As the name suggests, air conditioner filters are responsible for removing small particles from the air that goes into the air conditioner air distribution. Such particles may include dust particles, pollen and fur. By filtering out these particles, air conditioner filters greatly improve the quality of the air that is circulating in a room, giving you the comfort you desire.
Air conditioner filters are usually located in the condenser, behind the air conditioner fans. The fans are responsible for drawing in air into the air duct. Before the air goes into the duct, it passes through the air conditioner filters and all the particles that are in that air are trapped within the filter material. The air that comes through the other side of the air conditioner filters is clean and pure.
The purity of the air however depends on the condition of the air condition filters. Since the particles trapped within the air condition filters remain in the filters, these particles tend to accumulate over time. What this does is to clog the air conditioner filters. This can affect the quality of air and it tends to reduce the performance of your air conditioner.
The air conditioner filters therefore need to be cleaned regularly, 1 or 2 times a month depending on the environment that the air conditioner operates in. Dusty surrounding and areas that generally have higher amounts of airborne particles call for more attention to the air conditioner filters. Cleaning the air conditioner filters is easy and takes less than 10 minutes. Simply remove the filters, wash them with soap, warm water and if needed, a few drops of bleach to kill any bacteria. Allow them to dry then put them back. Simple! That can save you a lot of energy costs since dirty filters require the system to use more energy to draw in air.
If you notice the air conditioner filters are worn out, replace them. Finding a suitable replacement will depend on the amount of cash you are willing to spend. There are inexpensive air conditioner filters made of paper or cotton. These are usually disposable and can only be used once. Others are a little expensive, like the High efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA). They are however very effective in filtering micro-particles which may go unfiltered by cotton or paper filters. Some are also reusable so you end up saving the money you could have used for replacements. They are also good for people who may have allergic reactions to certain particles in the air.
It is therefore wise to keep your air conditioner filters clean and in good condition to get that morning-fresh air around you all day and night.
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