The Problems You Face by Ignoring the Dirty Air Filter on Your AC Unit
You may think that the air filter is just a cardboard box full of fibers or material and surely can’t be that important in the smooth operation of your heating & air conditioning system. Actually, The air filter is an extremely important component which you simply cannot afford to ignore.
What Does the Air Filter Do?
Your air filter will be made up of spun fiberglass material, pleated paper, or cloth which sits in a cardboard frame. Its basic function is to clean any air which is circulating through your heating & air conditioning system.
The filter will trap and hold various particles and contaminants which are harmful to your health, these include dust and dirt, pollen, mold and mold spores, hair and animal fur, wood and metal particles, and even bacteria and microorganisms.
Despite its role being so basic, the air filter can cause you a lot of problems and require emergency AC repair if you don’t take proper care of it.
What Problems Occur?
One of the main problems which comes from a dirty or clogged air filter is something called “short-cycling”. Your air conditioner is supposed to go through on and off cycles during the day, but a dirty air filter can cause the cycles to become more frequent. This results in noise pollution, wasted energy and higher energy bills, and uncomfortable temperature.
On top of increased cycles, your air conditioner can also suffer from a buildup of ice due to a dirty or clogged air filter. If the cooled air cannot get through the filter, it will lower the internal temperature of the unit causing a buildup of ice in the coils, which can result in expensive AC repairs.
Even if the dirty air filter isn’t clogged enough to cause a buildup of ice, it can result in uneven cooling throughout your home. You will notice cold and hot spots, causing your home to become have an uncomfortable environment.
Perhaps the biggest problem that you can face is a buildup of allergens. This is a major problem if anyone in your home suffers from asthma or other respiratory problems.
By taking care of your air filter and replacing it when needed, you can save on potential health problems, as well as expensive AC repairs. To find out more about when you should check your filter and the best time to replace it, contact a trusted HVAC company for more information.
Sources:
How Often Should You Replace Your Home Air Filter? AngiesList.com
Top Ten Things About Air Conditioning, Ashrae.org