When the AC system fails, especially during the roughest of seasons, many of our clients start panicking in fear of expensive repairs or dread having to buy a brand new AC system. However, in the majority of these cases the problem was caused by a dirty air filter. If the air filter hasn’t been cleaned in a while and your AC starts acting up, this element is most likely the reason.
But a malfunctioning AC is not the only downside to a dirty air filter.
In fact, not cleaning the air filter in your AC can have a major impact on your quality of life. Our air conditioning experts explain just how a dirty air filter can affect your everyday life.
Imminent Breakdown
Not cleaning and changing your air filter will result in a clog sooner or later. A clogged filter will put incredible strain on your AC unit, pushing the engines to work harder to compensate. As the engines work harder than they were intended to, a breakdown will follow sooner or later. If that happens, buying a new AC will be unavoidable.
Unable to Perform its Basic Function
Think of the clogged air filter as something stuck in your throat. Even though you are barely able to breathe, you will still be gasping for air and sooner or later start to suffocate.
The same happens to the air conditioning unit.
When the air filter is clogged the air conditioner provides less cool air to your home. The accumulated dirt prevents clean air from entering the system, meaning the AC will be operating under a lower capacity. This problem can escalate even further when there is dirt accumulated on the refrigerant coil. This causes the coils to freeze, further restricting airflow.
High Energy Bills
As we previously mentioned, when the air filter is clogged, the AC unit puts more strain on the engines in order to cool your home the way it was set to. Straining the engines this way will result in the system consuming more power than it normally would if the air filters were clean. This means you will start seeing much higher numbers on your energy bill. In fact, a clogged air filter can increase the system’s cost by up to 15%. On top of that, the longer the air filter remains clogged the higher your bill is going to get.
Poor Air Quality
A clogged air filter lets all sorts of debris and dust through and into your air ducts. The same debris and dust it would be keeping at bay if the air filter was clean. The dirt will soon pile up inside your ducts and will contaminate your home. Air contaminated with these particles is unhealthy for everyone, but can prove particularly troublesome for people suffering from allergies and asthma.
How Can You Avoid These Issues
It’s simple. Your AC unit needs to be cleaned at least once a month. But the air filter is not the only element that needs to be kept in prime shape in order for the system to function properly. This is why you should schedule biannual professional checkups. If you choose Carini Heating, Air and Plumbing, you can rest easy since our repairs have a one-year warranty. Contact us at 619.843.0997 to request a service and find out what other benefits we offer to our loyal customers.