When it comes to keeping your air conditioner in top shape, one of the most important steps is to clean or replace the filter regularly. A dirty filter can cause a number of problems, from poor circulation of cold air to ice formation on the coils. It can also lead to higher energy bills, weakened immune systems, and even respiratory infections. Due to buildup, a dirty filter also causes poor circulation of cold air in the air conditioning system.
This cold air will be trapped inside the air conditioner, causing ice to form on your coils. Once this happens, the air conditioner will freeze and become unusable. If you haven't cleaned or changed the filter in a long time and your air conditioner doesn't blow cold air like before, it could mean that the system has frozen. Dirty filters restrict cold air flow, which can cause it to build up inside the air conditioner.
The end result could be ice formation on the coils. A clogged air filter restricts airflow in the air conditioning system. When this occurs, air is prevented from entering and leaving the system, reducing the internal temperature of the unit. This will affect the ability of the air conditioning system to generate heat and result in the formation of ice on the evaporator coils.
Frozen evaporator coils may leak or damage other parts of the unit. The best way to determine if dust has accumulated around the vents is to apply the “white sheet” test. All you have to do is hang a white cloth about five inches from the ventilation grilles of the unit. If the white sheet turns gray, it is a clear sign that the filter is dirty. A clogged air filter makes it difficult for the unit to work properly.
The amount of strain caused by a dirty filter means that the motors in your systems are working longer than they were designed to work. This results in much higher than normal utility bills. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, a clogged filter can cause a 15% increase in energy consumption. Changing or cleaning your air filter is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain your air conditioner, as it avoids all of these potential problems, improves energy efficiency, and helps you avoid spending money on air conditioning repairs. One way to reduce the number on your bill is to replace your home's air filters every month during peak usage. Dirty air filters can help weaken the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight viruses.
A new, clean filter will prevent dirt and dust from accumulating on the internal components of the conditioner. According to the World Health Organization, a staggering 3.8 million people worldwide die each year as a result of some level of indoor air pollution inside their homes. The main purpose of your air conditioning filter is to clean the air circulating through your air conditioning system. So what does that have to do with your air conditioner filter? If you stopped paying attention to it, as in the scenarios mentioned above, you would find yourself in a world of problems. Your air conditioner is one of the most important systems in your home, providing the necessary cooling during the hottest Annapolis summer season. That means you'll need to go to a local factory authorized dealer to get models directly from your air conditioner manufacturer, not one-size-fits-all air cleaners from a hardware store. While it might just be a common cold, it's also possible that you get a respiratory infection from dirty air filters. If the fan struggles to pump air through the clogged filter, it consumes a lot of energy, contributing to a high electric bill.
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.
