Keeping your air filter clean is essential for maintaining a healthy and efficient air conditioning system. But how do you clean it the right way? Victor Belavus, an air conditioning specialist and owner of 212 HVAC, shares his expert advice on how to clean your air filter without damaging it or your vehicle. The first step is to determine what type of filter you have. Disposable air filters should be replaced, while permanent filters can be washed.
If you have a cloth or carbon filter, you can wash it with vinegar and water. Let the filter soak for about an hour and then rinse it with clean water. If the filter is too big to fit inside a sink or bucket, flush it with a garden hose, letting the water run through the filter in the opposite direction to the air flow. Be mindful when washing them with water, as it can damage the filters. Water should not be used to wash paper filters.
Instead, use a cleaner that completely removes dirt and debris without using petroleum-based chemicals, which can damage or dissolve the filter materials. After cleaning, pat it dry with paper towels and allow it to finish air-drying before reinstalling it, as moisture in the filter can cause mold to form. If you live in an area with dusty roads or heavily polluted areas, you'll need to clean your dry air filter more often. To do this, read your vehicle's owner's manual to find a safe way not to damage the air filter or vehicle. You can also use steam in the air filter housing to ensure that the area where you are going to place the car's clean air filter is also disinfected. Finally, make sure that the filter is completely dry and that there is no excess water left before installing it.
If the engine absorbs dirt or stones from the air filter, those materials can damage the pistons and block the carburettor. Victor recommends using Simple Green multi-purpose cleaner for grease and heavy dirt as it is gentle enough to clean air filters without damaging filter material or damaging surfaces found on automotive equipment. The vapor does not contain any harsh chemicals that could damage the filter and is safe to use on any type of filter. Cleaning your car or home air filters yourself is easy but keep in mind that hiring a professional to replace them reduces the chance of errors. If the air filter is dirty, not enough air passes through, causing a build-up of carbon that activates the warning light. In addition to air conditioning and air conditioning units, Victor also specializes in furnace repair and air duct cleaning. To get started, you should find out what type of filter you have and if you need to change it or just need to clean it.
