Can You Vacuum Furnace Filter

Your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system keeps your home's air clean by trapping dust, pollen, germs, and other contaminants, but all those particles have to become somewhere. The system'due south air filter collects much of this buildup, which can somewhen start to interfere with the unit of measurement'south efficiency, increment your utility bills, and even compromise your home'south air quality. Learning how to clean an air conditioner filter or furnace filter is a key part of regular maintenance that can keep the system running smoothly and ward off a costly breakdown.

Still, cleaning your home's air filters will simply get you so far. If the filter is excessively dirty, torn, or otherwise damaged, it's time to supercede your air filter. Y'all should also note that disposable air filters (which are typically set in a cardboard frame) are more often than not not meant to be cleaned and should be replaced when they get muddy. Cleaning works best with reusable filters, like this washable electrostatic furnace and AC filter ($24, Lowe's).

Grandbrothers/Adobe Stock

How to Make clean an HVAC Air Filter

For all-time results, plan to clean your home's air filters about in one case a calendar month and supersede them about every six months. Exist sure to check the manufacturer's instructions to determine the best way to clean your air conditioner or furnace filter, but the steps below volition work for most reusable filters.

What You Need

Screwdriver
Vacuum with soft castor attachment
Large bucket or sink
Hot h2o
Distilled white vinegar
Hose (optional)

Pace 1: Plough off the power and locate the filter.

Before you begin, turn off your HVAC unit to foreclose unfiltered air from circulating effectually your home while cleaning. Locate the vent and apply a screwdriver to open up the unit. Some systems might include multiple vents that each contain a filter, then exist sure to clean them all. Remove the filter and inspect it for damage. Supercede the filter if necessary; otherwise, continue on to vacuuming.

Stride 2: Vacuum the air filter.

Take the filter outside if possible to avoid stirring upwardly dust inside your home. Employ a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove debris from the filter. Run the brush across the filter to gently loosen stuck-on buildup.

Related: 7 AC Mistakes You're Probably Making (Plus Practiced Solutions to Forestall a Breakdown)

Step 3: Launder the filter with vinegar and water.

If your air filter requires deeper cleaning, fill your sink or a large bucket with a mixture of equal parts hot water and distilled white vinegar. Let the filter soak for approximately ane hour, so rinse with clean h2o. If the filter is also large to fit inside a sink or bucket, employ a garden hose to wash it off, letting the water run through the filter in the reverse direction of the airflow. Employ a low-pressure level setting to avoid damaging the filter.

Step 4: Let dry and replace.

Permit the filter air-dry out completely before replacing it. This helps foreclose mold growth within your HVAC system. Reload the filter within the unit, ensuring information technology's facing the right management for proper airflow. Most filters feature arrow markings that indicate the correct placement; these arrows should typically point toward the furnace in the direction of the airflow. Replace the vents and turn the unit dorsum on.