Keep Your Cool: 5 Steps to Clean Your Air Conditioner Filter

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In the midst of a hot summer day, nothing is worse than your air conditioner turning off. While you can try and troubleshoot the problem on your own, chances are you won't be able to get it up and running without contacting an HVAC professional. One way you can prevent problems with your air conditioner is by keeping the filter clean. It's easy to remember to clean your toilet and refrigerator, but it's easy to forget that the filter in your air conditioner needs to be cleaned regularly too. Follow these five steps to clean your air conditioner filter and keep your cool all summer long.

1. Turn it off and open it up. Once the air conditioner is turned off and unplugged completely, start opening up the air conditioner (you might need a screwdriver) and remove each component until you get to the filter.
2. Take the filter out. Before you start to clean the filter, you should inspect it for any signs of wear and tear; filters with a tear in them won't work as effectively. If your filter does have signs of wear and tear, you're better off getting a new one.
3. Vacuum the filter. If your filter is in good condition, use the handheld attachment that comes with your vacuum to clean it. While holding the filter, gently move the handheld piece in a circular motion; don't lift the handheld attachment off the filter when you're cleaning it because you can damage the fibers of the filter.
4. Disinfect the filter. Create a solution with equal parts water and vinegar, and submerge your filter in it completely for a few hours. Filters house all the debris and bacteria from the air, so disinfecting them is important to ensure they work properly.
5. Dry and replace. When the filter is finished soaking, place it on a towel outside in the sun; there can't be any moisture left when you replace it, so putting it outside for a few hours will allow it to dry completely. Once the filter is dry, put it back in the air conditioning unit.

A clean filter helps keep the air in your home clean, helps the motor run properly, and helps keep energy costs down. If you want to maximize the efficiency of your air conditioning unit, it's important to wash the filter at least twice a month. More info on AC repair can be found here.

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9 July 2015