Air cleaners operating at their optimum level can remove 95 percent of airborne pollutants from the air, which gives your home the indoor air quality you desire. To ensure that your air cleaner runs at its optimal level and sustains a long life, it needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. One of the most important parts to clean is the collector plates. Air cleaners become dirty because they’re busy collecting dust particles and other harmful allergens so that your home is filled with clean air. Collector plates need regular cleaning because all of those nasty particles are concentrated there. Dirty collector plates will cause the air cleaner to work less efficiently and your indoor air can become unhealthful. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning collector plates every one to six months. Cleaning frequency will depend on the number of family members, pets, activities and smoking habits. Most models come with a wash reminder schedule, but always consult your HVAC professional with any questions. When you’re ready to clean your collector plates, always consult your owner’s manual. Here are some steps to cleaning your collector plates that most manufacturers recommend.
- Immerse the collector plates into a mixture of warm water and low sudsing detergent. For instance, Wisk laundry detergent has been reported to work well. Allow the plates to soak for about 30 minutes. For extremely dirty plates, soak for 60 minutes.
- With a soft, damp cloth, wipe the ionizing wires. Be careful of sharp edges.
- Remove the plates and rinse with clean warm water.
- Let the plates dry for at least two hours. Tip the plates at a slight angle to allow water run-off.
- After the plates are dry, re-insert them, making sure that the air flow markers match the air flow through the unit. The arrows should point toward the blower motor or air handler.
Contact Senica Air Conditioning, Inc. today with all your questions about air cleaners. For 20 years, we’ve proudly served commercial and residential customers in the greater Tampa area.
