It's been a hot summer, and that means you've probably turned on your car's air conditioner quite a bit. If it doesn't cool your car as well as you'd like, the best first step is also the easiest: check the filter. Many people wonder, “Can a dirty air filter keep my air conditioner from cooling down? The simple answer is yes: a dirty filter can create several problems that can hinder the effectiveness of your unit. Not only that, but it can also cause premature failure of your system. Changing the Cabin Air Filter A dirty air filter can certainly hinder the cooling capacity of your air conditioner and, after a while, could cause unnecessary strain on the entire system.
You'll notice that the air conditioner starts emitting unpleasant odors once you turn it on. Not only that, but you will also experience a change in the quality of the air conditioner; you will start to feel hot even if the air conditioner has been on for quite some time. Experts such as those at Degree Heating & Cooling recommend changing the filter monthly for best results. A clogged filter, which is particularly evident in a central air conditioning unit, is when the machine has to work harder to push air through it. As a result, hot and cold spots appear throughout the house, rather than an even temperature.
One of the most common symptoms that indicates that a cabin filter needs to be replaced is reduced airflow. The reduced airflow will appear in the form of less air being expelled from the air conditioning system grilles. When the filter is dirty or clogged, less air can pass through and the air that can pass through requires more effort than normal. Not only will this cause the air conditioning system to operate less efficiently, but it will also cause the engine to run less efficiently. Using a faucet or garden hose, rinse the filter on both sides, starting from the inside to the outside to prevent dirt from penetrating further into the filter fibers. If your air conditioner continues to work, licensed technicians can take a look at your air filter and clean or replace it if necessary. To clean the reusable air filter, remove the filter from the air conditioning unit and rinse it in a tub or sink with warm water.
The air conditioning filter, also known as a cabin air filter, is an air filter whose purpose is to remove contaminants from the air that is ventilated through the vehicle's air conditioning system. Not to mention that when a dirty filter constantly forces your air conditioning system to work overtime, it causes significant wear and tear on your unit. Although clogged air filters are one of the most common problems affecting the functionality of air conditioning systems, they are often overlooked and need attention. Clean or replace your car's cabin filters every month or two during hot weather. In its simplest form, you'll know when you need an AC refill if your car's AC starts pumping hot air instead of cold air. Dirty filters keep your AC running at a lower efficiency, which means it doesn't cool your car as well as it should and can end up costing you more money in the long run.
This can also be a potential sign that the AC filter may have been damaged or broken in some way, and is allowing unfiltered air to enter the cabin. If you need AC maintenance, including cleaning or replacing your car's cabin filters, count on us to meet your needs. If you notice that some rooms are harder to cool than others while others are constantly feeling cold, you'll want to check your car's AC filter first.
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