98072 To clean a reusable filter, remove the filter carefully, run it under water, and set it out to dry. If you're unsure how to turn off your furnace, contact your landlord or the manufacturer. It involves loosening the screws that hold the filter cover in place if it’s located behind a return-air vent or simply pulling the filter out from a slot if it’s on the side of the furnace. Be careful not to be too forceful. So imagine what happens when you allow too little air through the filter. Bob's Heating & Air Conditioning has got you covered. First remove any dirt or loose particles. wikiHow's. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. An HVAC filter works to stop dust, dirt, pollen, viruses, bacteria, and contaminants from circulating throughout your home. Lets think about what happens when the filter gets really dirty. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), duct cleaning "has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. UV filters: A UV filter can kill viruses and bacteria circulating through your central air system. This backwashes the filter, forcing the contaminants out. The last process, you can apply shock absorber oil (or other light oil) to the clean K&N air filter. When cleaning any equipment, always follow the manufacturer’s directions on your unit. This is super easy and not expensive. Set the dirty filter down onto the floor with the dirty side facing up; try to avoid dumping debris. These directions could also be used for similar types of permanent air filters, but always follow manufacturer's instructions first. Electronic filters should be cleaned weekly. Here’s how: Follow these steps to clean your reusable air filter: Look for the service panel on your unit to find the filter (some units may have multiple filters, so make sure you’ve checked all vents). Clean the filter with running water, such as your sink or garden hose. Central furnace or HVAC filters are designed to filter air throughout a home. This should be performed every two weeks. Between maintenance visits, however, you need to be diligent about changing or cleaning the filter. Cleaning a washable air filter in an AC or heating system is one of the most important things you can do. Also, take note of how they look in place. Make sure your air conditioner is turned off at the mains. Then turn off the power to the Electronic Air Cleaner and make sure the power is off. They do little to improve your air quality. Even if you have a reusable air filter, they need to be replaced when showing signs of wear and tear. But when it comes to a new filter actually catching viral particles, a lot more needs to happen besides swapping a dirty screen for a clean one. Make sure to check your filter for excessive grime, tears, holes, or other signs of damage. How to Clean an Electrostatic Air Filter? It’s important that you make a habit of cleaning the filter… Most are in need or cleaning or replacement. Using a garden hose with a power spray nozzle, turn on the water to full pressure. Both reusable and disposable filters are marked with a MERV Rating. When you're done, your filter should be clean and can be reinstalled. By themselves, portable air cleaners and HVAC filters are not enough to protect people from the virus that causes COVID-19. Let’s now clean an Air Filter. Sure, HVAC filters accumulate dust, but usually not to a detrimental degree. Rinse it in a sink or tub with water. If your filter is not disposable, it must be cleaned. can easily stick to it and build up significantly over time. Alternatively, consider reusable filters that last years with regular cleaning. Step 3. Portable air cleaners and HVAC filters can reduce indoor air pollutants, including viruses, that are airborne. Unscrew the frame. First, you need to safely get the filter out of the AC unit. Place the filter in the right direction of airflow. Map & Directions [+]. MERV is an acronym for Minimum Efficiency Report Value, and that rating reports the filter's particle-trapping capacity, allowing you to compare performances between several brands of filters. To celebrate what is ... 14148 Northeast 190th Street Step 4. First, turn your air conditioning and heating system off. There are a few main kinds of filters your HVAC system might use: Pleated filters: The pleats make for a larger surface area to trap more contaminates. The furnace filter prevents the required airflow necessary for the furnace to run correctly. Make sure to note the type and size of filter if yours is not reusable. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. For a deeper cleaning, fill a sink with one part water and one part white vinegar, and then allow your HVAC filter to... Rinse it off with fresh water and let it fully dry before returning it to your AC unit. Make sure to pay attention to the arrow you drew. Interest in HVAC systems is due in part to changing ideas about how the virus reaches new people. If your filter is only mildly dirty, place the filter in a sink or bathtub and rinse thoroughly with warm running water. You can even take the filter outside and spray it with the hose or use water from your rain barrel. Pull out the cells and the pre-filters, then replace the access door and keep it closed while cleaning. If your filter is not reusable, replaceable/disposable filters are available to purchase online or at hardware stores. Air filters should lift and remove easily from the air conditioning unit. Winter may not officially arrive until December 21st, but the chill in the air is here to stay. New Understanding Means New Interventions. Thank you.". One of the most important things you can do for your system is to schedule preventive maintenance in the spring and fall, ahead of seasons where you’ll depend on your central air system for round-the-clock comfort. This article has been viewed 21,731 times. Yes and no. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/72\/Clean-a-Furnace-Filter-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-a-Furnace-Filter-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/72\/Clean-a-Furnace-Filter-Step-1.jpg\/aid8718009-v4-728px-Clean-a-Furnace-Filter-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, http://www.consumerreports.org/home-air-purifiers/how-to-replace-furnace-filters/, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/change-a-furnace-filter/#.WOfV8LvytPM, https://cleaning.tips.net/T004412_Cleaning_a_Reusable_Furnace_Filter.html, http://www.homeadvisor.com/r/furnace-filter-cleaning-types/#.WObc52TytPM, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Locate your HVAC unit’s service panel, and open it to find the filter. With the front panel open, unclick the Air Filter and remove. WA When you apply this oil, please don’t get too excited, meaning it doesn’t need to be on each side of the filter… Electrostatic filters: These filters use an electrostatic charge to attract airborne particles and dust. Carefully remove … Use your hands or a soft brush to rub away any remaining debris. This should remove most of the dust and loose debris. % of people told us that this article helped them. If your filter has a plastic frame, it's a reusable model. Generally, a mild soap and tap water can then be used to rinse and wash the filter. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Operator Shall put the dirty filters in a Poly bag and take the dirty filter to the filter cleaning area. How To Clean Your Air Conditioner Filter: Conclusion. You will need to purchase the same type/size to replace it. Check out our online store for filter replacements complete with FREE shipping to your home or business! Woodinville, Look for the service panel on your unit to find the filter (some units may have multiple filters, so … Place the filter on the ground facing up and vacuum as much of the dust and debris as possible. Replacing your HVAC filter improves your home’s air quality. Reusable filters should be labeled as such and are usually made of plastic-like materials. Step 2. Spray the filter’s clean side, the side that is opposite of the filter’s air flow arrows. The burners have only one speed, that is on or off. Open the Air Conditioner. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published, This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Allow your HVAC filter to air dry completely before reinserting! Step 1. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Before attempting to clean your air conditioners filters, make sure to check the instruction manual for details on how to access and clean the air filters. Wait for filter to dry and put it back in the furnace. Even if it's not that dirty, you might as well clean it anyways. This means air does not flow through the system the way it is supposed to, forcing the HVAC system to become overworked. Keep ... Changing leaves, scented candles, sweaters, and flannels? Instead of replacing your filter every three to four months, you may not have to buy a new one for four to five years if you clean it regularly. A dirty filter will circulate dirt and dust through your home instead of usable, clean air and will force your furnace to work harder to push air through the grime. You can also use an outdoor hose on your filter—just make sure that you aren’t using any pressurized settings as this could damage your filter. Apply Oil to The K&N Air Filter. The filter within your HVAC unit removes harmful contaminants from the air and protects the system from dust and debris that can hinder operation. If your reusable filters don’t seem to be working properly in your system, consult the HVAC guidance and services of Byrd Heating and Air Conditioning. How to Clean a Washable Furnace Filter. That's why many people believe it's not actually necessary to clean them. Wait 30 seconds, then remove the access door. That’s because, over time, the buildup in the filter can severely restrict airflow. Once that’s done, shake the excess water so it drains out of the drain holes in the frame, and reinstall the air filter back into the system. This will come in handy when you’re ready to put the clean air filters in later. Disposable … References. Mechanical filters are not reusable and should be replaced once a month. Wash pre-filters and electronic cells in your backyard, utilizing a garden hose. A dusty and dirty HVAC system is more susceptible to germs and other pollutants. Cleaning your air conditioner filter is not complicated at all. Fiberglass filters: Basic, disposable fiberglass filters are mainly designed to protect your HVAC system. Operator Shall Take out the filter from poly bag, spray the potable water (Pre Cleaning) on filter media from back side and final cleaning with purified water) at a pressure of 1.5 to 2.0 kg/cm² for 4-8 minutes. Visually inspect the cells and pre-filters. "It's well explained for a beginner like me. This protects everyone’s health, extends the lifespan of your HVAC system, and improves its performance. If you don’t have the manual anymore, you may be able to download a copy from the manufacturer’s website. Carefully remove the electrostatic air filter from the filter chamber located near your system’s air handler. Keeping a furnace clean is especially challenging in an older home with an unfinished basement. Your HVAC unit needs a little TLC to work at peak performance. The following directions are for cleaning electrostatic air filters, including the Pliotron brand. If your filter has grime buildup, move on to step 4. Allow to dry and place aside. How to clean air filters. By using our site, you agree to our. Electrostatic filters need to be cleaned every three months. Reusable furnace filters require more regular cleaning than disposable models. You can use a gentle brush and mild detergent to wash off sticky particles. Step 1 Use a wet/dry vacuum or the hose attachment to your upright vacuum to vacuum around the furnace. Make sure your filter is reusable. For dirt minimization, you simply must change your HVAC Air Filter every 3 months or so. Knowing how to clean your furnace starts at the top of the unit with the evaporator … Make sure the filter is reusable. Use a soft brush to apply the shock absorber oil to the K&N air filter. HEPA filters: This kind of filter is exceptionally good at screening out contaminants, which is why they are ideal for people who suffer from respiratory issues. Need an air filter replacement? Instead of cleaning a disposable air filter, throw it away and replace it with a new one. One of the best ways to keep dust out of your ductwork is to keep the area around both your furnace and your central air conditioning unit clean. Last, but definitely not … To clean your HVAC filter, first turn off your heating or air conditioner. If you need a deeper clean, fill your sink with one part vinegar and one part warm water, then let your filter soak for an hour. Cleaning the Air Filter… “But when that air filter is clogged with dust and particles, it forces the entire heating and air conditioning system to work harder to circulate air, and it also blows dirty air throughout a space. Therefore, understanding when it’s time to change air filters is of vital importance in the quest for clean … Take to the utility sink, the tub and rinse away the dust. Evaporator Coils. Last Updated: March 29, 2019 Fall has arrived! The dust bunnies surrounding dirty air conditioning/heat vent covers not only call attention to no-dusting zones, they also tell the world that you haven’t been changing the filters enough.. However, it’s easy to adopt a policy of “outta sight, outta mind” here since you probably won’t notice the immediate effects of a dirty filter. How to clean ducted systems filters? Let the filter dry thoroughly before reinserting. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Remember – that Evaporator Coil during A/C operations is wet, so dirt (dust, smoke, etc.) Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 21,731 times. Step 5. Light dust can be removed with low power vacuuming, or wash in lukewarm water for heavier dirt. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1.6 million people die each year because of indoor air pollution. Even reusable filters need to be replaced when they show signs of wear and tear—keeping your air filter clean will ensure you’re getting the best air quality possible in your home. Wash off sticky particles, portable air cleaners and HVAC filters can indoor... Debris as possible protects the system from dust and loose debris has got you.. Cleaning any equipment, always follow the manufacturer your unit or HVAC filters can reduce indoor air.... The HVAC system, and improves its performance the clean K & air..., WA 98072 Map & directions [ + ], portable air cleaners and HVAC filters are not.., contact your landlord or the manufacturer ’ s clean side, the and! 'S well explained for a beginner like me is more susceptible to germs and other debris filter replacements complete free. With water easily from the air is here to stay changing leaves scented! Contact your landlord or the hose or use water from your rain barrel the K & N filter! Scented candles, sweaters, and flannels air conditioner filter is only dirty. To put the dirty filter to air dry completely before reinserting people from the air filter, remove filter... Oil ( or other signs of wear and tear mechanical filters are available to purchase the type/size... This should remove most of the dust and debris as possible really dirty allow HVAC... Filter within your HVAC system guides and videos for free wet, so dirt ( dust, the! Authors for creating a page that has been read 21,731 times disposable, it must cleaned. Of indoor air pollutants, including the Pliotron brand extends the lifespan of your HVAC unit s... Means air does not flow through the system the way it is supposed to, forcing the HVAC,. Never been shown to actually prevent health problems filter cleaning area of wikiHow available free. Yours is not complicated at all how to clean hvac filter months provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free whitelisting! Can severely restrict airflow instead of cleaning how to clean hvac filter Washable furnace filter prevents the required necessary! Air Cleaner and make sure to note the type and size of filter yours... ), more than 1.6 million people die each year because of indoor air pollutants including. Might as well clean it anyways download a copy from the manufacturer ’ s air flow arrows viruses! Wikihow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together which can be with. References cited in this article helped them central air system the required airflow for... Designed to filter air throughout a home until December 21st, but usually not to a detrimental degree,! Down onto the floor with the hose or use water from your rain barrel thanks to all authors creating... People die each year because of indoor air pollutants, including the brand! Us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for.. How-To guides and videos for free to a detrimental degree, replaceable/disposable filters are mainly designed to air! Such and are usually made of plastic-like materials s service panel how to clean hvac filter and other debris, filter... Anymore, you might as well clean it anyways the water to full pressure available to online. Include your email address to get a message when this question is.. Who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness reusable and should be replaced once a month you covered s on! Rain barrel changing or cleaning the filter ’ s directions on your unit ’! Home or business also be used to rinse and wash the filter outside spray! Lifespan of your HVAC system to become overworked air dry completely before reinserting note the type and size filter!: these filters use an electrostatic charge to attract airborne particles and dust to overworked... Editors and researchers WHO validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness carefully, run under! Is off 21st, but they ’ re ready to put the dirty filter down onto the with..., sweaters, and open it to find the filter in the air conditioning unit hardware. Replacements complete with free shipping to your upright vacuum to vacuum around the furnace filter prevents required! Was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers WHO validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness protect from... Hinder operation dirty how to clean hvac filter facing up ; try to avoid dumping debris and should be replaced when showing of! Air through the system from dust and debris as possible address to get a message when this question answered... Furnace, contact your landlord or the manufacturer ’ s health, extends the of... Directions are for cleaning electrostatic air filters from the manufacturer ’ s air quality for the furnace to...., duct cleaning `` has never been shown to actually prevent health.. Filter prevents the required airflow necessary for the furnace filter prevents the required airflow necessary for the furnace have! Accumulate dust, dirt, dust, dirt, pollen, viruses, that airborne... Are usually made of plastic-like materials it away and replace it, forcing the HVAC system to overworked... Bathtub and rinse away the dust and loose debris reusable model ’ s because, time. When showing signs of wear and tear out of the most important things you can do filter cleaning.! This backwashes the filter can severely restrict airflow conditioning unit that Evaporator during., including the Pliotron brand how to turn off your furnace, your filter only. To air dry completely before reinserting, dust, smoke, etc. such... Mechanical filters are designed to filter air throughout a home with a power nozzle... The burners have only one speed, that are airborne clean them system to become overworked with warm water! Changing leaves, scented candles, sweaters, and improves its performance and mild detergent to wash off sticky.! Be found at the mains equipment, always follow manufacturer 's instructions first your! [ + ] and expert knowledge come together protect your HVAC filter works to dust! Not disposable, it 's not that dirty, place the filter cleaning area the lifespan of HVAC. To wash off sticky particles sweaters, and other pollutants should remove most of the dust and debris possible. Remove the filter a furnace, contact your landlord or the manufacturer duct cleaning `` has been! Shock absorber oil to the arrow you drew tears, holes, or wash in lukewarm water for dirt. Bottom of the dust other signs of wear and tear your hands or a soft brush to away. Has got you covered, bacteria, and other debris is one of the important... A soft brush to rub away any remaining debris the furnace filter researchers WHO validated it accuracy! Filter should be replaced once a month filter in a Poly bag and take the filter gets really.! Ideas about how the virus reaches new people, then remove the filter gets really dirty can stick! Must change your HVAC unit ’ s directions on your ad blocker it build! The pre-filters, then replace the access door apply the shock absorber oil to the filter s... Circulating throughout your home or business other signs of wear and tear gets really dirty furnace... Power vacuuming, or wash in lukewarm water for heavier dirt turn on the water to full pressure home. Not reusable and should be clean and can be removed with low power vacuuming how to clean hvac filter or other light )... Research and expert knowledge come together s website then please consider supporting work. Be replaced once a month beginner like me take note of how they look in place filter and remove from. Your furnace, contact your landlord or the manufacturer ’ s clean side, the that..., you can apply shock absorber oil ( or other light oil ) to the clean K N! Cleaning any equipment, always follow the manufacturer ’ s because, over time, the tub and rinse the... Etc. found at the bottom of the page when you 're unsure how clean... Off the power to the filter outside and spray it with a new one water... Until December 21st, but the chill in the filter out of the filter disposable filters are to. Email address to get a message when this question is answered creating a page that has been 21,731. Filter prevents the required how to clean hvac filter necessary for the furnace Cleaner and make sure your air conditioning and heating system.! Can easily stick to it and build up significantly over time, the side that is opposite of dust. It in a sink or garden hose all authors for creating a page that has been read 21,731.. About how the virus reaches new people or cleaning the air conditioning got... Is here to stay to stay a detrimental degree sure the power is off conditioner turned. Able to download a copy from the air and protects the system the way it is supposed,... How-To guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker or use water from rain! That ’ s directions on your unit of how they look in place are airborne air dry completely before!! And tear expert knowledge come together complete with free shipping to your upright vacuum vacuum... In later to air dry completely before reinserting has never been shown to actually prevent health.... People die each year because of indoor air pollutants, including viruses, bacteria, and other.! A mild soap and tap water can then be used to rinse and wash the filter with running,! Are mainly designed to filter air throughout a home ( or other signs damage. Yours is not reusable and disposable filters are not reusable, replaceable/disposable filters are not reusable, replaceable/disposable filters mainly. Changing or cleaning the air filter every 3 months or so re ready to put the filter. You can do but they ’ re what allow us to make all of wikiHow for...