Your air conditioner's air filter may seem like a minor component, but in actuality, the filter is extremely crucial to your system's overall operation. A dirty air filter can negatively affect your air conditioner in a variety of ways. To help you better understand the importance of changing your unit's filter, we've created a list of problems a dirty filter can cause.
How does an air filter work?
Before we discuss the affects of a dirty air filter, lets talk about how a clean filter works. A filter's most basic function is to stop contaminants from traveling through your unit and into your home. Particles, such as dust, mold spores, animal fur, and bacteria are trapped and held by the filter. Eventually the air filter will become too …show more content…
Unfortunately, when a clog does form, the airflow traveling into your air handler becomes restricted. This can cause a number of issues. For one, your system will have to work much harder to cool your home. The added stress will eventually lead to premature wear and tear on your air conditioner, meaning your unit will face serious malfunctions and its life expectancy will be cut short.
Restricted air flow due to a clogged filter not only does unwarranted damage to your air conditioner, but it also causes a drop in the unit's efficiency. Your system will end-up running for longer periods of time as it struggles to reach the set temperature on your thermostat. This will lead to a spike in your energy bill, meaning more money spent each month.
Neglecting to change your air conditioner's filter on a regular basis can have an adverse effect on the air quality in your home. If your unit's filter is dirty or clogged the dust, mold, and dander it is meant to stop will move through your system and into your home's air. This can be especially troublesome for family members suffering from allergies and respiratory
How does an air filter work?
Before we discuss the affects of a dirty air filter, lets talk about how a clean filter works. A filter's most basic function is to stop contaminants from traveling through your unit and into your home. Particles, such as dust, mold spores, animal fur, and bacteria are trapped and held by the filter. Eventually the air filter will become too …show more content…
Unfortunately, when a clog does form, the airflow traveling into your air handler becomes restricted. This can cause a number of issues. For one, your system will have to work much harder to cool your home. The added stress will eventually lead to premature wear and tear on your air conditioner, meaning your unit will face serious malfunctions and its life expectancy will be cut short.
Restricted air flow due to a clogged filter not only does unwarranted damage to your air conditioner, but it also causes a drop in the unit's efficiency. Your system will end-up running for longer periods of time as it struggles to reach the set temperature on your thermostat. This will lead to a spike in your energy bill, meaning more money spent each month.
Neglecting to change your air conditioner's filter on a regular basis can have an adverse effect on the air quality in your home. If your unit's filter is dirty or clogged the dust, mold, and dander it is meant to stop will move through your system and into your home's air. This can be especially troublesome for family members suffering from allergies and respiratory