It's important to clean your air conditioner to maintain good air quality in your home. Filters inside air conditioners are designed to catch dust (and sometimes other pollutants such as pollen and bacteria), but if not cleaned regularly they can clog up and collect moisture and even mould. Show
Regularly cleaning your air conditioner will also mean better energy efficiency and lower running costs. The more clogged the dust filters and the interior of the machine, the harder it has to work to move the air, as well as cool or heat. The following advice is based on split-system air conditioners (the most common type in Australian homes) but it broadly applies to ducted and wall-window models too. On this page:
Check the instructionsYour air conditioner should have come with an instruction manual that details how to access and clean the air filters and any other user-maintainable parts. If you don't have the book any more, you may be able to download a copy from the manufacturer's website. Need to know: Make sure the unit is turned off at the wall before you do any maintenance on it. Video: CHOICE expert Chris Barnes shows you how to clean the filters on your air conditioner to keep it running at its best. How to clean the filters and louvres on your air conditionerClean the indoor unit dust filtersThe indoor air conditioner unit has dust filters that need regular cleaning. The more clogged the filter, the harder the air conditioner has to work to push air through it. That can mean higher running costs. It's usually a simple matter of popping open the plastic cover and removing the filter (there may be more than one). If you can't easily reach the indoor unit, use a small stepladder. Manufacturers usually recommend that you clean the dust filters every few weeks, but it really depends how often you use your air conditioner. Simply put, the more you use it, the more often you should clean the filters. At the least, aim to clean them a couple of times a year. For example, if you mainly use the unit in summer, clean the filters in spring so it's ready for the peak season, and again when the hot season is over.
Some models also have an air purification filter (such as an ionising filter) that can be removed and cleaned. This type of filter will eventually need to be replaced, perhaps every year or two, depending on usage. Check the instructions for how to clean or replace this filter. How to clean your air conditioner's louvresYou may also be able to remove the indoor unit's louvres (the oscillating blades that direct the air flow). Give them, and the space behind them inside the unit, a thorough clean with a dry cloth or with the vacuum cleaner. Again, make sure the air conditioner unit is powered off before you do this. In dusty or humid areasIf you live in a very dusty or humid environment, and use your air conditioner frequently, you might be surprised at how much dust and mould can build up inside the air conditioner. This can lead not only to the unit losing performance as it clogs up, but also to mould spores growing and being blown into your home, as well as water leakage if the indoor unit's drainage pipe gets blocked by gunk. Regular cleaning of the dust filters and louvres will help avoid this. Running the unit in fan-only mode (or running a 'dry out' program if the unit has one) will help keep the interior of the indoor unit dry. Nevertheless, an occasional professional service and clean may be a good idea. How to clean your air conditioner's outdoor unitKeep the outdoor compressor unit clear of surrounding grass and plants, and brush away dust, leaves and cobwebs regularly. Running a vacuum cleaner over the air intake can help clear dust from inside. We don't recommend that you open up the unit to clean its internal components – leave that to a professional service. Getting your air conditioner professionally serviced and cleanedYour air conditioning system should be professionally serviced regularly – the service person will check the refrigerant gas levels, test the thermostat and make sure all the internals are in good condition. This will keep the unit running for many years. Some manufacturers recommend the air conditioner should be serviced once a year. Others say that as long as you follow the instructions and regularly clean the filters and units, you'll only need to have the air conditioner serviced if a fault develops. We asked CHOICE members about their air conditioner cleaning habits. Most said they clean the filters a few times each year, but only call for a service every few years or when the unit develops a fault. If in doubt, check the manual for your model or call the manufacturer for their advice. Professional cleaningYou can have your air conditioner cleaned by a professional. A maintenance service should include cleaning of internal components such as coils, fins and drainage. This is especially worth considering if you live in a very dusty or humid area, where dust and mould build-up inside the unit is a risk. Air conditioner cleaning cheat sheetEvery month
Bi-annually
Annually
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated. Can I wash and reuse my AC filter?Key Takeaways. Washable air conditioner filters are very easy to clean and maintain. Unlike disposable filters, you can simply take them out of your HVAC unit, rinse them with water, and they're good to go again.
Can I clean my air filter instead of replacing it?Introduction. Air filters are typically replaced every 15,000 miles, but a cleaning between replacements can enhance your car's performance. If you've noticed a decrease in mileage per gallon or acceleration, try vacuuming and gently cleansing the air filter. It could be just what your car needs.
How do you clean an air filter at home?Step 1: Turn off the power and locate the filter. Before you begin, turn off your HVAC unit to prevent unfiltered air from circulating around your home while cleaning. ... . Step 2: Vacuum the air filter. ... . Step 3: Wash the filter with vinegar and water. ... . Step 4: Let dry and replace.. |