A dirty air filter can have a major impact on your air conditioner's performance. If the filter is heavily soiled, you may feel warm air coming out the back of the unit, and it can force the air conditioner to work harder to keep the house cool. This will lead to more frequent air conditioning repairs and ultimately shorten the life of the unit. Reducing the load on your AC system is as simple as changing the filter regularly.
The compressor is one of the most important and expensive components of an air conditioning system, and if the filters are very dirty, it can affect the refrigerant cycle and cause excess liquid to reach the compressor (known as return flow). Replacing the compressor can be one of the most costly repairs for an air conditioner, so it's worth considering whether it's better to do a full replacement or do the repair. Air conditioners work by absorbing heat from the air inside your home. As the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor evaporator coil, it absorbs heat from the air blowing over that coil. However, if the air filter is too clogged, hot air is limited and can cause the coil to freeze.
This will reduce your HVAC system's ability to remove heat from the air and eventually cause your AC unit to fail. Your car's air conditioner is also affected by a clogged cabin air filter. You'll notice that when you turn it on, it starts emitting unpleasant odors. Not only that, but you will also experience a change in the quality of the air conditioner; you will start to feel hot even if the air conditioner has been on for quite some time. A dirty air filter causes your entire unit to work harder than normal and use more energy to cool your home. Since filters are one of the most important parts of an air conditioner, they must be properly maintained for an AC system to work properly.
If you have a reusable filter, remove it from the unit, rinse it with water and allow it to air dry completely before reattaching. A dirty air filter will not allow fresh, refreshing air to pass through it properly, leaving you sitting in a pool of unpleasant sweat. Not only that, but it can also cause your monthly utility bills to be higher than they should be. Over time, dirt that accumulates in the ducts will be distributed throughout your home and into the air you breathe. According to the U. S., a clogged dirty air filter can cause a 15% increase in energy consumption.
A major consequence of not cleaning or changing filters is reduced performance, which means that your system will not perform as well as it is designed to. For this reason, it is essential to pay close attention to filters and perform proper maintenance when necessary. Reduced airflow can create hot and cold spots in your home, making it difficult to achieve the desired indoor temperature at a higher cost. Changing your air filter on a regular basis restores proper airflow through your ventilation system and helps keep your monthly utility bills low.
