Keeping your projector air filter clean is one of the most important maintenance tips you can do.
In order to produce it’s brilliant colors, deep blacks and crisp whites, projectors generate a lot of heat. To prevent overheating, most projectors have a cooling system to draws in cool air. Your projector air filter keeps the intake air clean while vents expel any exhaust.
Why clean regularly?
Air filters that are not cleaned on a regular basis become clogged. When this happens, projector begin drawing in unfiltered air into the exhaust vents. Unfiltered air is filled with dust particles that are attracted to the hottest parts of the projector, usually the projector lamp. Dust can settle onto the lamp and actually catch fire. Dust can also settle into the LCD panels and projector lens. The projected image may become distorted or the colors may dull. Once dust has settled into the panels and lens, you’ll need to get the projector professionally cleaned.
Most manufacturers recommend cleaning the filters once every 100 to 300 hours. Clean or replace the filter whenever you notice an excessive build up of dust or if any warning signs appear on screen.
Clogged projector filter warning signs:
- It’s time to clean your air filter when you notice these warning signs:
- the temperature warning starts blinking orange or red. The color depends on the manufacturer and projector model. A solid color usually indicates that the projector has overheated and will shut off automatically.
- You can see dust on the projector’s fan exhaust vent.
- The projected image gets noticeably darker or starts to deteriorate.
Cleaning the projector filter
Some manufacturers don’t recommend cleaning the air filter and will supply a new air filter usually when you purchase a new projector lamp. Consult your manual for more details.
General directions
- Don’t wash the projector air filter with soap or water as this can damage the filter membranes.
- Vacuum the filter with a vacuum cleaner designed for computers and other office equipment. DO NOT use a regular vaccum cleaner.
- Use a can of compressed air to blow the dust away.
- Gently shake out the filter to release any dust.
NOTE: Never clean the inside of your projector with compressed air. All this does is blows the dust deep inside the projector.
Consult your manual for more step-by-step instructions on how to clean the projector air filter.
