Many people cannot imagine living without their HVAC system, especially if they live in a state that experiences extremes of hot and cold temperatures. That means many people are already aware of just how important the AC is to the comfort of their home. However, even the people most appreciative of the miracle of air conditioning may not realize just how important the air filter is to the whole system. That is understandable since the air filter is not something that is thought of or spoken of all that often. You never hear anyone talk about the air filter on all those home improvement shows after all.

However, the air filter is vital in keeping the AC unit functioning and therefore is instrumental in keeping the whole home functioning. Some air filters are disposable and need to be replaced after some time. But there are others that can be washed and so they need to be maintained in order for them to keep functioning at a high level. You may think that having a disposable filter is easier, but the truth is that a washable air filter is no trouble at all once you know how to do it. If you are in the market for a reusable air filter, or any kind of air filter really, then click here for more information.

Why Is The Air Filter Important?

The air filter not only helps to keep the air in the home pure, it also has an effect on the energy bill. It does the former by trapping harmful particulate matter and keeping it from spreading throughout the home. Particulate matter includes things like dust, smoke, bacteria, dust mites, smoke, and pollutants. Some filters can even trap particulates like droplet nuclei, which are responsible for the spread of airborne illnesses like the common cold, influenza, or measles.

You can tell how effective an air filter is at capturing particulate matter by looking at its MERV rating. MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value and the higher the number, the more effective the air filter is. Most households will find an air filter with a MERV rating of seven to twelve to be more than adequate since those filters can trap most particulate matter. MERV 13 filters are meant for buildings that need clean, sterile environments, like laboratories or hospitals since they can filter out droplet nuclei. That means they can also be good for homes where some of the residents are severely immunocompromised, however, they may increase the energy bill of the home.

That is because an air filter affects energy usage as well. If the fan of the AC unit has to work harder to push air through the filter, then it needs more energy to do so, which can lead to an increase in the electricity bill. Air filters with high MERV ratings require the fan to work harder than normal, as do dirty, clogged filters. That is why it is so important to keep your air filter clean.

How Do I Clean My Air Filter?

Cleaning a reusable air filter is a pretty simple process and needs to be done about every three to six months. Just follow these simple steps to get your air filter clean:

1. First, turn off the air conditioner.
2. Next, find the access panel, remove it, and take the air filter out.
3. Fill a sink with a solution of one part water and one part white vinegar and let the filter soak in it for about an hour.
4. Remove the filter from the solution and rinse it off with fresh water.
5. Allow the filter to dry completely before placing it back into the AC unit.
6. Replace the access panel and turn on the air conditioner.

If your filter is too large to fit into your sink, then do the following instead:

1. Follow steps 1 and 2 above.
2. Take the air filter outside and use a garden hose to thoroughly spray it down. Make sure the water pressure is not too high because that could damage the filter.
3. Follow steps 5 and 6 above.

That’s all it takes. It is obviously more work than simply replacing the filter but having a reusable filter is more cost effective since you won’t be replacing it every couple of months.

Clean Your Air Filter To Keep It Functioning

The air filter can only do its job right if it is clean so you should make sure to set some time aside to give it a good cleaning. It can be easy to forget since you have to do it so infrequently, so you should set a reminder and put it someplace where you will notice it. The air filter is one of the easiest things in your house to clean and also one of the most important. So set aside the time to keep it clean and it will keep the air in your home clean.