When the summer heat is on, you may find yourself turning to your air conditioner for relief. But if your house isn't cooling as well as you'd like, the best first step is to check the filter.
Can a dirty air filter stop your air conditioner from cooling?
The answer is yes. A clogged filter can create several problems that can hinder the unit's effectiveness and even lead to premature system failure.Experts such as Degree Heating & Cooling recommend changing the filter once a month for better results. The air filter in your air conditioning system is located between the intake air and the system itself. When it's blocked, the air conditioner has to work harder to keep up, putting more pressure on the unit and potentially causing it to overheat. A dirty filter will prevent air from circulating through the vents, meaning you won't have enough air to keep you cool or warm, depending on the season.
As a result, you'll feel less comfortable. When the air filter is dirty, the air conditioner unit has difficulty operating efficiently. As a result, the parts work harder than usual and ultimately break down ahead of time. Not only will this require you to pay for repairs of the unit, but you may even have to replace it before it has reached its normal lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
A dirty air filter restricts the flow of cold air, causing it to accumulate inside the air conditioner and lower the internal temperature. If your air conditioner has a reusable filter, you'll need to handle it carefully to make sure it keeps running at peak efficiency. Shake the filter after washing to drain any excess water that may be trapped in the filter and allow it to air dry before returning it to the air conditioning unit. A dirty filter can cause allergens to accumulate in the duct system and stay there for months.
When the air filter in the air conditioning system becomes too clogged, the fan has to work much harder to try to get the right amount of air in. Changing the air filter on a regular basis restores adequate air flow through the ventilation system and, as a result, can help keep your monthly utility bills as low as they should. People with allergies will only suffer if the air conditioner air filter is not cleaned regularly. This can end up costing quite a bit of money in repairs and potentially thousands of dollars in replacement.
If you leave the filter dirty for too long, it can also accumulate moisture, which can lead to a mold infestation. If you have pets or regularly use cleaning chemicals, dander, cleaning particles, dust, and other debris can be trapped in the filter and then released into the air. Try to clean the reusable filter at a time when the air conditioner doesn't need to be on anyway, for example, on a cool night. Ambient Edge offers preventive maintenance contracts so you never have to worry about a dirty air filter ruining the performance of your air conditioner.
A good air filter helps prevent dust and dirt from accumulating on all internal components of the unit; a bad one will cause additional wear and tear that can lead to serious maintenance problems in the future. While dirty air filters can keep your AC from working properly, there are plenty of ways to keep your AC well-maintained and running efficiently for longer. Changing your AC's filter regularly is one of them. Experts recommend changing it once a month for better results.
