The air filter for the HVAC system plays a vital role in the health of the entire system. Many homeowners will neglect their home air filters and soon they become packed full of dirt, hair and dander. When the filters become clogged the air flow becomes restricted. This air restriction can have small to major effects on your home’s HVAC system. Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning will share why it is important to have clean air filters and what dangers they pose to your home’s HVAC system if left unchecked.
How an Air Filter Works
The air filter’s main purpose is to keep airborne particles out of the HVAC system. The air inside the home is recirculated and taken in through the intake registers that house the filter. When the filters become clogged, the air can’t flow through into the air conditioner with ease. When the filter restricts the air from flowing properly it can have many effects on the air conditioner and even furnace in the winter. Following are some of the damaging effects that a dirty air filter can have on the HVAC system.
Poor HVAC Efficiency
When the air filters are clogged and haven’t been changed in a while, the first thing the homeowner may notice is a slight increase in your home utility bill. When the air flow becomes restricted the air conditioner will work longer. The air conditioner must work longer to cool the inside of the home down. As a result the power bill will be higher due to poor efficiency.
AC Short Cycling
Short cycling is when the air conditioner will switch on and begin to run then will suddenly switch off. Short cycling is essentially due to overheating, where the air conditioner will switch off to prevent damage to the air conditioner. Overheating can occur when the air filters are too dirty. The air becomes restricted and then this creates stagnant air that is trapped inside the system. If the air filters are not changed they will clog up the system. Then not only will the air conditioner have short cycling problems it will also cause premature wear on the entire system.
Frozen AC Coils
When ice builds up along the condenser, this is due to poor air flow. The air flow restriction can be caused by dirty filters or dirty evaporator coils. When ice builds up it is important to turn off the air conditioner until the ice melts off. At this time you may want to check the filters and see if they are the cause. If the air filter are not too dirty it may be due to dirty evaporator coils which can be cleaned by a licensed HVAC technician.
Increased Indoor Allergies
A common result of a clogged air filter is poor indoor air quality. Often those with allergies, asthma, or respiratory problems will feel the effects of a dirty air filter. The air filters help clean and trap the indoor air pollutants, improving your home air quality. If the air filters become to full or clogged then the air pollutants can’t be properly trapped inside the air filter. To improve the indoor air quality, know that the air filter plays a vital role.
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Air filters are essential to ensure the longevity of the HVAC system, as well as improve efficiency and indoor air quality. On average an air filter can last between one month to three months depending on the household. Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning encourages homeowners to regularly inspect and change out the HVAC system air filter. For ongoing repair, maintenance, and more, contact Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning today.