Air conditioner maintenance is important to keeping your unit running efficiently and effectively. A big part of this is cleaning your air conditioner filters – it’s amazing the effect this can have on your system if you haven’t done it for a while.
Cooler air comes through faster, the motor hums softly, and you might even notice the next power bill ease up a bit. The best news is – cleaning your air filters isn’t a technical job. It takes 10 to 15 minutes and anybody can do it,
All you need is a quick clean every few months to keep your system working at its best. If you’d like to stretch your air conditioner’s lifespan and keep the air in your home healthy, make cleaning your air conditioner’s filters a regular thing.
We’ve put together a guide below to help you do it.
Why Filter Cleaning Matters
When your filters get clogged with dust, pet hair, or even pollen, your aircon unit has to push harder to move air through them. It won’t work as efficiently and could become noisy too, while also blowing some of the dirt back into your house. Not great for asthma or allergy sufferers, and not great if you want to keep your energy bills down.
Let’s break down the steps required to getting nice and clean aircon filters.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Air Conditioner Filters
Step 1: Turn Off the Power
First thing, switch the aircon off at the wall or breaker. Do it before you touch anything. You don’t want anyone accidentally getting zapped
Step 2: Open the Front Panel
Most split system air conditioner units have a front bit that flips or slides open. There’s usually some clips holding it shut, maybe on the sides or underneath. If it’s not obvious, just punch your model into Google. There’s always some video or forum post showing how it opens.
Step 3: Remove the Filters
Once it’s open, the filters are right there behind the panel. They usually slide out without much fuss. Try to remember how they sit, saves you from guessing when it’s time to put them back.
Step 4: Hose them Down
Take your filters outside and use a garden hose to gently remove the majority of the dirt. Be careful not to bend the mesh. 
Step 5: Wash with Warm Soapy Water
If the filters still look dirty after vacuuming, give them a proper soak. You can place them in the sink or a tub with warm water and a bit of dish soap. Let them soak for a bit, ten, maybe fifteen minutes, then just rinse under the tap until the dirt is off. Don’t blast them with a pressure washer or use heavy cleaners, because you don’t want to damage the mesh.
Then let them dry completely all the way. If they’re even a bit damp, you’ll end up with mould or strange smells.
Step 6: Check for Damage or Mould
If the filters still look rough, have got mould you can’t get rid of or don’t smell great, it could be time to replace them with new ones. Check the manual for the spare part details, or chat with a professional electrician about what to do.
Step 7: Reinstall and Test
Once they’re dry, stick the filters back in. Close the panel, power it back on, and let it run. If the air’s blowing stronger or actually feels cool again, you’re all set.
Got ducted aircon? The filters are usually behind the return grille. Those panels can be a hassle, so if you’d rather not deal with them, just get the Voltora aircon experts to handle them next time they’re out.
How Often Should You Clean Them?
Every three months is usually fine. But if you’ve got pets that shed their hair, live near roadworks, or there’s just a lot of dust in your area, once a month’s probably better, especially in summer when the aircon unit is working hard all day.
If it’s acting up, a bit of a smell, not blowing much cold air or making odd noises, first check the filters. Often giving them a clean will solve any issues you’re experiencing. Voltora’s got a quick summer checklist if you want something to run through when the heat kicks in.
When to Call Voltora Industries
If you’ve cleaned the air conditioner filters and still getting the same issues as you were before, get in touch with our air conditioning team. There could be something else going on with your system, and its better to solve the problem before it snowballs into something more serious.
We also recommend an annual service by an air conditioning expert. This will keep your unit in prime condition, making sure your bills stay low and your aircon keeps cranking year after year.
So if a filter clean didn’t fix the problem, contact us here or give us a ring on 1300 799 430. We’ll get it sorted.
Air Conditioner Filters FAQs
Can I put the filters in the dishwasher?
Wouldn’t risk it. The heat and water pressure can wreck the mesh of the air conditioner filters. Just stick to warm, soapy water and rinse them by hand.
Can dirty filters mess with your health?
Yes, if they’re full of dust or mould, it’s not doing you any favours. It can be rough for anyone with allergies.
Do they really need to be completely dry before going back in?
Absolutely. If they’re still wet, you’re just asking for mould. Let them dry properly, or you’ll end up with that gross smell blowing through the place.
Does cleaning them actually help the air conditioner work better?
Definitely. Clean filters let air flow properly, so the unit doesn’t have to struggle. Helps with power bills, too.
When should I just replace them?
If they’re torn, stink even after cleaning, or look beyond saving, it’s time. Voltora can swap them out during a service if you’re not sure.
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