CLEANING FUJITSU MINI SPLIT AIR FILTER

Not mentioned by the sales person or the product literature, the truth about cleaning the air filters on the Fujitsu mini split wall unit. If you have pets or your unit is in a dusty area or workshop this information could save you a service call.
The video includes Fujitsu's recommended filter cleaning frequency along with step by step instructions on how to properly remove, clean and replace the air filter. We also discuss the two small air cleaning filters and how often they should be clean and replaced. Tips on washing these cleaning filters and whether you really even need them. We also explore the replacement cost of the cleaning filters.
Must know information for any owner of a min split system.

[@jbelangermusic]

A very clear, thorough video! Thank you for making this.

[@cfldriven]

I appreciate the feed back and you watching.

[@noro9999]

Thank you. No one had mentioned this previously and the user manual is not all that clear. Your video is brilliant.

[@cfldriven]

You are welcome, glad to hear you found it useful. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@Romany1111]

Well done. Clear, concise, and well-photographed. Thank you.

[@cfldriven]

Thank you for watching and the feedback.

[@blackletter2591]

Thank you for clear, straightforward explanation.

[@cfldriven]

I try to avoid the things that I found annoying in other instructional videos. Thanks for the feedback.

[@alansmart3808]

I appreciate your time it took to make this video. I learned that Rheem mini-splits are actually rebranded Fujitsu units so your instructions matched perfectly with my mini-split handler. The information about the filters was informative although the filters don't seem to be of much use since only a small percentage of air actually passes through them.

[@cfldriven]

Interesting info on the rebranding for Rheem. The real purpose of the air filter is to protect the coil fins from getting full of crud. The cleaning process is quick and I do it at the beginning of each month. Thank you for sharing.

[@alansmart3808]

@@cfldriven The filters I was referring to were the white and blue filters in the small containers attached to the main filter. I guess I just don't see how much they help.

[@cfldriven]

@@alansmart3808 Totally agree with you, I have five units and have not noticed any difference between those that have them and those that don't. I recall the installer telling me that they seldom attach them because it doesn't appear to do anything besides cost money to replace. Safe to say I will not be replacing them.

[@MadHeadzOz]

I suspect that blue ionising strip is important. It likely is designed to stop the filter medium becoming a pathogenic breeding ground. The ionising effect likely neutralises or at least prohibits growth of bacterial/viral/fungal particles. So yeah. Change them out. I haven't checked these strips specifically, but i could bore an insomniac to sleep talking about the fundamentals of air filtration.

[@MikaEver]

Thank you so much for these simple and clear indications to correctly clean our split air conditionner! Greetings from France.

[@cfldriven]

Delighted to hear this video is making an impact all the way in France. Thank you for watching and writing.

[@rhonda69380]

Thank you for letting me know that the subfilters are interchangeable because after I washed the filters, I went to put them back and I didn't know what side to put them back on. After watching your video I was relieved to find out that it doesn't matter which side I put them on.

[@cfldriven]

The installer told me most of the time they don't bother with the subfilters as they see them as useless. I have not noticed any difference between units with them and with out them. Good to hear the video helped and thank you for watching.

[@AnastasiaBeaverhausen83]

Haha, same!

[@Jim-wv1vk]

Thank you so very much for your efforts in making this video. It is most appreciated!

[@cfldriven]

Hoping people learn to follow a few simple steps to keep their mini-split running efficiently. Thank you for watching.

[@Westralia]

Watching this arvo from perth,western australia.Awesome detailed video.Now its time to clean.

[@AnastasiaBeaverhausen83]

Same! 😊

[@faisalahmed1982]

Thank you very very much Sir! Your video have helped me tremendously today 🙏 you have earned a subscriber today 👍

[@cfldriven]

Always good to hear that one of the videos has helped someone. Thank you for the subscription.

[@AlexeiSvitkine]

I was trying to search everywhere about these subfilters! Thanks for the missing info. My unit is a Keeprite, but also uses the same system.

[@cfldriven]

These little sub-filters are just a way for them to maintain a revenue stream after the sale of the unit. Have had my Fujitsu for over a year and these filters have made no difference in odor control, so I will not be replacing them. What is more important is to regularly clean the main filter.

[@AlternativeElvis]

Thank you, just opened the front of the unit in my new rental property and it was caked in dirt that was so old it had gone moldy... Needless to say, the units performance has improved tenfold since watching your video.

[@cfldriven]

You may want to have a pro come in and wash the unit out, a bit pricey, but it will get rid of any mold in the coil and drip tray. I schedule a reminder on my phone to clean the filters at the beginning of the month. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@AlternativeElvis]

@@cfldriven Yeah, I'll definitely mention it to my landlord. I think here in New Zealand there's some kind of rental law that requires them to be serviced once a year so luckily I shouldn't have to pay for it. And will certainly be washing the filters regularly! Take care.

[@cfldriven]

@@AlternativeElvis Hopefully you live in a part of New Zealand that doesn't get too cold. My winters can get down to -2 C, but most days are in 4 C.

[@benoitlaganiere172]

Thank you very. Very informative. Thanks to your wife!

[@cfldriven]

Couldn't have done it without her. Thanks for watching.

[@peteyandycreek]

Very useful, exactly what I needed! Much appreciated

[@cfldriven]

Thank you for watching and writing.

[@donvape336]

I have a fujitsu in my uninsulated garage in Phoenix, RLB18, and it works great. Going on five years.

[@cfldriven]

After two winters about to clean the outside coils. So far happy with Fujitsu year round performance.

[@themagicaljjo6465]

This was extremely helpful thank you!

[@cfldriven]

Thank you for watching and the feedback.

[@JohnAttila]

The best explanation yet! Nice job.

[@cfldriven]

Thank you so much. Regularly cleaning air filters is such an easy thing to forget about. I wanted to show that it easy and only takes a few minutes every month.

[@JohnAttila]

@@cfldriven Followed your directions - worked great - only thing wasn't made clear was the white small filter placement - I took it out to clean it, and seemed like it had different sides, so wasn't sure which side faces front when I went to put it back.. I looked at a second unit to see it. Thanks again.

[@cfldriven]

@@JohnAttila I find the both little filters of no benefit and have stopped using them. As to direction there no mention of it in the manuals but I would say the side with the larger backing faces the filter. Good to hear you found the video informative. Thanks for watching.

[@Veronic491]

We just installed these units in our home this was an excellent tutorial! Though the owners manual recommends cleaning the filters every two weeks they do not give helpful instructions on how to do it.

[@cfldriven]

Hope you are still enjoying units and regularly cleaning the filters.

[@AnastasiaBeaverhausen83]

I watched this video after I rinsed mine. You said to take out the mini-filter before washing and then to have it completely dry when putting it back in. 😮😮 I’ll know for next time, and I didn't die! 😂 I’ve had it for six years, and this is my first time cleaning it! 💀 I’ll make sure to set a reminder to clean it way more often now!

[@cfldriven]

Anastasia, just had a tech over to replace a faulty coil, and he mentioned the biggest issue is people not knowing or forgetting to clean the filters on a regular bases. We try cleaning at the beginning of each month and have a reminder set on the phone. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@AnastasiaBeaverhausen83]

@@cfldriven I’ll definitely be doing it way more often now. This is the first year I’ve really put them to use. I don't have them on in the winter.

[@cfldriven]

@@AnastasiaBeaverhausen83I can see where it would be easy to forget. We use our units year round so the filters get washed throughout the summer and vacuumed in the winter.

[@oberoney01]

Thank you for the video. Great help!

[@cfldriven]

I appreciate the feedback.

[@shanperera3454]

Thanks for the clear explanation

[@cfldriven]

Shan, thank you for watching and taking the time to provide feedback. Much appreciated.

[@karenrusso2759]

Thank you for the excellent video! so, if i keep up with cleaning the big screen filters on my system, do i not need to replace/clean those 2 filters in the system ?

[@cfldriven]

As long as you can clean them and they are not damaged, there is no need to replace the large filters. The smaller filters that attach to them really don't seem to do anything, I just removed them.

[@topangaone]

Useful information!c Thank you!

[@cfldriven]

John, good to hear the video was helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@heliumwoman]

Thank you for this video. I have been cleaning my filters with one of those soft cloth duster-mop things, dry, and that seems to work well too. I did recently buy replacements for the two small subfilters but after watching this and reading the comments, may not bother with that in the future. In the meantime, do you know which way the corrugated subfilter is supposed to face, or if it even matters? I took my old one out without noting that. One side has two long strips across it and the other doesn't, but it was hard to tell from your video or the manual.

[@cfldriven]

Since air is drawn into the disposable air filter strip the backing should be on the back side as you look at it. In the three years of use I would say the little air filter and deodorizer strip do nothing worth paying for. Thank you for sharing your experience and way of cleaning the main filter.

[@heliumwoman]

​@@cfldriven thank you!

[@marynoel2278]

Great video!!

[@cfldriven]

Thanks you and if your interested in cleaning the outside unit there is this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/apvZZKZ-lNV_mKc

[@johnmathews3027]

Good video informative thank you

[@cfldriven]

Thank you for the feedback.

[@beth-ellenlemmen1867]

Useful!! Thank You!

[@cfldriven]

Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@sviatoslavnovosiadlyi611]

Super helpful! Thanx

[@cfldriven]

Thank you for commenting and watching!

[@50rpk]

Very good video!!

[@cfldriven]

Thank you for the feedback, just washed all of them this morning.

[@buddyboy4x44]

Excellent. I appreciate the review of the purpose of the little filters. If I do this maintenance myself (and do it properly), does it affect any warranty claims? Can they say it should have been done by a professional? Also, nobody tells you clean it every two weeks yet you say it is stated in the manual.

[@cfldriven]

The regular cleaning of this filter per manual instruction can be done by anyone without voiding warranty. With no pets we clean ours once a month, hiring someone to do that would get expensive. The installer should have mentioned the cleaning schedule as mine did, but it is also listed under "Cleaning the air filters" on page 10 of the operating manual. Thank you the feedback and questions, hope this helps.

[@Jake51500]

I have a 3 year Hayclon unit...I have only lightly vacuumed the filter every couple of months...do I need to do any other maintenence or call anyone for a "deep cleaning"? I always run the fan first for 20-30 minutes before turning off the unit after having the a/c on...I was told by the installer that would prevent any mold issues...thanks

[@cfldriven]

While air filter cleaning is recommended every 2 weeks for normal use, the manual only states that "after long period of use, accumulated dust inside the indoor unit may reduce the product performance...in such a case, the product inspection is recommended." My installer advised having it inspected and cleaned every 3 years. In regards to running the fan after ac shutdown, never heard this one, are you referring to end of cooling season? We leave our units on year round, only switching operating mode with the seasons. Samsung does mentions running the fan for half a day before normal operation, if the indoor unit has been off for a month or more.

[@buzoff4642]

@@cfldriven Yes, the manual says run it in fan mode after ac mode if shutting it down, to dry it, to inhibit mold growth.

[@Brucejuice1972]

Thanks for this video! Occasionally (even though I clean the filters) I will notice a musty smell, like a gym locker. I read somewhere to use Pan-Treat (condensation pan treatment tablets) to take the condensation out. I can’t figure out where to drop these tablets though. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[@cfldriven]

Unfortunately you would have to remove the plastic covering to gain access, an endeavor I have yet to tackle, although instructions are available in the installation manual. You can try running the unit in FAN or HEAT mode to see if that helps get rid of the odor. Of course you've checked to make sure the outdoor condensation is flowing freely?

[@Brucejuice1972]

@@cfldriven thanks for the quick reply. Yes, I actually put a shop vac to the condenser line from time to time to pull out any excess moisture in the line. I will try your suggestion on fan/heat also. Thanks!

[@cfldriven]

@@Brucejuice1972 I deal w the humid south, so if shutting off a unit for a period of time, I'll let it run on fan for part of the day before turning it off. Best of luck.

[@shalomfernandez7]

thanks sir, very specific everething. My Unit have a water leake at the front, can you help me, please?

[@cfldriven]

Is condensation forming inside the lid or is it seeping out from the condensation tray located on the bottom? The latter could be clogged condensation line or a unit that is not level. If it has an external condensation pump, make sure it is working. Best of luck.

[@Bassman2353]

Much appreciated!

[@cfldriven]

Thank you for watching.

[@danandjudehodder5000]

Many thanks for this info. is there a way to clean the blades as well as they will be closed when the unit is off. Sorry this is the first time we have cleaned our air con.

[@cfldriven]

Just this week as I was cleaning the filters, I noticed some discolored condensation on the horizontal vane. As you mentioned with the unit off they are closed, so I had to wait until after reinstalling the filters and powering up the unit. Using a damp cloth VERY GENTLY wipe the inside of the vane. You can use the remote control to open the horizontal vanes making cleaning easier. On remote AR-REM1U it is behind the sliding panel and it will be the third button on the right side labeled SET with a set of arrow pointing left. What you don't want to do is manually move them or the vertical direction vanes behind them, let the remote do all the moving.

[@danandjudehodder5000]

@@cfldriven Thanks very much for your advice - will attempt to clean today and get back to you :)

[@alarce129]

@@danandjudehodder5000 How did the Fujitsu do during the winter? In western NC we were comfortable and it cost us a lot less then old system.

[@limbalongislandmetrobusine8397]

The production quality was good as far as it went. What about the coils? Is it imprtant to clean them?

[@cfldriven]

Yes depending on their exposure to environmental elements they should be cleaned periodically. Here is a step by step procedure if you prefer to DIY kzbin.info/www/bejne/apvZZKZ-lNV_mKc Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@NamTran-fw6mk]

how do you remove Fujitsu ASTG18LVCC front cover thank you

[@cfldriven]

If you mean the front cover that flips up, just continue lifting slowly past the first stop and it will disengage to allow removal. If you mean the entire cover for the unit, I have yet to attempt it. The instruction are on page 7 of the Installation manual Part no. 93204456030-02. I am waiting on delivery of replacement blower coil, it stuck in logistics, so when the tech goes to install I will try to video the cover removal.

[@wp-aiseo]

Thank you!

[@cfldriven]

Most welcome, I now have it on my phone calendar so I don't forget.

[@mimicrybaba1460]

Hi. I cleaned today and noticed blue filter is on left side and white on right. Does it matter or should I change positions

[@cfldriven]

Congrats on maintaining your unit. The blue and white filter can be place on either side. I actually stop using them and have not notice any difference. Thank you for watching.

[@tyreevinson2798]

I moved into a new apt with 2 of these units. I just wiped the vent part only and a bunch of nasty gunk came off now I'm afraid to even lift the lid to see what's under it.

[@cfldriven]

Call the manager and see if you can get them to have it properly cleaned. Afterwards clean the filters at least monthly or more often if you have pets.

[@MrLaventurier]

A very clear, thorough video! Thank you for making this. Only adviced: Wished you would have mentionned how to clean the fins

[@cfldriven]

The fins are too easy to damage and the manual does not call for them to be cleaned. With regular filter cleaning you should not need to clean them for a long time. Thank you for the feedback.

[@maggisky5778]

Thank you 🙏

[@cfldriven]

Maggi, you are most welcome, thanks for watching.

[@susanbeal4322]

Thank you!!!!

[@cfldriven]

Susan, you're welcome and thanks for watching.

[@mbsoares11]

What does the light to the right of the on light reference. I only see it on 1 of my units.

[@cfldriven]

From left to right they are Operation Indicator (will blink during defrost), Timer operation (blinks if error), and Economy operation (like the auto function in car) or min heat operation.

[@LibertyDIY]

The second light is Economy mode, limits the compressor to 50-60% which improves efficiency.

[@rajlovinglife]

nice work 👍....in your opinion which is the best performance ac mitsubishi electric mitsubishi heavy duty, fujitsu, fujitsu o general or daikin please reply.......

[@cfldriven]

From my old research I would say the Fujitsu and Mitsubishi are on par. Each has units for extra cold climates and for temperate zones. For me it came down to cost as the Fujitsu was cheaper in my area. My advice is to determine the amount of heat and cooling you will need and find a unit that can delivery that amount. Then consider if your climate zone requires a unit that can work at below freezing temps.

[@rajlovinglife]

@@cfldriven thanks for clarity.....👍

[@cfldriven]

@@rajlovinglifeThanks for taking the time to watch and write.

[@bourbondrinker4828]

WOW! Thats how they’re supposed to look? Mine are way past due.

[@cfldriven]

It is an easy thing to forget, and their app doesn't offer to remind you. I just have a repeating reminder on my phone to do it once a month.

[@marynoel2278]

How do I take off and reinstall the cover? ASU18RLF. Thanks

[@cfldriven]

Mary, if you mean the front cover that flips up, just continue lifting slowly past the first stop and it will disengage to allow removal. If you mean the entire cover for the unit, I have yet to do that. The instruction are on page 7 of the Installation manual Part no. 93204456030-02. It might also be on Fujitsu web site. I am waiting on delivery of replacement blower coil, it stuck in logistics, so when the tech goes to install I will try to video the cover removal.

[@marynoel2278]

@@cfldriven Yes, that’s what I’m referring to. Thanks. I am having trouble getting the left side to click closed. (the right side clicks closed without any issues).

[@cfldriven]

@@marynoel2278 I wonder if the left hinge is out of place? Is it even all the way across? Normally it just snap into place by pressing on right and left side.

[@lemonke5341]

this update sucks man its so hot i already want the old update back

[@terjelken3246]

☺👍

[@cfldriven]

Thank you so much.

[@Vintageguy73]

My unit ran eight years before I installed my two smaller $$$ filters.

[@cfldriven]

While I clean the large filters every month and it is easy to see the buildup, I have not noticed any change in the smaller filters. I finally removed all the little filters and there is no difference in odor control. Thank you for sharing.

[@jpemydura4860]

Is it common for these shitty wall units to clog ? I have the exact same ones and one clogs all the time the other has never clogged. Yes I clean the filters every 2 weeks and I even use a vacuum to suck out the drain line.

[@cfldriven]

I have a total of 5 units and have not experienced any clogging. The kitchen filter tends to get the dirtiest, followed by the bedroom unit. Does the air filter on the clogging unit exposed to lots of particles like saw dust or other air borne substance? On the condensation lines I have a trap that prevent bugs from trying to crawl into them.

[@jpemydura4860]

@@cfldriven We got a cat, but we vacuum like crazy, dust like crazy, and clean the filters every 2 weeks. The company who installed is coming out in a week to do a deep clean. I'll make sure I'm home to watch every step so I can do it myself next time.

[@cfldriven]

@@jpemydura4860 Would be interesting to hear what they say about this one unit being clogging so much. Thank you for the update.

[@buzoff4642]

About the only time I see hasty build up on these removable filters is if ... I forget to turn them off when I mow the lawn. I don't know why that is, because we're in the middle of an intense pollen season, and I'm not finding pollen on the filters.

[@jpemydura4860]

@@buzoff4642 I'm going to keep that in mind next time I mow.

[@12982evets]

Those remotes are absolutely awful I hate mine and it never seems to work correctly when it comes to setting it on auto mode for both temp and fan. Also I have 3 units and all of them have to be on just about the same settings with only slightly different temp range or 1 or more will go into a blinking front green light mode and stop working. THEY SUCK 😭

[@cfldriven]

Steven, sorry to hear about your issue. When going through the remote with the installer he mentioned many users not liking the Auto function and instead advised manually setting it to heat or cool as needed. We found a comfortable temp that works for us year round and just switch for the season. The only time we touch the remote is when cleaning the filters. We have 5 independent units so we can adjust them to any setting. Blowers tied to one head do not have as much flexibility. With the Fujitsu it was cheaper to have multiple independent units instead of one, glad we went that route. BTW the independent units are also more efficient. You may want to get off AUTO and see if manually works better.

[@12982evets]

@@cfldriven Sounds like good advice. Thanks so much for the response advice and commiseration. I appreciate you taking the time. Hope you have a nice day!

[@woodsmic]

You really need to clean the blower wheel too.. I guarantee it will be grafted!

[@cfldriven]

Mike, unfortunately with the Fujitsu there is no easy access to the blower wheel. It is a job best left to service tech. Thus another reason to stay current with regular filter cleaning which anyone can easily do.

[@thetattooedguy1413]

I do think the video is great but I think Fujitsu owners need a video of someone actually taking it apart ( drain pan, blower wheel etc ) and actually cleaning it. I know it can’t be that hard but I don’t want to mess anything up so I’m afraid to do it. However I’m also tired of these AC techs coming out and charging several hundred dollars to clean it and then not even doing a great job on top of that.

[@cfldriven]

I have watched the tech take the unit apart and it just way too many things that can go bad. Obviously Fujitsu could have designed it for better ease of maintenance but they didn't. Had a coil go bad and during replacement the tech accidentally put a hole in the new one. Having them serviced is expensive but if they muff it up it one them to repair. All to say that regular cooling that an individual can do is important. Thank you for watching.

[@thetattooedguy1413]

@@cfldriven Ok so that is kinda what I was thinking. I’ve seen the techs take it apart BUT there was a few things I missed lol 😂 so I’m not very confident. I took the casing off of it and then realized all the other details and said Nah I can’t do this. So we’re waiting on a tech next week. It’s just hard finding a company who will do exactly what you want done.

[@cfldriven]

@@thetattooedguy1413 Yes not too many people are vested in providing quality service, a lot of cutting corners. Its not a new thing as I have discovered in my 1968 home.

[@thetattooedguy1413]

@@cfldriven I guess the days of old are to far gone, where businesses actually wanted to provide a good service. These days it’s get it/get out and make a quick buck. They don’t even care about “word of mouth”. I had a company come by and charge $300 to clean it and only clean half. The rest of it on the wall ( part of the coils and everything was still filthy ). Finding someone who will come and remove it completely off the wall “not the actual lines” but remove most of the unit off the wall and deep clean it. Companies say they will over the phone, then when the tech gets out to the house “OH NO we don’t do that” I wish I knew what I was doing. I’m highly allergic to mold and I need ours cleaned at least once every six months.

[@cfldriven]

@@thetattooedguy1413 Sorry to hear about your allergy, I recall seeing a video in which the inside unit is opened up and the tech hangs a bag and they spray down the coils. I believe the Mitsubishi are easier to work on.

[@washerforwasher]

1st: Shutting the unit off from operation isn't making it safe to open and work on, you have to turn the breaker off and then its safe. 2nd: You've basically done nothing as wiping down the filter didn't do anything, only when you wash them in the water will actually clean them up 3rd: In every single user manual, they tell you to clean the filters. 4th: If you want your unit properly cleaned, call out a technician which will strip the unit down, and clean all the nasty bits you don't see if you don't remove the whole panel (don't do it yourself). The technician should clean the drain pan which usually goes mouldy, the evaporator, the turbine etc...

[@cfldriven]

Thank you for taking the time to share your view on this. After a year and half of cleaning five units per Fujitsu recommendations they continue to look and operate as the day they were installed. 1) To be 100% safe, disconnecting from the power supply would be the way to go. In this procedure we are only removing and replacing the plastic filter in an area that has no exposed wiring, thus simply turning off the unit to prevents it from activating while cleaning the filter, is very practical and safe. 2) My experience is different, each cleaning result in filters restored to peak efficiency. According to the manual "Remove dust by using a vacuum cleaner or by washing the filter." If you have pets or a unit is located close to cooking area the filters may need a more thorough washing. Maintaining the once every 2 week filter schedule should avoid that problem. 3)Yes the manual includes a two page on "Cleaning and Care", this video is meant for those who don't read the manual or have forgotten the importance of filter care. 4)While the manual does not give a time frame for a product inspection, it does state that despite regular filter cleaning "after a long period of use" the unit may suffer from reduced performance at which time a product inspection is recommended. I would call the installer and have them inspect the unit and determine if it needs servicing or cleaning. Again thank you for sharing your thoughts on this important topic.