A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning or HVAC system is a crucial component of modern living. It provides comfortable living and working environments, regulating indoor temperatures throughout the year.
To ensure an HVAC system’s optimal performance and maintain a healthy indoor environment, regular maintenance is essential. In particular, cleaning or replacing the air filters is critical in keeping your HVAC system in good shape and circulating clean air.
What Is the Purpose of an Air Filter?
In order to appreciate the importance of a clean air filter in an HVAC system, it pays to learn about its purpose. In essence, the air filter is the HVAC system’s first line of defence against airborne particles. It acts as a sieve or filter for airborne particles or pollutants, capturing dust, pollen, pet dander, mould spores, and other contaminants. By removing these particles, the air filter enhances the quality of the indoor air that circulates within a space.
The Importance of Clean Air Filters
There are two main reasons why a clean HVAC air filter is important. First, it’s essential for health and safety. As mentioned, the air filter ensures that the air within an area is as clean as possible. This is especially vital for people with allergies, asthma, and similar diseases. Breathing in clean air also keeps the lungs healthy and minimises the risk of developing respiratory issues.
Second, a clean air filter ensures proper airflow. With a dirty or clogged filter, the air can’t pass through as smoothly through the HVAC system as it could, which results in reduced efficiency. Ultimately, this can cause unnecessary strain to the components and result in premature wear; in worst-case scenarios, your HVAC system may get damaged and need costly repairs.
Fortunately, you can hire professional cleaners with the experience and tools to maintain your home or office’s HVAC system.
What Are the Types of Air Filters?
It’s important to note that not all air filters can be cleaned. Usually, only washable air filters are reusable. These are made from plastic or aluminium, so that they can be cleaned and reinstalled multiple times.
The other common types of air filters—fibreglass and pleated—are disposable. A fibreglass air filter may last for a month or so, depending on certain conditions. Meanwhile, a pleated air filter can last longer, because of its design that provides a larger surface area for trapping particles.
How to Clean Air Filters Properly
As you can see, having clean HVAC air filters are crucial for both health and safety, as well cost savings and efficiency. That being said, you need to ensure that you’re using the correct cleaning methods so that you can extend the filter’s lifespan for as long as possible.
A. Washable Air Filters
For washable air filters, make sure to turn off the HVAC system first before removing the filter. Then, rinse the filter gently with water, using a soft brush if needed to remove stubborn dirt.
If the filter is particularly soiled, soak it in warm, soapy water for a few minutes. Then, thoroughly rinse the filter with clean water to remove any soap residue. Allow the filter to air dry completely before reinstalling it into the system.
B. Disposable Air Filters
As mentioned, fibreglass and pleated air filters are disposable and thus cannot be washed. If your HVAC system has this kind of filter, make it a habit to regularly check the filter (at least once a month is good) to inspect for accumulated dirt and debris.
For pleated filters, the expected lifespan is about 90 days; for fibreglass, 28 days is the average. However, if you notice that the filter is significantly dirty or clogged, replace it even if it hasn't reached the recommended replacement interval. This ensures optimal airflow.
Ensure the secure fit of the new filter and dispose of the old filters responsibly.
Additional HVAC System Cleaning Tips
To ensure that your HVAC works optimally, you need to clean it in its entirety. Aside from cleaning or replacing the filters, regularly check the HVAC system’s outdoor unit for debris, such as leaves and grass clippings. You should also keep the area around the outdoor unit clean and free from obstructions.
The air ducts should also be cleaned regularly. Consider hiring professional cleaners for this purpose every few years (or annually, depending on unique conditions) to remove accumulated dust and allergens. It’s also a good idea to have your HVAC system checked by a licenced technician to ensure efficiency and to identify potential issues early on.
Properly maintaining your HVAC system, especially by cleaning air filters regularly, is vital for its longevity and smooth operations. More importantly, clean air filters contribute to improved indoor air quality to promote a healthier living environment for everyone.
Remember to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and use the appropriate cleaning methods for your specific filter type. By investing a little time and effort in HVAC maintenance, you can enjoy a comfortable and healthy home or office throughout the year.