Air conditioners do more than cool your home—they also help maintain indoor air quality. At the heart of this function are the filters, which trap dust, allergens, and other airborne particles. Over time, these filters accumulate dirt, which can reduce efficiency and increase energy costs.
Knowing when and how to clean or replace your air conditioner’s filters is essential for running your unit smoothly. Choosing the right filter can also improve air quality, especially for those with allergies or respiratory concerns. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of air conditioner filters, how they work, and the best maintenance practices to ensure your system operates at its best.
Why Filters Matter
Filters are an essential component of your air conditioner, serving three key functions:
Improving Air Quality
Filters enhance indoor air quality by capturing dust, pollen, mould spores, and other allergens. This is especially important for people with allergies or respiratory conditions. Clean filters ensure the air circulating in your home is healthier, reducing potential irritants that can affect your well-being.
Protecting Your Air Conditioner
A well-maintained filter prevents dirt and dust from entering your air conditioner’s internal components. This helps avoid system malfunctions, reduces wear and tear, and extends the lifespan of your unit. Dirt can accumulate in mechanical parts without proper filtration, leading to costly repairs or premature system failure.
Saving Energy
Clean filters ensure optimal airflow, allowing your air conditioner to operate efficiently. When filters are clogged, your system has to work harder to circulate air, increasing energy consumption. Regular filter cleaning or replacement helps keep energy costs down and maintains your unit’s performance.
Types of Filters
Several types of air conditioner filters are available, each offering unique benefits:
- Fibreglass Filters: Usually supplied as standard with the unit, these primary filters provide standard protection for your system and are best for trapping large particles like dust.
- Pleated Filters: Designed with high-quality materials and a larger surface area, pleated filters can more effectively capture small and large particles than fibreglass filters. Their enhanced filtration capability makes them popular for improving indoor air quality in residential settings.
- Nano Platinum Filter: Available in Mitsubishi Electric models like the MSZ-EF Series and MSY-GW Series, this filter uses nanometre-sized platinum-ceramic particles to provide a powerful antibacterial and deodorising effect, significantly enhancing indoor air quality.
- High Performance Filters: These filters provide advanced filtration to meet higher indoor air quality needs:
- Plasma Quad Plus Filter: Standard in the MSZ-LN series, this filter uses plasma technology to significantly improve indoor air quality by inhibiting six key indoor pollutants: Influenza virus, bacteria, PM2.5, allergens, mould, and dust. Its advanced filtration capacity is similar to that of HEPA filters, making it particularly effective for capturing fine particles and ensuring a healthier environment.
- Plasmas Quad Connect: This optional add-on filtration unit delivers the same high-performance filtration as the Plasma Quad Plus. It suits selected Mitsubishi Electric wall-mounted, ducted, and ceiling cassette units. Available models (see flyer for fitment requirements):
- MAC-100FT-E – for MSZ-EF, MSZ-AP, MSZ-GN, PKA-M, PKFY-P, PKFY-WL wall mounted
- MAC-100FT-E – for SEZ, PEFY-P/WP VMS1, PEAD, PEFY-P/WP VMA ducted units
- PAC-SK51FT-E – PLA, PLFY-P/WL VEM cassette units
How Plasma Quad Connect Works
Plasma Quad Connect helps improve indoor air quality, which is good for a healthier environment and can also provide peace of mind for homes, schools, and offices.
Plasma Quad Connect is an air cleaning system that uses powerful plasma to filter out even microscopic particles. The process involves two key stages:
Stage One: Produces plasma to:
- Inhibit viruses and bacteria
- Break down allergens and mould
- Electrically (+) charge dust and microscopic particles, such as PM2.5
Stage Two: Creates a strong electrical (-) field to:
- Absorb dust and microscopic particles PM2.5
This two-stage process helps to clean and purify air in your home or office, enhancing comfort and health.
Choosing the Right Air Conditioner Filter
Choosing the right filter is essential for system efficiency and indoor air quality. When deciding, think about:
- Health Requirements: High-efficiency filters can help make a difference for households with allergies or asthma.
- Energy Efficiency: Filters that balance good airflow and filtration can save energy. Air conditioner filters that are regularly cleaned or replaced improve system efficiency.
- Manufacturer’s Recommendations: Always check the user manual or consult a professional to ensure compatibility.
The Mitsubishi Electric Split Systems Filter flyer outlines which models have what type of filters, providing a clear guide to help you make the best choice.
Consult your original installer or an accredited service provider for a higher grade filter alternative and to find the best option for your ducted air conditioning system.
Maintenance
Signs Your Aircon Filter May Need Replacing
Determining whether or not your filter requires replacing can be as simple as regularly checking it. Signs of a clogged filter include:
- Visible dust build-up
- Decrease in airflow
- Decrease in performance
- Increased noise from the air conditioner
Each of these can indicate either a need for a replacement or a cleaning of your filter.
How Often Should You Clean Your Aircon Filter?
Regularly cleaning your air conditioner filter ensures optimal performance and air quality. Consider the following factors to determine the best cleaning schedule for your needs:
- Usage intensity and frequency: If you use your air conditioner daily, you may need to clean the filter more often.
- Air quality: If you live in an area with poor air quality, you may need to replace the clean more frequently.
- Presence of pets: Pet owners may need to clean the filter more often due to pet dander and hair.
Air Conditioning Filter Cleaning Schedule
Read our How to Clean Your Air Conditioning Filter guide for step-by-step instructions.
How Often Should You Replace Your Aircon Filter?
Primary filters
These standard air purifying filters usually don’t require replacement. However, if cleaning doesn’t restore them to their original condition and they remain stained, it’s time to replace them.
Optional/Secondary Filters
To maintain optimal performance, these filters should be replaced annually.
| Filter Type | Maintenance Frequency |
| Primary (Standard) | Clean every 2 weeks; replace if heavily stained |
| Optional/Secondary | Clean every 90 days and replace annually. |
By understanding and maintaining your air conditioner’s filters, you can enjoy a healthier, more comfortable indoor environment while protecting your investment in your air conditioning system. Proper care can make all the difference whether you learn how to clean air conditioner filters or decide on filter replacement.
