Can heat pump air filters be cleaned?

[Vortex2]

I have to change the intake & the pre-heat exchanger filters every 3 months at $£50 total .. not cheap!

The intake filter in particular looks like it could be cleaned with a compressed air line.

Is this in fact do-able?

[clv101]

No experience, but I'd have a go before shelling out for a replacement. Unless your environment is particularly dirty/dusty, I'd expect them last longer than the official 3 months.

[kenneal - lagger]

It depends on whether or not your heat pump is fitted with reusable filters!! Perhaps that is a campaign which should be launched. "No heap pump without reusable filters as an option should be eligible for government subsidy." I say "as an option" because there are plenty of people who will be willing to pay for the easy option and renew every time.

[Vortex2]

Interesting .. perhaps reusable versions are out there somewhere ... I shall make enquiries ...

[BritDownUnder]

I cleaned mine two days ago with a portable Dyson and they are reusable. These were in the inside unit of a split system and absolutely clogged with dust. As far as I know the outdoor unit does have a filter but I have never cleaned it. The inside one is a plastic mesh and the outside is a metal mesh.

On an unrelated note I cleaned some carpets a week ago and they were absolutely filthy judging by the water that the vacuum cleaner pulled up.