An uncleaned AC filter can cause the system to overheat, freeze, or fail prematurely. It also lowers indoor air quality.
Dirty filters can cause many problems, from decreased efficiency to ice build-up. But even if those things don't happen, the debris can still damage the delicate components of your AC unit over time. This will lead to premature wear and tear, which can shorten the lifespan of your system.
Yes, an unclean filter can significantly affect an air conditioning (AC) system's cooling efficiency. Here's how: Reduced Airflow: A dirty filter restricts airflow, making it harder for the AC system to circulate air. This can lead to inadequate cooling throughout the space.
You or your family may experience the following symptoms from a dirty air filter or air ducts: Respiratory infections. Worsened allergies or asthma. Frequent sinus infections.
Maintaining it properly is key, but what happens if you're caught without a replacement filter during maintenance? You might wonder about the risks of running your AC without a filter, even temporarily. The simple answer is: not for long. Ideally, your AC should never operate without a filter for more than 6-8 hours.
Air filters that are overdue for a change are a common cause of HVAC system failure. Over time, dirt builds up in the heating and AC filters, causing components such as the motor to go into overdrive, which may eventually overheat your unit.
What happens if your HVAC filter is dirty? A dirty HVAC filter restricts airflow, which can lead to poor system efficiency, increased energy costs, and wear and tear on the unit.
They can make your family sick:
Your family may suffer upper respiratory infections if they experience coughing, headaches, sneezing, nasal congestion, sore throats, runny noses, and low fevers due to dirty air-conditioning filters.
A Dirty Filter Can Be Worse Than No Filter
The longer you use your air filter, the dirtier it becomes.
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.
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.
How You Can Maintain Your AC Filter. While dirty air filters can stop an AC from working, there are many ways to keep your air conditioner well taken care of and working efficiently for a longer time.
If you don't change your air filter, it can quickly become clogged with dust and debris, preventing proper air filtration. This leads to a variety of issues for your HVAC system including system inefficiency, higher energy bills, inadequate air quality, and ultimately failure.
If your AC isn't cooling your space as effectively as it once did, or if the airflow seems weaker, a dirty filter could be the culprit. Cleaning it could bring back your AC's cooling power.
Reduced Cooling Efficiency: Accumulation of dust, dirt, and debris on the filters, coils, and other components restricts airflow, hindering the cooling process. As a result, the AC unit struggles to maintain the desired temperature, leading to increased energy consumption and higher electricity bills.
Debris and dirt are the main perpetrators behind motor and compressor problems. Once they get inside these two components, your entire AC system is in jeopardy. It will not function as it should. Another problem caused by running your AC without a filter is water damage.
Priority number one: replacing or cleaning it regularly. If you put it off for too long, mold and other contaminants can accumulate in your AC system and circulate throughout your home, potentially triggering allergies and other respiratory issues, says Dr.
How Often Do I Need to Change Out My Air Filter? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.
Signs Your Air Conditioner Is Dirty
Visible mould, dirt or debris on the external vents. Poor airflow even on high fan speeds. Large amounts of dust on the surface of the unit.
Airborne Illnesses
Viruses can become trapped in the system and released later, leading to possible illnesses. Your HVAC system can spread bacteria and viruses around your house, increasing the chances of everyone getting sick.
Air Duct Leaks
In fact, according to ENERGY STAR, the average home loses between 20%–30% of the air flowing through its ductwork, typically through gaps around fittings or unsealed joints in the duct system. The result is increased dust in your system, which then circulates throughout your home.
As a rule of thumb, you should check it each month and clean or replace it when it looks dirty.
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.
You could even have a buildup of mold in the ducts of your air conditioning unit if you do not keep the filter clean. Uneven Cooling: dirty filters can cause your air conditioning unit to have a restricted amount of airflow which is not good for your system's overall cooling power.