How to clean your air conditioner’s filter – five easy steps

What many people don’t realise is that air conditioners need regular cleaning. (And no, that doesn’t just mean giving the outside a once-over!)

To keep your air conditioner clean and working optimally, you need to open it up and clean your air conditioner’s filter on the inside.

Cleaning your air con filters regularly will go a long way to maximise your AC’s lifespan.  With these easy tips, you can keep your air conditioner clean and working efficiently for the long haul.

For a ducted air conditioning system, the air conditioning filter is usually located at the Return Air Grill installed in your home.  For a split system air conditioning system, the air conditioning filter is usually located at the front of the indoor air conditioning unit.

Step 1: Turn your air conditioning off

Before you get started, make sure your air conditioning unit is turned off.

For a split system air conditioner, this means ensuring the air conditioning unit is turned off at wall. You don’t want to be taking apart an appliance while the power is on.

Step 2: Read your instruction manual

Your air conditioner’s operation manual should always be your first point of reference. If you can’t find yours, you may be able to download a copy from the manufacturer’s website. If you have a Dakin air conditioner, you can find an online copy of your instruction manual at the Daikin Australia website.

For a split system air conditioner, open the unit’s front panel to remove the filter.

Opening your air conditioner’s front panel will give you access to the air filters. You may be able to spot clean a few surfaces or nooks that you can clean while it’s open.

Instructions on how to clean you Daikin split system air conditioner can be found at Daikin Australia’s YouTube Channel.

For a ducted air conditioning system, open the Return Air Grill to remove the filter.

Step 3: Remove air filters from the air conditioning unit

Air filters should lift and remove easily from the air conditioning unit. Be careful not to be too forceful. Also, take note of how they look in place. This will come in handy when you’re ready to put the clean air filters in later.

Use a brush or vacuum to remove excess dust from the filter

Take the air filters outside for a good shake or brush down. Vacuum with a dusting brush head, if you’ve got one. This should remove all the dry dust and particles.

Step 4: Wash the filters thoroughly in water

If your air filters are grimy, you can handwash them with some warm water and mild detergent. Rinse them clean so there’s no residue left on the filters.

Step 5: Allow the filters to dry completely

The last thing you want is damp air filters. Make sure they’re totally dry, perhaps by leaving them to dry in outside in the sun, before you pop them back into the air conditioning unit.

Don’t stress – call your local air conditioning experts

If all of the above sounds like something for the ‘too hard basket’, give Vaccaro Group a call. For all your ventilation, heating and cooling needs of your home, look no further than Vaccaro Group. We’re backed by decades of experience and are a Daikin Authorised Dealer.