Why Is It Important To Clean Your Air Conditioner Filter?

Cleaning your air conditioner’s filter isn’t an instruction you can ignore from the company.  If you don’t clean or replace the filter at its scheduled time, there are serious repercussions for your health and the air conditioner’s health.

Why You Should Clean Your Aircon Filters Regularly? 

Clean Air Inside

The air conditioner sucks in air from outside the house and recirculates air inside the house, and if you don’t have a clean air filter, a lot of particulate matter will enter the dwelling.  Some particulates can be dust, mould spores, hair (both from pets and people), dander, pollen, and other wind debris deposited in your AC unit.

These are things you don’t want to be breathing, and they’re things you don’t wish to settle on the surfaces of your home.  You could have reactions to these particles, even if you don’t think you’re allergic.  They can affect your breathing and your respiratory system.

Your House Stays Clean

All these particulates coming into your home through the HVAC system will settle somewhere.  Suppose your air conditioning unit is bringing in sand and dust.  In that case, it will land and accumulate on every surface, requiring you to clean more often–wiping down surfaces, dusting, and using the vacuum cleaner. 

Your Air Conditioner Will Run More Efficiently

The more your air filters are clogged with particulates (and even sometimes larger debris like leaves), the harder your air conditioner will have to work to churn out cool air.  It will run for more extended hours to achieve the same temperature that a clean air conditioner could in less time.  That means your electricity bill will be higher, and your air conditioner will not last as long.

So there are some real benefits to regular cleanings of your air conditioning filters. 

How Do You Clean Your Daikin Air Filters?

Cleaning the filter on a Daikin air conditioner is really not hard at all.  It’s just a few simple steps.  If you have any questions, consult the instruction manual for the air conditioning unit or contact Peninsula Air Conditioning.  This is the same method for cleaning a ducted air conditioner filter. 

1. First, remove the front panel, or fascia, from the air conditioning unit.  The filters should be immediately inside the front panel.
2. Each model of Daikin is different, but all of the methods of removing the filters are about the same.  There may be some tabs to press, but it should just pull out easily. 
3. Once you’ve removed the filter, use a vacuum cleaner to suck out all the particulates.  Doing this regularly may make your filter a little grainy and discoloured. If you don’t change the filters regularly, it could be pretty dark with dirt.
4. If the filter is quite dirty, soak it in warm water with a natural detergent.  You shouldn’t scrub the filter, as it is relatively delicate, but rubbing it gently with a wet cloth will help remove the particulates.
5. Take the filter outside and let it dry completely. It is best to do this in a shaded area, not in direct sunlight.

How Often Should You Clean the Aircon Filter?

Daikin recommends cleaning the filter every two weeks.  Some Daikin air conditioner models are self-cleaning.  For those, consult the instruction manual that came with the unit. 

Ready to call in the professionals?  Explore our Air Conditioning Services at Peninsula Air Conditioning!  Contact us and speak with a team member to learn more today.