Can a Dirty Air Filter Ruin Your AC?

Learn how a dirty air filter can ruin your AC and what steps you need to take in order to prevent this from happening.

Can a Dirty Air Filter Ruin Your AC?

If there is an excessive amount of dirt on the air filter, the air conditioner will have to work harder to cool the entire room or house. This will reduce the efficiency of the system and can even cause it to stop working if the filter is not replaced. In addition, it will consume more energy than usual. The air filter is located between the intake air and the HVAC system.

A clogged air filter will prevent air from circulating through the ventilation grilles, meaning that there won't be enough air to keep you comfortable. This forces the air conditioner to work harder than usual, drawing air through the system. Slow airflow makes it almost impossible for your system to provide adequate cooling, so the air conditioner can run continuously in a futile effort to cool the house. This can cause significant damage to the compressor.

The way your air conditioner works is by absorbing heat from the air in your home. As the refrigerant evaporates inside the indoor condenser unit, the evaporator coil absorbs heat from the air blowing over that coil. However, if the air filter is too dirty, then this hot air is restricted, which can cause the coil to freeze. According to ENERGY STAR, “A dirty filter can increase energy costs and damage equipment, which can lead to premature failure.”If the air filter becomes too congested during the summer cooling season, it can cause a lack of airflow to the evaporator or cooling coils.

This can be a sign that your central air conditioning unit hasn't been working as it should lately. A clogged filter makes it difficult for your machine to push air through it. Not changing your air filters regularly can be costly in terms of both money and health. If a clogged air filter blocks airflow, then all of the components of your HVAC system have to work harder than usual in order to do their job properly. This means that you'll need to go to a local factory authorized dealer in order to get models directly from your air conditioner manufacturer, rather than one-size-fits-all filters from a hardware store. One of the purposes of an air filter is to filter out all microscopic particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander, bacteria, plant spores and mold, and even smoke.

If you have pets or use cleaning chemicals regularly, dander, cleaning particles, dust, and other debris can get trapped in the filter and then be released into the air. Replacing air filters is an easy and affordable step you can take compared to repairing or replacing your HVAC system. If you leave an air filter clogged for too long, you may experience a system-wide failure. This is because if the filter is too dirty to do its job properly, then those unwanted particles can build up in the ducts and stick to the internal components of your HVAC system, ultimately lowering the air quality throughout your home.

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