How to clean a ducted aircon filter

Do you have a ducted aircon system in your home? If so, you’ll want to make sure that the filter is in good, clean condition. The filter plays a key role in preventing dust and grime from entering your ducts. When air is pulled from the room into the A/C system, it passes through the air filter. Over time, it’s almost inevitable that dirt, dust and allergens will accumulate on the filter. If it’s not cleaned regularly, the filter mesh becomes clogged. This means the system has to work harder to draw air in. If a filter remains uncleaned for a considerable period of time, your A/C will become less efficient and may eventually fail completely. Luckily, cleaning a ducted aircon filter is a simple, quick job that requires no specialist equipment beyond a ladder and a screwdriver.

Follow our straightforward, five-step guide for the best way to clean your ducted aircon filter.

1. Locate and reach the filter covering

In most ducted A/C set-ups, the filter is concealed behind a large ceiling grille. If you want to change the filter, the first step is to locate it on your property. The hallway ceiling is a common location for the grille, but this isn’t always the case. Once you’ve found the grille, the next step is to be able to reach it. If you need to use a ladder, make sure it’s in good condition and that the floor under the ladder is level and non-slip. If you’re not comfortable being up a ladder, or have a health condition that means it’s not safe for you to be up a ladder, call the team at Same Day Trades and we’ll be happy to help.

In addition, if this is the first time you’ve opened the grille, you suffer from allergies or you suspect it’s going to be excessively dusty, we recommend that you wear a face mask. When the grille is opened, there’s a possibility that dust may also be released. A face mask ensures you’re protected from any build-up that might be disturbed during the filter removal process.

2. Locate the holding screw

Located on the rim of the grille, you should find a screw that’s holding the grille in place. You may need to use a screwdriver to unscrew it, or it may be a variant that can be unscrewed by hand. Make sure that, once unscrewed, the screw is stored in a safe place, as you will need it once the filter has been cleaned.

As the screw is loosened the grille will start to move downwards. The direction of the downward movement will depend on which side of the grille is hinged. It’s helpful to identify the hinged edge before you start unscrewing so that you’ll know in which direction the grille’s movement will occur.

3. Remove the filter

Once the grille has swung down, the filter can be slid out from its slots behind the grille. This should be a simple process. Filters are light objects that can usually be easily held by one person. If you need to remove the filter whilst standing on the ladder, you may wish to have someone else nearby to hold it whilst you descend the steps.

4. Clean the filter

The easiest way of cleaning the filter is to take it outside and hose it down. Point the hose to the side of the filter that’s dust-free. The force of the water should blast away the accumulated dirt and grime in just a couple of minutes. If the filter is very clogged, it may take a little longer. It’s not necessary to use detergent on the filter. Some people prefer to vacuum their filter before washing it.

Once it’s sparkling clean, give it a good shake to remove excess water. There’s no need for the filter to be completely dry before it’s reinstalled, but we recommend leaving it somewhere clean to air-dry for a few hours before reinstalling it.

5. Replace the clean filter in its position behind the grille

Make sure it’s replaced the same way as it was previously. Once the filter is firmly in position, it’s just a case of shutting the hinged door and screwing the screw back into position.

The benefits of regular filter cleaning

Clean your ducted aircon filter regularly and enjoy:

– Cleaner, fresher air.
– Improved air quality in your home.
– Energy-efficient performance from your A/C system.
– A reduced risk of excess strain being put on the system (which could mean fewer costly repairs and a longer lifespan for your A/C).

If you are concerned about any aspect of your A/C’s performance or maintenance, the professional, experienced team at Same Day Trades are just a phone call away. Get in touch for emergency assistance, or for a scheduled A/C appointment from one of our friendly, knowledgeable technicians.