How to Clean Your Air Conditioner Filter at Home
A dirty air conditioner filter is one of the most common reasons an AC loses efficiency, smells musty, or starts blowing warm air. The good news is that cleaning the filter is a simple job you can do yourself in about 15 minutes. Here's how.
Why It Matters
The filter in your split system catches dust, pet hair, pollen and other particles before they reach the coils. When it gets clogged:
- Airflow is reduced, making the unit work harder and use more electricity
- Cooling and heating performance drops
- The coil behind the filter can freeze or get dirty, requiring expensive repairs
- Bacteria and mould can grow on the filter, spreading into your room
Cleaning the filter every 4–6 weeks during heavy use will extend the life of your unit and keep energy bills down.
What You'll Need
- A ladder or step stool (for wall-mounted units)
- A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
- Warm water and mild dish soap
- A soft cloth or sponge
- A towel
Step-by-Step: How to Clean the Filter
- Turn off the air conditioner and unplug it if possible, or turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
- Open the front panel of the indoor unit. Most models have clips on the sides — gently press inward and lift the cover up.
- Slide out the filters. They're usually two rectangular mesh panels. Some models have a secondary filter behind the main one.
- Vacuum the filter gently on both sides using the soft brush attachment to remove loose dust.
- Wash the filter under warm running water. If it's very dirty, soak it for a few minutes with a small amount of mild dish soap, then rinse thoroughly.
- Shake off excess water and lay the filter on a towel to air dry completely. Never reinstall a wet filter — it can cause mould growth.
- Reinstall the filter once fully dry. Make sure it's seated correctly and the front panel clicks back into place.
- Turn the unit back on and check that airflow has improved.
Tips
- Set a reminder on your phone to clean the filter every 4–6 weeks in summer and winter when you're using the AC daily.
- If the filter has a 'replace' indicator light, follow the manufacturer's instructions — some filters are not washable and must be replaced.
- Also wipe down the outer casing of the indoor unit with a damp cloth to prevent dust buildup.
When to Call a Professional
Filter cleaning is a DIY job, but deeper maintenance — cleaning the coil, checking refrigerant, and clearing the drain line — should be done by a qualified technician every 1–2 years.
Need a Replacement AC?
If your AC is old, inefficient, or beyond repair, Oceania Appliances stocks split systems from Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu and more. We deliver free across Sydney with a 3–6 month warranty on every unit.
Call: 0450 220 436 | Shop: oceaniaappliances.com.au