Cleaning Your Electronic Air Filter

One of the upsides of installing an electric air cleaner on your furnace/air conditioning unit is the peace of mind that comes from knowing that virtually every dust particle that circulates through your home will, at one time or another, be effectively “zapped” out of existence. With an electric air cleaner, you don’t have to worry about filtration chambers clogging up with dirt, as eventually happens with paper filters that need to be changed every few months.

That’s not to say that electric air cleaners don’t require maintenance, though. They very much do—if you’re to benefit from the advantages of owning one, such as reducing indoor air pollutants. Here are a few tips to help you keep your electronic air cleaner running smoothly:

First, as with any appliance, check the manufacturer’s manual that came with your air cleaner for suggestions on how to properly service the machine. And always make sure the power is disconnected to the unit before attempting to work on it – even for a routine cleaning. Once disconnected, wait at least 30 seconds before opening the unit.

Take a good look at the cells and pre-filters. The latter are screen-like objects that filter out larger pieces of dirt and debris. The former are box-like items that effectively pulverize smaller particles. If either looks dirty, the unit needs to be cleaned.

Some manufacturers suggest cleaning the cells and pre-filters in your dishwasher. However, you should check both the cleaner’s and the dishwasher’s manuals to make sure that this operation is safe for your equipment. In any event, don’t let the items go through the dry cycle, as this can have the effect of baking on dirt before it can be completely removed.

It’s also possible to use a large tub (including a bathtub) to wash the cells clean. Be careful of any sharp edges on the internal parts of the cells.

If the weather is decent, you could try hosing down the cells and pre-filters outside, taking care to thoroughly dry all items before returning them to the cleaning unit. Letting them air dry is the best way to make sure you don’t re-install the items prematurely.