Clean Air Con Filters: Save Power and Stay Healthy

Your heat pump works hard all year — cooling in summer, warming in winter. The single biggest thing you can do at home to keep it running well is also the simplest: keep the filters clean. Why clean filters matter When a filter is clogged with dust, pet hair and lint, the fan has to pull air through a blocked mesh. That means: • The unit runs longer to hit the same temperature • The compressor cycles more often • Power bills quietly creep up — a dirty filter can add 5–15% to your running costs • Cold or warm air struggles to reach the far side of the room • Ice can form on the indoor coil, eventually causing water to drip from the unit Why clean filters matter for your health The filter is the first line of defence for the air you breathe at home. When it's blocked: • Dust, pollen and pet dander get pushed back into the room instead of being trapped • Damp trapped dust becomes a perfect home for mould and bacteria • People with asthma, hay fever or eczema often notice symptoms flare up • The unit itself starts to smell musty when it turns on A clean filter means cleaner air, fewer allergy triggers, and no musty smell first thing in the morning. How often should you clean them? • Every 2–4 weeks if the unit runs daily (winter or summer peak) • Every 6–8 weeks in the shoulder seasons • Straight away if you notice weaker airflow, longer run times, or a smell Homes with pets, smokers, open fires or lots of foot traffic should clean more often. 5-minute cleaning routine 1. Turn the unit off at the remote and at the wall. 2. Lift the front panel of the indoor unit — most models simply hinge upward. 3. Slide the filters out. They look like fine plastic mesh screens. 4. Tap the loose dust into a bin, then rinse under lukewarm tap water. For heavy build-up, use a soft brush and a drop of dish soap. 5. Shake off the water and leave the filters to air dry completely — never put them back wet. 6. Slide them back in, close the panel, and turn the unit back on. Do not use hot water, a dishwasher, or a hair dryer — heat warps the mesh and ruins the filter. What cleaning the filter does NOT fix Cleaning filters keeps the unit efficient day-to-day, but it doesn't reach the parts that matter most for long-term performance: • The indoor coil and blower wheel behind the filter • The outdoor unit's coil and fan • The drain line and drip tray, where mould loves to grow • Gas pressure and electrical connections These need a proper professional service once a year. That's exactly what our $149 heat pump service covers — deep clean of the indoor and outdoor units, drain flush, sanitiser treatment, and a full performance check. A serviced heat pump uses less power, lasts longer, and blows genuinely clean air. The bottom line Five minutes with the filters every few weeks + one proper service a year = lower power bills, cleaner air, and a heat pump that lasts. Your lungs and your wallet will both thank you. Ready to book your annual service? Head to our Book page and pick a slot that suits you.