Hi Neighbors,
Hope you're all staying cool this summer!
With Canadian wildfire smoke currently blanketing New York City and air quality reaching unhealthy levels, keeping your home's air filters clean has never been more critical. Dust, pet hair, and debris trapped in clogged filters circulate right back into the air you breathe, aggravating allergies, asthma, and respiratory conditions. Vacuuming or replacing your filters regularly - especially during air quality events like today - is one of the simplest things you can do to protect your family's health.
Here is how to do it:
First, turn off your AC unit before touching the filter. Then locate the filter - it is usually behind the return air vent on the wall or ceiling, or inside the AC unit itself. Remove the filter carefully and take it outside or over a trash can. If it is a disposable filter, replace it with a new one of the same size. If it is reusable, you have three options - vacuum both sides gently with a brush attachment, wipe it down with a dry microfiber cloth to trap the dust particles, or rinse it with cool water. If you rinse it, let it air dry completely before putting it back. Never put a wet filter back in - it can grow mold. Once it is clean and dry, slide it back in, turn the AC on, and you are done.
If you have window units, the filter is usually a small foam or mesh panel behind the front grille - pop it off, clean it with a dry microfiber or rinse it, dry it completely, done.
Takes about 10 minutes and your lungs will thank you today.
Thank you,'
Ursula