Real Property Management Northern Utah

Water Heater Maintenance: How to Clean Your Air Filter

**This article was updated on February 22, 2021.

Water heater maintenance is easy to understand. Many Northern Utah property investors understand the basics, like flushing the tank twice a year, checking the anode rod, and other maintenance tasks. However, many property owners either do not know about or forget about the air filter, which is often a black mesh ring circling the bottom of your water heater. This air filter helps keep dust and other grime from getting into your heater’s heating system. However, dust will build upon this filter, which reduces the airflow to your heater, creating a less efficient heater since your heater requires air to ‘breathe.’  You should clean the filter each time you flush your tank. Cleaning your filter only takes a few minutes and requires no special tools. Follow these straightforward steps.

1. Turn Off Gas/Pilot Light

You do not want any dust flowing up into your heater while cleaning, so shut off the gas flow first.

2. Remove Filter

A simple catching mechanism keeps the filter in place. Find the catch mechanism, undo it, and remove it from your heater’s bottom.

3. Clean & Dry

To clean your filter, you can use compressed air to blow away the excess dust. If you don’t have an air compressor, then lay your filter on the ground, and spray with water until the dust is removed.

If you use water to clean your filter, hang your filter to dry or wipe it down with a cloth.

4. Put Filter Back in Place

Once your filter is dry, replace it underneath your water filter by stretching around the bottom and then using the grasping mechanism to secure it. Check on all sides to ensure that your filter is sitting properly and without any gaps to allow dust through.

By going through this simple process annually, you can prevent dust and other grime from getting into your heater’s heating system, creating a more efficient heater. Contact us today to learn how we can help you manage the regular maintenance on your rental property.