When your air conditioner is not working well, that may be a sign that your AC filter needs to be changed. Along with other AC maintenance, filter changes are important since they can make your unit malfunction. Filters are a critical component of your HVAC system. Therefore, learning about them is necessary to improve the comfort of your home.
If you are experiencing difficulty with your unit, don’t worry! Our Fairway Heating & Cooling HVAC experts have created this guide on AC filters to ease your stress.
Why Do We Need AC Filters?
AC filters prevent dust, debris, and contaminants from entering your system and causing obstructions. The dirty particles will be drawn through your vents and into your indoor living space without one. As a result, you will suffer from poor air quality and allergies.
6 Side Effects of A Dirty Air Filter
Having a dirty air filter may lead to the following issues:
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Clogged Condensate Drain
AC condensate drains are used for draining excess moisture from your system. However, a dirty air filter can restrict flow over your evaporator coils, causing excess moisture buildup, frozen coils, and a clogged condensate drain. When the evaporator coil melts, it can cause a rapid accumulation of water, flooding your condensate drain.
However if it remains frozen, your unit must be shut down and thawed out, leaving you without AC. If you’re a Florida resident, a heat wave without air conditioning can be inconvenient and uncomfortable.
- Mold, Mildew, & Bacteria
When your AC is backed up with contaminants, it reduces the airflow over your evaporator coils, becoming caked with dirt. Then, your unit has difficulty limiting humidity in your home. Mold, mildew, and bacteria may develop with increased moisture and preexisting debris.
- AC Overheating
Unfortunately, your AC can overheat and shut down with a bad filter. Once this happens, your AC is vulnerable to failure, possibly requiring repair or replacement.
- Strained Blower Fan
Blower fans are made to push air through the filter. If it’s clogged, the fan has to upregulate to maintain air flow. Left neglected, this issue can result in overheating and system collapse.
An air filter is cheap in comparison to an entire unit replacement. So, changing your filter before this becomes a concern is best.
- Furnace Failure
With a combination of the abovementioned complications, your furnace is subject to failure. As a result, you may have to replace your furnace, costing you thousands of dollars.
- Hot & Humid Air
Along with having reduced indoor air quality, your filter can increase heat and humidity in your home.
- High Electric Bill
Since your AC depends on proper airflow, a dirty filter causes your system to be inefficient. So, it works harder to cool your home, drawing more energy to compensate. Consequently, your electric bill will skyrocket. To avoid these side effects, change your air filter regularly.
5 Benefits of Regular AC Filter Replacement
Here are several advantages to changing your AC filter:
- Extends the life of your HVAC unit
- Optimizes Temperature Control
- Prevents System Malfunction
- Improves Energy Efficiency
- Limits Repairs
How Can I Prevent My AC Filter From Causing Issues?
Regular maintenance and inspection are crucial for preventing a clogged filter from negatively affecting your system. You should call your local experts if you haven’t recently scheduled a maintenance check or inspection. This will ensure that your AC is operating effectively and meets quality standards.
Rely On Fairway Heating & Cooling For Your HVAC Needs
If you need help changing your AC filter, you can rely on our Fairway professionals in Tampa Bay, Florida. With over 30 years of experience, our Fairway Heating and Cooling experts are qualified to assist you with any of your HVAC needs. At Fairway, we understand the importance of family and finances and the difficulties of repairing and maintaining in Florida. We created Fairway Heating and Cooling to ensure access to affordable HVAC services. Our company specializes in versatile innovation, including these services:
- Installation
- Repairs
- Maintenance
- Inspections
- Wifi thermostats
- Ductless HVAC
- Blown-in Insulation
Don’t hesitate to contact us today to speak with one of our representatives or to book a FREE estimate.
