9 Steps to Clean a DUCTED Air Conditioner Filter

We've prepared nine steps to clean your DUCTED air conditioner filters and keep your family healthy.

How to Clean a DUCTED Air Conditioner Filter

Cleaning the return air filter of a DUCTED air conditioner is simple if you know how to do it. Your air conditioner should have come with instructions detailing how to clean the air filters.

These are general steps for cleaning DUCTED air conditioner filters regardless of brand or model. We have nine steps you can follow to clean the filters without having to spend all day or hurt your back.

1. Remove the Return Air Grille Fasteners

The ceiling grille is usually secured with a screw or sliding clip. You'll need to detach it to open the grille and access the filter.

Luckily, no special tools are needed for this. You'll just need a ladder to reach the grille. Make sure your ladder is on a sturdy surface so you can stay safe while detaching the fasteners.

2. Open the Grille

As you remove the last fastening elements, make sure to support the grille or it won't hit the floor. Once you've removed all fasteners, lower the frame so that it hangs vertically from the ceiling.

3. Remove the Filter

This frame contains the return air filter. The filter should come out easily.

After removing the filter, you can leave the grille open during cleaning. If it's in a high-traffic area of your home, it might be wise to close the grille.

4. Wipe the Frame with a Damp Cloth

After removing the filter, take a damp cloth and wipe the frame to remove all dust and dirt that may have accumulated there.

5. Use a Vacuum to Remove Built-Up Dirt

Depending on how long ago you last cleaned the filter, there may be a thick layer of dirt. You can remove most of this dirt with a vacuum.

6. Rinse in Warm Water

After removing most of the dirt, it's time to thoroughly rinse the filter in warm water. This can be easily done in a shower, bathtub or large sink.

7. Let It Air Dry

Place the clean filter in a spot where it can dry. If sunlight is shining, use it to your advantage and place the filter in the sun.

You'll need to wait until the filter is completely dry before putting it back into the frame.

8. Reinstall the Filter

Once the filter is clean and fully dry, reinstall it into the frame.

9. Close the Grille and Secure

Close the grille and secure it with fasteners. You now have a clean return air filter for your DUCTED air conditioner.

The Importance of Clean Air Conditioner Filters

Dirty air filters come with a range of problems that you can easily avoid by regularly cleaning them. These include:

• poor indoor air quality that makes your family feel unwell
• worsening allergy and asthma symptoms
• reduced energy efficiency due to restricted airflow to fans
• high operating costs
• accelerated wear of indoor unit components
• need for more frequent repairs

You can prevent these issues by regularly cleaning your air conditioning system's filter. HVAC professionals at Upside Down recommend professional servicing of your DUCTED system to also clean the ducts. Dust and dirt can accumulate there, so removing it helps improve air quality further.

How Often Should You Clean Your Air Conditioner Filter?

It's recommended to clean your air conditioner filter at least twice a year. The best times for this are the beginning or end of winter and summer. That way your DUCTED air conditioner will deliver clean air into your home during the seasons when you rely on it most.

With these nine simple steps, you can enjoy fresh, clean air in your home all year round.