Why is it that so many HVAC professionals tell their customers to change their air filter? The answer might actually surprise you. Many homeowners assume that the reason a dirty air filter is so problematic is due to the contaminants in the air, and they assume that’s why we tell them to replace or clean said air filters. This isn’t entirely the case, however.
Your air filter is in place to do more than prevent allergens from moving back into your airstream. It blocks particles from damaging the inside of your AC system by pummeling it with dust and debris, or jamming the fan. However, when an air filter is dirty, just as much damage might occur. Keep reading to learn 4 ways a dirty air filter impacts your home, and when you need professional air conditioning services in Snohomish, WA, turn to our team!
1. You’ll Be Less Comfortable in Your Home
The air filter may seem like a simplistic and small part of your home comfort system—for the most part it is. However, its importance is often underestimated. This filter stands between the intake air and your HVAC system. Therefore, a clogged filter will prevent air from circulating through the vents.
Basically what we’re saying is this—you won’t have enough air to stay cool (or warm in the winter, as the case may be). When you have uneven cooling or heating around your home, or when the temperature never seems to match your thermostat, then a dirty air filter can certainly be to blame. But discomfort is just the start of your problems.
2. A Dirty Filter Could Lead to Leaks
This one may have you scratching your head, but it’s the truth. Hear us out! Your AC system operates by absorbing heat form the air in your household. As refrigerant evaporates in the indoor evaporator coil, it’s able to absorb heat form air blowing over the coil. However, if the air filter is too clogged, warm air is limited, and your coil may freeze.
As this ice thaws, the resulting water can leak into your home, causing structural damage and more. A frozen AC coil is a sure sign of a problem, and could actually be due to any number of problems within the AC system. Still though, changing your filter every 1-3 months helps prevent this in the first place.
3. Your Energy Bills Rise
The blower fan of your AC system has to work much harder to try to bring in the right amount of air when a clogged filter is blocking airflow. Changing your air filter on a routine basis is one of the easiest ways to help lower your cooling costs.
4. HVAC System Damage Occurs
When it comes down to it, home comfort systems are designed to take in a certain amount of air each time they cycle. So when your airflow suffers, the components of the system have to work a lot harder to do their jobs. This means you can expect a lot of wear and tear over the summer, and your AC system might fail on you when you need it the most.
Let G & S Heating Cooling & Electric help you to boost the comfort level throughout your entire living space.
Contact us today.
