable and washable.
Disposable filters are made of paper or fiberglass and are designed to be replaced every three months. Washable filters are made of metal mesh or pleated fabric and can be cleaned and reused for years. Permanent electrostatic filters are also available, which are designed to last the life of the HVAC system with proper care. If you have a washable air conditioner filter, you should clean it once a month. To do this, remove the filter safely from the air conditioning unit and rinse it in a sink or tub with water.
You can use a soft brush and mild detergent to remove sticky particles. 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. If you need to perform a deep cleaning, immerse the filter in a flat container with 1 part white vinegar and 1 part warm water for one hour, then rinse it gently with a hose. Do not use a pressurized fit on the hose because you could accidentally damage the filter. If washing no longer works, it's time to buy a new AC filter.
Replacing the cabin filter with a new one is ideal, but you can often get longer life out of this filter by simply cleaning it so that the air can flow back in. Whether you have a disposable air conditioner filter or a washable air conditioner filter, at some point all the filters in the air conditioner need to be replaced. Clean or replace the air conditioner filter once or twice a month during the cooling season. If your air conditioner works as a heat pump, you should clean or replace the filter once every three months throughout the year. Regularly cleaning or replacing your HVAC filter is an important step in improving indoor air quality in commercial environments and reducing energy and maintenance costs in your home. Neglecting this can lead to a restriction of air flow, as dirt accumulates inside the filter and prevents airflow through it. The pleated (zigzag) air conditioning filter is one of the most delicate parts of a vehicle's HVAC system and can be easily damaged.
Be sure to rinse it with fresh water and allow it to dry completely before returning it to your air conditioning unit.