Maintaining optimal operation of your air conditioning system is important to both its longevity and your energy bills. One of the most important yet simple parts of your air conditioning system is its air filters, also known as the furnace filter, which play a crucial role in keeping the system running smoothly.
Air filters are designed to remove contaminants from the air, such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. They also help to keep the coils of your air conditioner clean, which improves its efficiency. These filters need to be changed every 3 months at a minimum, and this is something you can often do yourself without a professional.
Types of Air Conditioning Filters
There are two main types of air filters widely available in the market when it comes to air conditioning systems: disposable and washable or reusable filters.
1. Disposable Filters
Disposable filters are relatively cheap and do not need to be cleaned after a stipulated period. You may discard dirty filters, put in a new one, and run your air conditioning system as you normally would. These are mostly made out of paper or cardboard, so they cannot be cleaned with water. You may also consider buying them in bulk so that you have some on hand whenever you need a replacement.
2. Reusable Filters
These filters do not need to be thrown out when they get dirty; they can be cleaned with water and soap. Many reusable filters are also called electrostatic filters as they pass electrostatic current in between the mesh to capture dust and other debris. These filters are likely to last the entire lifetime of your air conditioning system. Although they can be expensive upfront, you save money on monthly filter replacements.
Tending to your Air Filters
Now that you have understood the basics of air filters, here is how you clean the reusable filters:
1. Make sure you turn your AC unit off before you get started.
2. The first step is to remove the filter from the furnace. For this, you will need to open the furnace filter door and locate the air filter.Once you have found it, simply pull it out from its housing.
3. Next, put it in a garbage bag so the debris isn’t released into the air and take it outside and shake it off to remove any loose dust or debris. If there is any caked-on dirt, you can gently brush it off with a soft-bristled brush.
4. Once the filter has been brushed, rinse it off gently with a garden hose to remove any remaining dirt or debris. Allow the filter to air dry completely before putting it back in the furnace.
Martino HVAC has been serving Vaughan, ON, and surrounding areas with professional, honest, and reliable HVAC services for over 30 years. We are fully committed to helping you and your family attain maximum comfort throughout the year. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an AC replacement in Vaughan!
