Keep your HVAC organisation range efficiently with these round-eyed maintenance crest — plus learn when to replace your filters .
Your HVAC ( heating system , ventilation , and air conditioning ) organisation keep open your home ’s air clean by trapping junk , pollen , germs , and other contaminants , but all those particles have to go somewhere . The system ’s breeze filter pick up much of this buildup , which can eventually interfere with the unit ’s efficiency , increase utility program bills , and evencompromise your abode ’s air quality . hear how to clean zephyr filter is akey part of unconstipated maintenancethat can keep the arrangement run smoothly andward off a pricy partitioning .
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
Materials
Instructions
How to Clean an Air Filter
For good results , plan to clean your household ’s HVAC air travel filters about once a month and replace them about every six months . Be certain to check the manufacturer ’s pedagogy to square off the best way to houseclean your melodic line conditioner orfurnace filter , but the steps below will work for most recyclable filters .
Turn Off the Power and Locate the Filter
Before you begin , turn off your HVAC unitto prevent unfiltered air from circulating around your home while clean . place the vent and use a screwdriver to launch the unit . Some systems might include multiple vent containing a filter , so be sure to wash them all . take the filter and visit it for damage . put back the filter if necessary ; otherwise , continue to vacuum .
Vacuum the Air Filter
Take the filter alfresco if possible to quash stirring up dust inside your place . Use avacuum with a lenient brush attachmentto bump off debris from the filter . launch the brushing across the filter to gently untie stuck - on buildup .
Wash the Filter with Vinegar and Water
If your air filter requires deep cleansing , fulfill your sink or a great bucket with a mixture of equal parts hot water anddistilled lily-white vinegar . countenance the filter soak for around one hr , then rinse with clean water . If the filter is too expectant to fit inside a sink or bucket , practice a garden hoseto wash it off , let the water consort through the filter in the paired direction of the airflow . Use a low - pressure setting to avoid damaging the filter .
Let Dry and Replace
Let the filter air - dry entirely before replacing it . Thishelps forbid mold growthwithin your HVAC system . Reload the filter inside the whole , ensuring it ’s front the right charge for right airflow . Most filter sport arrow markings that indicate the correct position ; these arrow should typically point toward the furnace in the instruction of the air flow . interchange the vents and sour the unit back on .
Replace Air Filters When Needed
Cleaning yourhome ’s air filterswill only get you so far . If the filter is excessively lousy , lacerate , or otherwise damaged , it’stime to replace it . You should also note that disposable air filters ( which are typically set in a composition board frame ) are generally not meant to be cleaned and should be supervene upon when they become contaminating . Cleaning works best with reusable filters , like this washable static furnace and AC filter .
Credit: Grandbrothers/Adobe Stock
