A dirty air filter can have a significant impact on the performance of your HVAC system. It restricts airflow to the air handler, placing additional pressure on the fan motor and potentially causing it to overheat and fail. This restricted airflow also causes cold air to build up inside the air conditioning unit, leading to ice forming on the coils and eventually causing the air conditioner to fail. Furthermore, a dirty filter will cause your system to work harder, resulting in higher energy bills and poor cold air flow.
If you notice uneven cooling throughout your house, or if your energy bills are higher than usual, it's likely time to check your air conditioning filter. A dirty filter can break and damage the cooling system, so it's important to replace it regularly and schedule regular maintenance visits. This will help keep your HVAC system running at peak efficiency and improve indoor air quality. The power used by the blower is not the most energy consuming part of the system, but a clogged filter will cause it to run longer and cost more due to the longer run time.
If you have pets or a lot of chemicals in your house, indoor air quality will be even worse with a clogged filter. In the US, servicing and replacing HVAC filters is one of the most important elements of regular maintenance of your heating and cooling system. Don't let a dirty air conditioner filter stop you from feeling comfortable in your own home or lead to costly repairs.
