Noticed your power bills have been more expensive lately? Is your air conditioner not keeping you as cool over the summer as it did a few years ago? Chances are, it’s time to give your ducted aircon filter a quick clean.
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your Mitsubishi, Fujitsu or Daikin air ducted aircon working efficiently all year round. In this short guide, we share five simple steps on how to clean a ducted aircon filter to keep your air-conditioner working at its best (and your power bills down!).
Why It’s Important To Clean Your Ducted Air Conditioner Filter
Keeping your Mitsubishi, Fujitsu or Daikin ducted air conditioner filter clean is essential for both the health of your system and the quality of the air in your home.
The air return filter is designed to trap dust, dirt, pet hair, and other particles before they enter the unit. This not only prevents dust and debris from damaging the inside of the air conditioner but also helps reduce the growth of mould and bacteria, ensuring healthier air for you and your family.
When dust builds up in the filter, it starts to restrict airflow to the unit, which reduces the efficiency of the system. This means your air conditioner has to work harder to cool your home, leading to higher energy bills and unnecessary strain on the system. In extreme cases, clogged filters can even cause damage to the fan coil unit, which could result in costly repairs.
You can find more tips on ducted aircon systems in our blog on ‘How does ducted air conditioning work?‘
What Does A Ducted Filter Look Like?
A ducted air conditioner typically has one of two types of filters: reusable mesh-type filters that can be washed and disposable filters that need to be replaced depending on dirt accumulation. They type of filter your system has will depend on the age and type of system (Mitsubishi, Fujitsu or Daikin)
The filter is usually a flat, rectangular piece of mesh or pleated paper that is housed inside the return air grille of your ducted air conditioning system. The filter may also be encased in a plastic or metal frame, depending on the design of your system.
How Often Should You Clean A Ducted Aircon Filter?
The number one question we get asked, after how to clean a ducted aircon filter, is “how should a ducted aircon filter be cleaned?”.
As a general rule, we recommend checking and cleaning the filter in a residential unit at least once every six months. However, if your home tends to get especially dusty, you have pets, or you use your air conditioner frequently, it’s a good idea to check the filter every 3-4 months.
While you might not need to clean it every time, making a habit of checking regularly can help prevent buildup. A little attention now can save you headaches, excessive energy consumption and costly repairs down the line.
Five Simple Steps For Cleaning A Ducted Air Con Filter
When it comes to ducted air conditioner maintenance and filter cleaning, we have good news: You can do it in about half an hour! And you don’t need any special tools or equipment. Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to clean a ducted aircon filter in five simple steps:
Step 1: Turn the AC Off And Open The Filter Frame
- Before you do any air conditioner maintenance, it’s a good idea to make sure the AC is switched off.
- Once you’ve done that, the first step is to open the air conditioner duct so you can remove the filter from the return air grill frame. Depending on which type of ducted system you have, the return air filter will either be in the ceiling or a wall.
- To open the return air grill, undo the hinged return air grill frame fixing(s). The fixing(s) is usually a thumb screw or a sliding clip. Once you’ve undone the latch, swing the filter frame open and let it hang vertically.
Step 2: Remove the Filter
Once you’ve opened the return air grill, you should be able to slide the filter out. If it’s been a while since you last cleaned the filter, it’s a good idea to wear a mask to avoid inhaling too much dust—especially if the vent is located on the ceiling.
Step 3: Clean the filter
Once you’ve removed the filter, it’s time to give it a good clean. The best way to clean the filter will depend on how much dust it has accumulated.
If there’s a thick layer of dust, we recommend taking the filter outside (or leaning it over the bin) and giving it a gentle tap or brush to remove as much of the dust as possible, being careful not to tear the filter. You could also gently vacuum the filter to get rid of most of the buildup.
Once you’ve done that, it’s time to wash the filter in warm soapy water and a soft microfibre cloth. You don’t need any harsh chemicals – ordinary dishwashing liquid or mild detergent is fine. If your sink isn’t large enough, a bathtub or shower is a great alternative. You can also hose it down outside – just be aware of the water pressure so the filter is not damaged.
You’ll know you’re done cleaning when you can see light through the filter.
As you can see in the photo below, the difference will be pretty obvious—the filter on the right is covered in dust!
Step 4: Inspect and dry the filter
Once the filter’s clean, it’s a good idea to give it a once-over to check for any tears or signs of damage. If you find any, you know it’s time to replace the filter.
To dry the filter, lean it against a wall or place it on a rack, outside in the sun, or in a warm, well-ventilated area. If you’re particularly short on time, you could use a hairdryer to dry it quickly.
Either way, it’s essential to let it fully dry before putting it back in the grill to prevent mould and bacteria from growing in the ducted unit.
Step 5: Replace the filter
Slide the filter back into the hinged grill, swing the grill back into the recess and screw up the fixing screw (slide back the clip).
How To Clean The Filter on Daikin Ducted Air Conditioner and Other Models
If you’re wondering how to clean the filter on your Mitsubishi, or Fujitsu ducted air conditioner, the good news is that the five steps we’ve outlined should work for most systems. However, each brand may have its own unique features, so it’s always a good idea to consult the owner’s manual for specific guidance.
For instance, with Daikin ducted systems, you’ll often receive a filter cleaning reminder on the controller, prompting you to clean the filter at regular intervals. While the basic cleaning process remains similar across most models, these reminders can help ensure you stay on top of maintenance
Want to know more about how to clean your daikin ducted aircon filters? Get in touch with Crown Power for more expert tips on maintaining and servicing your ducted air conditioning systems.
Keep Your Aircon Running Smoothly
Cleaning your ducted air conditioner filter is a small task that can make a big difference. Not only will it help your system run efficiently, but it’ll also improve air quality and cut down on energy costs, keeping your home cool and comfortable without the hefty bills!
If you’d rather leave the hard work to the professionals, our expert air conditioning maintenance services at Crown Power have you covered. We offer comprehensive, reliable cleaning and servicing for all types of ducted air conditioning systems, ensuring they perform at their best. Contact us today to schedule your aircon service.
