How to Clean Your Air Conditioner Filter?

Last updated on March 15, 2025

Is your air conditioner struggling to keep your home cool?

A blocked filter can be one of the reasons.

Over the years, the filter collects dust, allergens, and other forms of debris, which can significantly block airflow by as much as 50%.

As a result, your AC has to work overtime, driving up energy costs.

Even worse, a clogged filter not only affects the airflow but also degrades the air quality in your home environment, worsening breathing, especially for asthma and allergy sufferers.

The good news?

Unclogging most filters is inexpensive and simple. If you have the necessary tools, you can perform the maintenance and stay more comfortable in your home.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry – this blog will show you how to clean the air conditioner’s air filter in six simple steps.

The Importance of Cleaning Air Conditioner Filters

Keeping air conditioner filters clean is something most homeowners neglect. However, there are critical reasons why you should clean them:

Improves Air Quality: An AC filter traps dust, pollen, pet dander, and other unwanted particles. A clogged filter allows airborne pollutants to enter your home, which can lead to poor air quality, allergies, asthma, and other breathing problems.

Enhances Energy Efficiency: When the filter is clean and unclogged, air can flow freely, and the AC can cool down efficiently. Conversely, when filters are dirty, the AC system has to work harder, leading to higher energy consumption.

Increases Life Span: A clean filter ensures that dirt will not reach other AC components where it would cause damage. This prevents wear and tear and makes the unit withstand the test of time.

Saves Money: Regularly cleaned filters lessen the need for professional repairs, which means saved money. They also help reduce the strain on an AC unit, reducing its energy usage and saving on utility bills.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your AC Filters

You now understand how important it is to keep your AC filter clean. Here’s a six-step guide on how to clean it yourself.

Step 1: Shut Down the Air Conditioner

Before cleaning, ensure that the air conditioning is switched off. This is a safety measure that avoids any risks of electric shock and ensures no dust will be sucked into the unit when you remove the filters.

For extra safety, remove the AC plug from the socket. If cleaning a central air system, turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker. This will allow you to remove and wash the filters safely without chances for mishaps.

Step 2: Find and take out the filters

AC filters are typically found in the wall units, ceiling vents, or front panels of portable and window units. They are also found in the return air vents or close to the HVAC system in central air conditioning systems.

To remove the filter:

Take off the access panel or the vent cover.

Note the airflow direction on the filter. This will help when reinstalling the filter.

Pull out the filter with extra care to avoid releasing the trapped dust in the filter into the air.

Step 3: Inspect the Filters for Dirt and Damage

After you have removed the filter, examine it for dust, pet hair, or mould. If the filter area is a little dirty, cleaning it will restore proper functionality. But if it’s torn, discoloured, or excessively clogged, cleaning may not suffice—replacing it might be the best option.

A general rule of thumb is:

Washable filters can be cleaned and reused.

Disposable filters need to be replaced within a one to three-month duration.

If there is mould on the filter, cleaning might be insufficient. The filter should be replaced to avoid health risks.

Step 4: Clean the Filters Properly

If, after examining the filter, you find that it is reusable and the clogging can be removed through cleaning, you have to pick the right cleaning elements and follow the correct procedure. It all depends on the kind of air filter you are dealing with.

In this case, it can either be washable or disposable. Their cleaning methods are different, so let’s explore how to do it:

Washable Filter:

Wash with warm water if the clogs are minor.

Clean with mild detergent and a soft brush in case of stubborn clogs.

For Disposable Filters:

Get rid of dust using a vacuum cleaner.

If heavily clogged, washing might be futile – just replace.

PRO TIP: Allow the filters to dry entirely before fixing them back. This helps avoid mould growth inside the AC!

Step 5: Reinstall the Filters Correctly

At this stage, your filters are clean, and you’ve allowed them to dry completely. It is time to fix them back in the correct position and alignment. Proper installation is crucial to maintaining airflow and efficiency. How do you do it? It’s the opposite of what you did when removing the filter. Ensure the following:

Dried filters: The filters need to be completely dry to avoid mould issues in the AC.

Proper Installation: Must install it in the correct alignment as indicated by a mark on the unit.

Secure the access panel or vent cover to keep the filter in place.

Step 6: Make Regular Cleaning Habit

For optimal performance and to avoid recurring issues, you should clean your AC filters often. This will prevent any accumulation of debris, ensure better performance and boost comfort indoors. Regular maintenance also extends the lifespan of your unit, saving you money on repairs and replacements. Below is a recommended cleaning schedule:

Every two to three if in a standard household.

Monthly for households with pets, smokers, and people susceptible to allergies.

More regularly if you have intensive AC use.

PRO TIP: Set a reminder on your phone or mark your calendar so you do not forget to clean and maintain it. If you need help, consult reputable experts.

How to Clean Different Types of Air Filters?

The proper type of air filters installed in your air conditioning unit is crucial for top-notch and long lasting system efficiency.

Air filters of various types and with different purposes are available on the market, which is why it is important to determine the right types of filters and when to replace or clean them.

1. Fiber-Glass Filter

Fiberglass air filters are cheap and disposable options. They do a good job preventing large particles from infiltrating the space, and they can also ease the burden on HVAC systems when drawing air inside.

They are less effective, however, at blocking dust and other smaller contaminant particles. They are typically assigned a MERV 4 rating.

How to clean: Rinse the fiberglass filter with lukewarm water, gently scrub with mild detergent if needed, and let it air dry completely before reinstalling.

2. HEPA Filter

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are recommended if you or any family members suffer from allergies or other respiratory issues.

These are the most effective types for removing up to 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, viruses, bacteria, and other irritants from the air, and they are more expensive than fiberglass or pleated air filters. Search for filters with a MERV 11 or higher for optimal performance.

How to clean: Gently vacuum the HEPA filter with a soft brush attachment or rinse it with cold water (if washable), ensuring it is completely dry before reinstalling.

3. UV Filter

Air cleaners that could be integrated into your HVAC system use UV filters. These filters eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other airborne microbes using UV light.

They are an excellent choice if you have specific concerns or issues regarding indoor air quality in relation to microbial particulates. However, they are not very effective at removing dust and other contaminants from the air.

How to clean: To clean a UV filter in an AC, gently wipe it with a soft, dry cloth or use compressed air; avoid water or harsh chemicals to prevent damage.

4. Pleated Air Filter

Pleated air filters are constructed from folds of cotton or polyester. Although they cost slightly higher than fiberglass ones, they are more effective at removing dust and other tiny particles like pollen and spores from the air.

More pleated filters lead to better air filtration and reduce the chance of recirculating dust and other pollutants in the air. These filters usually have MERV ratings between 5 and 8.

How to clean: Gently vacuum or rinse the pleated air filter with lukewarm water, let it dry completely, and reinstall it to maintain airflow efficiency.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Clean AC Filters

Get an air purifier: An air purifier device prevents dust, pollen, and other allergens from entering the AC filter. This proactively prevents AC filter clogging issues and improves the quality of air.

Make it a habit to dust and vacuum your house: Pet dander and dust can cause a blockage in your AC filter. Regular dusting and vacuuming can eliminate these particulates and help save the AC filters.

Shut the door while the AC is in use: When open, doors and windows can attract dust, pollen, and other nasty stuff from outside and clog the AC. Keeping them closed helps minimize the dirt build-up.

Occasionally examine and clean the air ducts: Mold, dust, and debris impede air duct tampering with airflow. Cleaning them will boost airflow so that the AC works at its best.

Set an appointment with a professional for such maintenance: An expert would assist with identifying possible internal problems, cleaning parts, and replacing filters. Stay in touch with a reputable one to help you when things are out of hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I operate my air conditioning without a filter if it is filthy?

No, your air conditioning unit will sustain severe damage if you attempt to operate it without a filter. Dirt will quickly enter and clog some components, leading to poor efficiency and expensive repairs.

How do I tell it’s time to replace and not clean AC filters?

If the filter is torn, has a strong, musty scent, or stays clogged even after an attempt to clean it, it must be replaced with a new one.

What types of AC filters exist, and is their cleaning the same?

AC filters include fiberglass, pleated, electrostatic, and HEPA filters. Some are reusable after washing, while others need damping after use. Ensure you check the type to avoid mistakes.

Is it true that a dirty AC filter can trigger allergies?

Yes, clogged filters contain allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, which lower air quality and trigger allergic reactions when inhaled by vulnerable people.

Does a dirty AC filter make my home smell bad?

Yes, a clogged filter can trap moisture, leading to mould and mildew growth and musty odours in your home. Cleaning or replacing your filter helps maintain fresh indoor air.

Can I clean my AC filter with a vacuum instead of washing it?

Yes, a vacuum with a brush attachment can remove dust from reusable filters quickly. However, deep cleaning with water and mild soap is still recommended for thorough maintenance.

What happens if I never clean my AC filter?

Neglecting your AC filter can lead to poor airflow, increased energy costs, system overheating, and potential breakdowns that require expensive repairs or replacements.

Should I Clean or Replace Air Filters?

The answer depends on the type of filters you are using for your air conditioning system. Different types of air filters have different functions and modes of operation. Depending upon the nature of air filters, you can choose either to clean them or to replace them.

Many types of filters are reusable, meaning they can be cleaned and reused. However, other types of air filters are disposable ones. Such air filters should not be reused; but should be discarded and replaced with new ones.

When Should I Clean the Air Filters?

The frequency of cleaning air filters of your air conditioning system depends upon its operational pattern. During summer, when the air conditioner use is at its peak, it is recommended to clean your air conditioner filters every 6th week for optimal performance.

As for the rest of the year, when the air conditioner is not much in use, it is preferred to clean the air filters every 3 months. This also depends on how frequently you are using your air conditioner. At minimal usage in a clean environment, you can even reduce the cleaning frequency further.