If you want to ensure that your air conditioning unit is running at its peak performance, it's essential to clean the air filters regularly. Vacuuming the filter is a great place to start if you notice any build-up or dust on the air conditioning filter. If the central air filter doesn't show any signs of dirt accumulation, you can use the vacuum hose attachment or a handheld vacuum to remove the dirt. For a deeper clean, fill a sink with one part vinegar and one part warm water and let the filter soak for an hour.
If your HVAC filter is only lightly soiled, place it in a sink or bathtub and rinse thoroughly with warm running water. You can also use an outer hose on the filter, but make sure you don't use any pressurized settings, as this could damage the filter. Use your hands or a soft brush to remove any remaining dirt. To eliminate harmful bacteria and break down persistent sticky particles, immerse the air filter in a vinegar mixture for about an hour before cleaning the residue. Start by filling a clean bucket with water and a small amount of laundry detergent. Immerse the filter in the water and twist it with your hands to remove dirt and dust from the filter material.
Then take it out of the water and shake off any excess before rinsing it with running water. To achieve greater freshness after cleaning the air filter, use Simoniz air conditioning sanitizer, which eliminates persistent odors and will return that new car smell. You may need to clean your air filter more often if you live in a rural area, where there is usually more dirt and dust on the road. Many homeowners can find it more difficult to know when their old filter needs to be changed or when the clogged filter needs to be cleaned. Even if your air filter isn't washable, you can still clean these permanent, non-disposable HEPA filters.
Disposable air filters (which are usually placed in a cardboard frame) are generally not designed to be cleaned and must be replaced when they become dirty. The Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system keeps the air in the house clean by trapping dust, pollen, germs and other contaminants, but all those particles have to go somewhere. However, even with regular cleaning and maintenance, the effectiveness and quality of the air filter are likely to deteriorate over time. If you want to take the next step in cleaning your car, think about cleaning your air filter. The air conditioning unit takes longer to detect that the air filters are clogged than it does to detect refrigerant leaks.
