How To Clean An HVAC Filter

Spring or fall is the best time to do some HVAC maintenance. Regular maintenance ensures your HVAC system is fully functional. The easiest way to maintain your HVAC system is to change or clean your air conditioning filters every two to three months. Homeowners can easily clean their HVAC filters or seek professional help for guaranteed quality services.

So how do you clean your AC filter? Look no further than Superstition Cooling! Superstition Cooling is the best HVAC company in Apache Junction that takes great pride in offering various high-quality services. We also educate our clients on HVAC systems, especially how to clean a dirty HVAC filter.

Why Do Air Filters Matter?

Air filters in your home’s HVAC system are essential as they protect the system from dust and debris that might hinder effective functioning. It also removes harmful contaminants such as dirt, dust, viruses, pollen, pet dander, and bacteria in the air, preventing them from circulating throughout your home.

Air filters are vital for everyone, especially those living in highly polluted areas and those suffering from respiratory diseases like asthma. Since HVAC systems are essential, homeowners can improve their performance and extend their lifespan by simply cleaning the AC filters.

What Are the Different Kinds of Air Filters?

It is important to ensure that you are using the right type of filter, clean when dirty, and change or make the necessary maintenance when necessary. Here are some of the different kinds of filters available for your residential HVAC system:

  • Fiberglass Air Filters

These are disposable and the least expensive filters. Fiberglass filters are mainly designed to protect your HVAC system by causing less strain when drawing in air and keeping large particles out of your system. However, they are not great at keeping out dust and other small contaminant particles, thus making them inappropriate for use by people with allergies and other respiratory problems.

  • Pleated Air Filters

These air filters are made from polyester folds or cotton. They are slightly more expensive than a fiberglass air filter and more effective in filtering dust and other pollutants due to their large surface area. In addition, pleated air filters with more pleats provide better filtering than those with fewer pleats.

  • High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters

These filters are great and exceptional at screening out airborne allergens and pollutants, making them ideal for people suffering from respiratory issues.

  • UV Filters

UV filters are built into the HVAC system and use short-wave ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in the air that pass through them. UV filters are great when you have concerns about indoor air quality but are not as efficient at removing pollutants like dust.

  • Electrostatic Filters

These AC filters use the electrostatic charge from small cotton and paper fibers to attract dust and other airborne particles. Electrostatic filters are available as disposables and reusable.

  • Washable Filters

Even though washable filters are expensive, they are an environmentally friendly way to save money. You can remove them, clean them, and reuse them repeatedly instead of buying new ones after every few months.

How to Clean Your HVAC Filters?

Indoor air quality is important for every homeowner in Arizona. Having proper and clean HVAC filters makes a huge difference between polluted air and clean air that is healthy to breathe. How to clean AC filters in your home is a common question among homeowners in Apache Junction that can be resolved through the following simple steps:

  1. Turn off your HVAC unit.
  2. Check the service panel on your unit to find and remove the filter. Some systems have multiple filters, so ensure to check the vents.
  3. Place the filter on the ground facing up and vacuum the dust and debris.
  4. If your AC filter has grime buildup, it needs a thorough cleaning. Fill your sink with warm water and vinegar, soak your filter for an hour and then rinse them clean. You can also use your hands or a soft brush to rub away the remaining debris but avoid using any pressurized settings as it could damage your filter.
  5. Let the filter dry completely before reinserting them to prevent the growth of mold and mildew on the filter.

Professional Air Conditioning, Installation, Repair, and Maintenance, Services in Apache Junction

Are you a homeowner and still wondering how to clean AC filters? Worry no more! Superstition Cooling has highly trained staff who offer HVAC unit installation, repair, and maintenance services quickly and correctly.

We are a family-owned HVAC company offering homeowners everything they need to keep their HVAC filters in top condition and their homes’ internal temperatures stable. Contact us for air conditioner filter maintenance and tune-up services in Apache Junction.

Image Credit To The Toidi & grandbrothers