Keep Your Cool and Your Bills Low: A Tenant's Guide to Cleaning Air Conditioning Filters in South Australia

As a tenant in South Australia, maintaining the cleanliness of your air conditioning filters is generally part of your responsibility. Regularly cleaning these filters is crucial for several reasons:

• Improved Air Quality: Clean filters trap dust, pollen, and other airborne particles, leading to healthier air inside your home.
• Increased Energy Efficiency: Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC unit to work harder and consume more energy, resulting in higher electricity bills.
• Prolonged Unit Lifespan: By reducing the strain on your unit, regular filter cleaning can help extend its lifespan and prevent costly repairs.
• Compliance with Your Tenancy Agreement: Most tenancy agreements in SA outline the tenant's responsibility for routine maintenance, including filter cleaning.

This guide will walk you through the simple steps to clean the filters for the two most common types of air conditioning systems found in rental properties: ducted reverse cycle air conditioning and split system air conditioning.

1. Cleaning Filters in a Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning System

Ducted systems have a central unit, usually located in the ceiling or roof space, with vents throughout the property. The filters are typically found in the return air vents – these are larger vents that suck air back into the system for cooling or heating.

Here's how to clean your ducted AC filters:

Step 1: Locate the Return Air Vents

• Walk around your property and identify the larger vents on the walls or ceilings. These are your return air vents.
• The filter(s) will be located behind the grille of these vents.

Step 2: Turn Off the Air Conditioning System

• For safety, always turn off your air conditioning system at the main power switch or the wall control panel before attempting to clean the filters.

Step 3: Open the Return Air Vent Grille

• Most return air vent grilles are held in place by clips or screws.
• Carefully unclip or unscrew the grille to access the filter(s). You might need a screwdriver for this.

Step 4: Remove the Filter(s)

• Once the grille is open, you'll see the filter(s). Gently slide them out.
• Note the direction the filter was facing before removing it. This will be important when you put it back in.

Step 5: Clean the Filter(s)

• Vacuuming: Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove loose dust and debris from both sides of the filter.
• Washing (if applicable): Some filters are washable. If your filter is washable, rinse it under lukewarm running water. Gently scrub away any remaining dirt with a soft brush if necessary.
• Important Note: If your filter is not washable (usually a paper or pleated type), do not attempt to wash it. Washing a non-washable filter will damage it, and it will need to be replaced.

Step 6: Dry the Filter(s) Thoroughly (if washed)

• If you washed your filter, allow it to air dry completely before putting it back into the unit. Do not put a damp filter back in.

Step 7: Reinstall the Filter(s)

• Slide the clean and dry filter(s) back into the return air vent, ensuring it's facing the correct direction (the same way it was when you removed it). There might be arrows on the filter frame indicating the airflow direction.

Step 8: Close the Return Air Vent Grille

• Securely close the return air vent grille by re-clipping or re-screwing it.

Step 9: Turn the Air Conditioning System Back On

• Once the grille is securely closed, you can turn your air conditioning system back on.

2. Cleaning Filters in a Split System Air Conditioning Unit

Split system air conditioners have an indoor unit mounted on a wall and an outdoor compressor unit. The filters are located inside the indoor unit, behind the front panel.

Here's how to clean your split system AC filters:

Step 1: Locate the Indoor Unit

• Identify the indoor unit of your split system air conditioner, which is typically mounted on a wall inside your property.

Step 2: Turn Off the Air Conditioning System

• Always turn off your air conditioning system at the main power switch or the remote control before attempting to clean the filters.

Step 3: Open the Front Panel of the Indoor Unit

• Most split system indoor units have a front panel that can be easily opened. Look for small tabs or indentations on the sides or bottom of the panel.
• Gently lift or pull these tabs to release the panel and open it. The panel will usually hinge downwards or upwards.

Step 4: Locate and Remove the Filter(s)

• Once the front panel is open, you'll see the filter(s). They are usually thin, mesh-like screens.
• Gently slide the filter(s) out. Some units may have multiple filters.
• Note the orientation of the filters before removing them.

Step 5: Clean the Filter(s)

• Vacuuming: Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove loose dust and debris from both sides of the filter.
• Washing: Most split system filters are washable. Rinse them under lukewarm running water. Gently rub away any remaining dirt with your fingers or a soft brush.

Step 6: Dry the Filter(s) Thoroughly

• Allow the washed filter(s) to air dry completely before putting them back into the unit. Do not put damp filters back in.

Step 7: Reinstall the Filter(s)

• Slide the clean and dry filter(s) back into their slots in the indoor unit. Ensure they are facing the correct way.

Step 8: Close the Front Panel of the Indoor Unit

• Carefully close the front panel until it clicks or locks back into place.

Step 9: Turn the Air Conditioning System Back On

• Once the front panel is securely closed, you can turn your air conditioning system back on.

General Tips and Important Information for Tenants in SA:

• Cleaning Frequency: We recommend cleaning your air conditioning filters at least once every three months. If you use your AC frequently, or if you have pets or allergies, you may need to clean them more often (e.g., monthly).
• Check Your Tenancy Agreement: Familiarize yourself with your tenancy agreement to understand your specific responsibilities regarding property maintenance.
• Manufacturer's Instructions: Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air conditioning unit for the most accurate cleaning guidelines.
• Non-Washable Filters: If your filters are not washable or are damaged, you will likely need to replace them. Contact our office if you are unsure about the type of filter you have or where to purchase replacements.
• Professional Cleaning: While tenants are typically responsible for cleaning filters, more complex maintenance or repairs should always be handled by qualified professionals. Please contact our office if you experience any issues beyond basic filter cleaning.
• Document Your Cleaning: Keeping a record of when you cleaned your filters can be helpful for tracking maintenance.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure your air conditioning system runs efficiently, keeps your property comfortable, and helps you save on energy costs. Regular filter cleaning is a small effort that makes a big difference!

If you have any questions or require further assistance, please contact our office.