Maintaining the cleanliness of your return air grille and filter in your Midea Ducted Air Conditioning system plays a pivotal role in maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of your ducted AC. For owners of a ducted air conditioner by Midea from Polyaire, routine cleaning not only elevates the level of comfort within your home but can also enhance energy efficiency, potentially trimming down on your electricity bills. The return air component plays a crucial role in your air conditioning’s health by guarding against dust, dirt, and unwanted particulates. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to ensure your air conditioning system remains in tip-top condition.
Step 1: Getting Prepared for the Clean
First up, locate the thumb screws on your return air grille. If it’s hinged, gently swing it open. For fully removable grilles, carefully unscrew (usually two or more thumb screws) and lower it from the ceiling or wall. Once done, remove the filter and its frame from the grille. It’s important to have your supplies ready before you begin cleaning. Gather a bucket, cleaning rags, a feather duster, a garden hose, and any other tools you may need. Be sure to wear gloves, as the filter can get quite dirty. Set aside time to complete the whole cleaning process without interruptions.
Step 2: Cleaning the Filter
Take your return air filter outside to avoid mess indoors. Apply a gentle stream from your garden hose to rinse off the filter. You want clear runoff water, showing the filter is free of all dust, pet hair and other debris. It’s paramount to be careful; too much pressure could damage the filter and defeat the purpose here. Lightly spraying and rinsing by hand usually does the trick to remove built-up dirt and grime. Inspect the filter closely once rinsed to ensure all residue has washed away.
For metal-framed filters, air-drying in the sun is most effective for ensuring they’re completely dry before reinstalling. However, if you filter has a plastic frame, it is vital you avoid direct sunlight as this could cause warping. Instead, opt for a warm, shaded spot like your garage, shed or laundry room for drying. Supporting the filter on its side with sticks or laying it flat on an outdoor table allows it to dry thoroughly.
Step 3: Tend to the Return Air Grille
While the filter dries, take the opportunity to address the return air grille. Use your vacuum cleaner to remove any visible dirt, dust and cobwebs. For an extra clean touch, use a feather duster to capture any lingering dust in hard to reach areas. Ensure the return air box and ductwork look clean and undamaged. Any signs of wear or damage may require professional help from your installer. Use a cleaning rag dampened with warm water to wipe down the inside and outside of the grille.
Step 4: Reassembly and Final Touches
Once the filter is fully dry, reinsert it back into the grille frame. Secure the assembly back into its original position, fastening the thumb screws to hold everything in place. Congratulations, your Midea air conditioning system now has a clean return air filter and grille, promising improved air quality and system efficiency.
Taking care of regular maintenance not only keeps your system clean, but also helps extend its lifetime and ensures top performance. As leaders in air conditioning technology, at Midea from Polyaire we recommend routine care to help their systems operate at peak efficiency. We also suggest cleaning every three months during times when your system is in constant or frequent use. Checking your filter for marks is an easy way to know when it’s time for a fresh replacement, keeping everything running smoothly.
Here isa great summary video from our friends at AirTouch:
Conclusion
Taking a few minutes at the start of summer to clean your return air grille and filter is a simple way to care for your air conditioning system. It will keep your Midea ducted AC running at its peak all summer long. A clean filter allows your air conditioner to perform more efficiently, saving you money on energy bills. It also improves the quality of air circulating through your home.
By maintaining your system properly, you can extend its lifespan for many more comfortable cooling seasons ahead. Regular cleaning is also a healthy home maintenance task. It removes dust, pollen and other particles that could otherwise circulate back into the air you breathe. Taking just a little time for filter maintenance every few months is well worth it to protect both your investment and your family’s wellbeing. With basic care, your Midea air conditioning system will continue delivering cool, fresh air for years to come.
