To prevent this, turn off the air conditioner while you are cleaning the filter.

Attach a brush attachment to the vacuum, then vacuum the filter.

Reinstall the Filter

Give the filter about 20 to 30 minutes to dry.

cleaning an AC filter in a wall air conditioning unit

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

This will reduce the risk of mold forming in the filter.

Once the filter is dry, slide it back into position and secure it with clips, if necessary.

Not all air conditioner filters are washable.

Turning off the air conditioner breaker in fuse box

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

This leads to higher utility bills and premature wear on the air conditioner.

If the situation is not resolved, the air conditioner can overheat, malfunction, or break down entirely.

Removing an AC filter in a wall air conditioner

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Vacuuming a wall air conditioner filter

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

washing Reinstall in a bucket

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Reinstalling a wall air conditioner filter

The Spruce / Kevin Norris