Back to Main Story: Keep cool this summer
Air conditioner filters prevent dust particles, bacteria and other substances being blown into a room during the cooling process, but the filters subsequently become clogged with these particles.
If the filter is blocked, it run less efficiently as the air conditioner has to work harder to push the cool air through. It can also lead to respiratory problems, so the importance of having a clean filter should not be overlooked.
Cleaning or replacing the air filter in an air conditioner is a straightforward and inexpensive process and you can either hire a professional to clean it or do it yourself.
The material of the filter determines whether it’s worth replacing or if it can be repeatedly cleaned. For example, foam filters are often considered not worth cleaning as the foam particles eventually break down, while stronger mesh filters can be cleaned with a cloth and then washed in soapy water.
Make sure the filter dries fully before reinserting it into the air conditioner. Also, be careful not to scrub too hard to remove dirt and dust as this may damage the filter. Some filters can also be vacuum cleaned, but this may damage the filter, so handle with care.
The instruction manual of an air conditioner will contain details of how to remove and replace the filter.
