A dirty air filter can be to blame if your central air conditioning unit hasn't been working the way it should lately. A host of problems can occur with this filth and, in the most extreme case, the complete breakdown of your AC.
When the air filter becomes clogged with dust, dirt, and debris, it restricts the airflow passing through the system. This restriction causes the AC unit to work harder, leading to decreased efficiency and reduced cooling capacity. Restricted airflow can even cause the coils to freeze in your outdoor or window unit.
There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner might be running but not cooling. It could be an issue with the thermostat, the compressor, or the evaporator coils. Or, it could simply be clogged with dust and debris, which is preventing it from working properly.
If you don't change your AC filter, it will begin to fail. It will no longer be able to filter the air properly, letting dust and contaminants get into the HVAC system. Dust jams the moving parts of an AC such as fan motors and valves. Airflow is restricted which creates a strain on the system.
Can a Dirty Filter Cause an AC Not to Cool? The short answer is yes, a dirty filter can indeed hinder the cooling process. As mentioned earlier, reduced airflow restricts the system's ability to circulate cool air throughout your home efficiently.
Over time, the air filter draws in pet dander, dust, dirt, and other contaminants. That's its job. However, if the fibers get too clogged with debris, the HVAC system can't pull air through the filter. Eventually, this can cause the system to shut down.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
No, you should never run your AC without a filter!
While your HVAC unit will run, it should never run without an air filter. Dirt is the number one cause of air conditioners breaking down, so running your unit without an installed air filters can cause serious damage.
1) Overheating: When your HVAC system filter is clogged or dirty, this may cause your air conditioner to overheat. When the filter is blocked, your AC has to work harder to keep up. This puts more pressure on the unit and can cause it to become overheated.
Newer systems often use pleated filters, also rectangular with a depth of about one inch. You should replace these about every 90 days if you have no allergies, but AC pros typically recommend every 45 days for max efficiency.
Turning off your AC when it's not cooling is more than a precaution; it's a necessary first step in troubleshooting and protecting your system from further damage. By understanding when to perform simple checks and when to call in the experts, you ensure your air conditioner remains a reliable refuge from the heat.
Check these issues when the unit won't kick on: Check the thermostat and adjust the settings if it isn't set to Cool and an appropriate temperature setting to call for cooling. Examine the house circuit breakers for the AC unit and reset any tripped breakers. Check the air filter and replace the filter if it's dirty.
If your compressor isn't working but the fan is,you may have a faulty capacitor. This is a common and fairly simple problem, but it's important to leave this repair to a qualified and experienced HVAC technician.
After replacing the filter, you should wait at least 12 hours before running the system. If the AC is still not blowing cold air, it could signify that you have a refrigerant leak, a damaged condenser, or your entire mechanical system needs maintenance.
Cabin air filters can capture dust, bugs, leaves, and other various types of debris. A dirty air filter can certainly impede your air conditioner's ability to cool and after time could cause unnecessary strain on the entire system. Another common potential reason is that your compressor has failed.
When you leave an AC unit's air filter clogged for too long, you can experience a failure of the entire system. This is because the unit can only work for so long at twice the power before it finally breaks down.
While there are a number of commercially available coil cleaning solutions on the market, air conditioner coils can be cleaned with a solution of a mild household detergent and water. The detergent and water mix is applied to the coil using a low-pressure sprayer.
A new, clean new air filter keeps your HVAC unit running smoother and running longer, extending its useful life.
The short answer: You can get away with running your AC without a filter for a short period of time. However, doing so for longer than 6-8 hours can hurt your system and decrease your home's indoor air quality.
There are a number of reasons why your AC unit may stop working unexpectedly, including electrical problems, blockages, thermostat issues, and more. Troubleshooting includes checking your circuit breakers, thermostat settings, and replacing your air filters.
The general recommendation for how often to change air filters can range from every 30 days to every year. Two of the determining factors for a filter's lifespan are the type and quality of the filter that is being used. Fiberglass filter: Fiberglass filters are typically the least expensive option.