One of the simplest tasks to keep the house and its equipment working properly is to clean the air filter. When we think of air filters, most of us usually think of HVAC filters. Although we will start with that, there are still some to be added to the maintenance plan.
Air filter for heating and cooling system
Rosie certified partner REEIS Air Conditioning recommends replacing the air filter once a month throughout the year.
The filter is usually located in the ceiling or wall on the path of the duct system that returns the air to the air conditioner. Look for removable metal covers on the ceiling or low on the wall.
1. Open the metal cover, take out the old filter, and measure.
2. Purchase a replacement filter of the same size as the old filter (as long as the old filter fits). A good filter should be around $4.
3. There will be an arrow on the side of the filter telling you how the airflow should pass through the filter. Install the new filter according to the airflow arrow.
5. Use a vacuum cleaner or a slightly damp cloth to remove dust from the vents.
6. Dispose of the old filter.
7. Repeat this process every month, because the dusty air in Arizona can make the filter extremely dirty. Therefore, they need to be replaced more frequently.
8. Clean the vents to remove residual dust.
For window or wall-mounted air conditioners, the filter is located inside the device.
1. Turn off the air conditioner.
2. Remove the front cover of the air conditioner; it may pop out, or you may need to unscrew it. The filter is behind it.
3. Remove the filter. You may be able to push it out, but some models are already screwed in.
4. Most windows and wall-mounted air-conditioning filters are reusable. You will clean it instead of replacing the filter. Shake or absorb dust and rinse with soapy water.
5. After the filter is completely dry, put it back in the device.
7. Wipe the front of the device.
Mini shunt: Check the mini shunt filters every two weeks to see if they need to be cleaned. Dirt, debris, and mold can quickly accumulate.
To clean the micro split filter, shut down the entire system. Let everything cool down. After cooling down, remove the device panel. Wipe off the dust with a cloth.
Then remove the filter. Clean both sides of the filter with warm water and detergent. Rinse off the soap residue and place the filter in a cool place to air dry. After it is completely dry, put it back in the device.
In order for your bathroom fan to work effectively, please clean it thoroughly every six months. Before removing the cover, make sure that the power of the fan is turned off. Clean the cover and fan. Dirty fans cannot remove moisture, which will eventually lead to mold and mildew.
Always clean the lint filter between each batch of clothes. Get in the habit of removing lint from the screen before or after each batch. Many new dryers will automatically remind you to check the lint filter before starting.
If your vacuum cleaner doesn't suck as well as it used to or if it emits a bad smell when opened, it's time to clean or replace the air filter. Bagless vacuum cleaners require more frequent replacement and cleaning of filters. Unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer, replace the filter of the bagless vacuum cleaner every three months.
Bissell points out that foam vacuum filters that can be cleaned should be cleaned gently by hand with warm water and a drop or two of mild detergent. Before putting the vacuum filter back into the vacuum, make sure that the vacuum filter is completely dry. If the vacuum filter is a bit damp, mold and mildew will grow, and the vacuum filter will stink the next time it is used.
Don't just empty the dirt tank and skip the filter. A clogged filter will cause the motor to overwork and eventually burn out. Save the cost of replacing the motor (approximately $100) and clean the filter.
Don't tap the filter inside the trash can, but use a store vacuum cleaner to clean the pleated filter. Some pleated filters have a special coating and you may damage it, so please use the workshop vacuum nozzle with care. Clean the pre-filter screen and the post-filter in the same way.
If it is not in a vacuum, insert a certified true high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to remove invisible particles and allergens. Make sure there is "true" on the label.
Buy high-quality vacuum bags, such as cotton-lined paper bags or synthetic cotton HEPA bags. Bag capacity is very important. A bag with a larger capacity can capture more tiny particles.
The carbon air filter of most equipment should be used for several years or longer, depending on how much it is used. Certain filters are designed to be used throughout the life of the equipment. Please consult the manufacturer of the bidet for advice or let your nose tell you when to change it. Refer to the bidet manual for instructions on cleaning or replacing the filter.
Some models are equipped with washable or permanent filters. These filters still need to be cleaned to maintain their effectiveness.
Generally speaking, the air purifier filter should be replaced:
• HEPA filter: every 12 to 18 months
• Carbon filter: three to six months
• Pre-filter: clean every 30 days and replace when worn
• Permanent filter: clean every three months, replace when damaged
Some air purifiers have a filter check indicator, which lets users know that the filter needs to be replaced or cleaned through the LED indicator or buzzer.
Avoid days with bad hair. When lint accumulates in the filter, the blower may overheat or shut down. If the dryer is running too hot or the airflow is weak, it is time to clean the filter.
Unplug the plug and remove the filter. Twist the filter to remove it, or use a screwdriver to pry it open. Flush the water from the inside of the filter to the outside.
After cleaning the filter, you may see that the inner filter is still dirty. Use a small brush or toothpick to gently remove debris from the screen. Hand-held vacuum cleaners are also very useful.
After the filter is dry, put it back in place. Insert the dryer and turn it on to high speed. Wait a few minutes until the dryer pushes out all the crumbs before use.
If your cat uses a hooded box, Chewy.com recommends replacing the carbon filter every three to four months, depending on how often the litter box is used.
Although, this is really personal preference. If you notice a strong smell from the device, it may be time to replace the carbon filter.
Edmunds.com recommends that you check the user manual of the vehicle for the interval time recommended by the manufacturer. A good rule of thumb is to change the air filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first). Replace the fuel filter every two years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first).
Remember to also replace the air-conditioning filter. The filter cleans the air entering the room through heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. When blocked, it will make the car smell unpleasant.
Check the maintenance schedule in your user manual to find out when the air-conditioning filter should be replaced. If you live in an area with poor air quality and a lot of dust, you may need to replace it annually or more frequently.
Many homeowners stated that if they did not change the filter regularly, they would notice a change in the taste of the water.
For reverse osmosis systems, please refer to the user's instruction manual. Some filters and membranes can be used for up to two years, but some need to be replaced before then.
The same is true for refrigerator filters, but generally speaking, most of them can be used for about six months.
Refrigerator filters remove contaminants by forcing water through activated carbon filters. But once the carbon is covered by pollutants, the water passes through untreated.
The filter in the jug or glass bottle usually needs to be replaced every two to five months.
Join Rosie's home on KTAR News 92.3 FM every Saturday from 8 am to 11 am. If you want to send us questions or comments, please send an email to mailto:info@rosieonthehouse.com. Follow us on Twitter and "like" us on Facebook. For more DIY tips, please visit rosieonthehouse.com. Rosie Romero has been an expert in the residential construction and remodeling industry in Arizona since 1988. She was the host of Rosie's radio show on the House of Representatives on Saturday morning. For questions and comments, please call 888-767-4348.