Your air conditioning filter collects dust, hair, pollen and other particles as your system runs. If you leave the filter dirty for too long, it can restrict airflow and make your air conditioner work harder.
As a general rule, during regular use, you should clean your air conditioning filter every 30 to 60 days. If you run your system every day, have pets, or live in a dusty environment, you may need to check it every 2 to 4 weeks.
How Often Should You Clean Your AC Filter?
The right cleaning or replacement schedule depends on the type of filter and how often you use your air conditioner.
- Washable filters should usually be cleaned about once a month during periods of regular use.
- Standard disposable filters generally need replacing every 30 to 90 days, although you should check them monthly.
- Thicker pleated filters can often last 3 to 6 months, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the filter looks heavily covered in dust before its usual cleaning date, clean or replace it sooner.
When Should You Clean the Filter More Often?
Some homes and businesses need more frequent filter maintenance.
- Pets can increase the amount of fur and dander in the air, which can clog a filter more quickly.
- People with allergies may benefit from more frequent filter cleaning, as a clean filter helps reduce airborne dust and other particles.
- Heavy air conditioning use requires more regular checks, particularly when the system runs for long periods during warmer weather.
- Dusty environments can quickly restrict airflow, so check the filter regularly if your property has ongoing dust from building work or other sources.
What Happens If an AC Filter Gets Too Dirty?
A dirty filter can restrict airflow through the indoor unit. Your air conditioner may then take longer to cool the room and use more energy while trying to maintain the selected temperature. You may notice:
- Weak airflow from the indoor unit can indicate that the filter needs attention.
- Longer cooling times can occur when restricted airflow reduces system performance.
- Higher electricity bills can result when the system has to work harder.
- Poor cooling performance can develop when the filter remains blocked.
A dirty filter can also contribute to dirt building up on other internal components.
How to Clean a Washable AC Filter
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning your filter. For a washable filter, you can generally:
- Switch the air conditioner off before removing the filter.
- Remove the filter carefully and take it outside if it contains a lot of dust.
- Wash the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Allow the filter to dry completely before putting it back into the unit.
- Reinstall the filter correctly before using the air conditioner again.
Never wash a disposable filter. Replace it with the correct type and size.
When Should You Call an Air Conditioning Engineer?
Cleaning the filter can solve airflow problems caused by dirt, but it won’t fix every cooling issue.
Contact a qualified air conditioning engineer if your system continues to have weak airflow, poor cooling, unusual smells, water leaks or strange noises after you have cleaned or replaced the filter.
Regular professional servicing can also help identify problems that you cannot see during routine filter cleaning.
Keep Your Air Conditioning Working Efficiently
Regular filter cleaning is a simple part of air conditioning maintenance, but it can make a noticeable difference to airflow and system performance.
If you’re unsure how often your system needs servicing or your air conditioner isn’t performing properly, Stag Services Ltd provides professional air conditioning servicing, repairs and installation across Telford, Shropshire, Staffordshire and surrounding areas.
With over 30 years of industry experience, our team can inspect your system and advise you on the maintenance it needs.
