How To Clean a Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner Filter

How To Clean a Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner Filter

Have you noticed your power bills have been unusually high lately? New sounds coming from your A/C? Or perhaps a funny smell in the air when it’s running?

Don’t worry; you don’t need to call in the pros just yet—it might just be time to clean your A/C filter. Yes, you can totally do this yourself! Filter cleaning is quick, easy, and affordable. 

We’ve put together this handy guide to help you learn how to clean a reverse cycle air conditioner filter.

Common Types of Filters

First, you’ll need to identify your air conditioner filter material to know how to clean it properly. Do this by checking the instruction manual. Thrown it out, or not sure where it is in a sea of paperwork in your office? Locate your A/C model number on the side of the split system indoor unit or on the outdoor unit of your ducted system, and Google this to find the filter type. 

Reverse cycle A/C filters are either washable or disposable.

Washable filters are common in most split, ducted, and portable systems. They’re made of a durable mesh or synthetic material designed to be removed, cleaned, and reused multiple times—for five to ten years!

Disposable filters are found in some ducted systems and portable units. They’re made from cardboard and are designed for one-time use, so they need regular replacement.

Where To Locate Your Filter

Once you’ve established that your filter is washable, where can you find it?

• Split systems: Behind the front panel of the indoor unit. 

• Ducted systems: In the return air grille. This rectangular or square panel with a grid-like design is often located in the ceiling of a hallway.

• Portable units: Accessed from the back or side panel.

How To Clean a Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner Filter In 6 Steps

1. Turn Off the Unit

If your system is running, switch it off to make removing the filter easier. With the system off, dust also cannot be sucked up into the evaporator coil, which can block the coil and affect the system’s operation. 

2. Remove the Filter

Split Systems

Open the front panel of the indoor unit by unclipping and lifting it. The panel should stay open on its own. 

Now, slide out or unclip the filters with both hands to avoid bending or damaging the material. If the filters are a bit snug, gently wiggle them back and forth as you pull. 

Note how the filters are positioned so you can easily reinstall them after cleaning. A quick photo can be a helpful reminder when putting everything back together.

Ducted Systems

Look for small latches or clips on the sides of the return air grille and press or pull these to release the grille. If your model has a pin, unscrew this with your hand until the panel swings down. 

Once the grille is open, slide out the filter. It’ll be dusty, so shield your eyes!

Portable Units

Remove the filter cover or panel at the back or side of the unit. If the cover has clips, press or slide them to release the cover. For panels with screws, use a small screwdriver to remove the screws and set them aside where they won’t get lost.

3. Wash the Filter

Take the filter outside and rinse it with a hose to remove dust. Spray the hose at a slight angle to avoid damaging the filter’s fibres. Let the water run through the filter until it's clear. If the filter has stubborn dirt buildup, spray a mild cleaning solution first and then rinse. 

Vacuuming and brushing the filter can cause damage.

Important note: Remember to only wash washable filters made of synthetic material! Filters made of cardboard cannot be cleaned; they must be replaced. 

4. Dry the Filter

Shake off any excess water and leave the filter to dry in the shade, or place it on a towel in a well-ventilated area inside, away from direct sunlight.

The filter must be completely dry before you place it back into the unit, as a wet filter can grow mould.

5. Clean the Louvres and Grille

Louvres are the adjustable slats at the front of a split system’s indoor unit where the cool or warm air comes out. 

Portable air conditioners generally have louvres at the front or top of the unit. To clean the louvres, use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and a damp cloth to remove grime.

If you have a ducted system, you can clean the inside and outside of the return air grille in the same way.

6. Put the Filter Back in the A/C

When the filter is completely dry, reinsert it securely into its original position in the indoor unit/return air grille/portable unit. It should fit snugly with no gaps or signs of misalignment.

Close and latch or screw the filter cover/panel back into place properly to prevent air leaks.

Then wipe away any dirty fingerprints you may have left on the exterior of your A/C. 

Why Cleaning the Filter Yourself Can Save You Hundreds 

Cleaning your reverse cycle air conditioning filter every three to six months yourself doesn’t take much time and is free, saving you money on a professional service. 

Plus, regular cleaning reduces strain on the unit, preventing expensive repairs and extending the lifespan of your system to save you even more.

Other benefits of A/C filter cleaning include

• Maintaining efficient airflow.

• Reducing energy consumption.

• Saving money on power bills.

• Improving indoor air quality by effectively trapping dust and allergens.

Ready for Fresher Air? Contact Midea for More Tips!

Wondering how to clean a reverse cycle air conditioner filter? Just pop your headphones on, hit play on your favourite podcast, and follow this easy filter cleaning guide! 

What if your A/C has reached the end of its lifespan? 

Midea can help. Browse our range of affordable, high-energy-rated reverse cycle split and ducted air conditioning systems online today. 

Then call 1300 726 002 to speak to a helpful Midea team member, or complete this online form and we’ll contact you soon.