If dust and debris get caught inside the air conditioner, it can clog up parts and prevent them from working properly. Plus, all the buildup of dust and debris can restrict airflow and cause your AC to overheat and shut down. It could even do permanent damage to your motor, which means you'd have to replace it.
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.
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.
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.
Running your AC for any time without an air filter is not recommended due to the permanent damage it can cause to the HVAC system. Dirt and dust that is normally absorbed by the filter can make its way into the AC system and wreak havoc on the mechanical components, often leading to expensive repairs.
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.
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.
If you let this happen for long enough, the filter could break, releasing all of the pollutants it has accumulated. The pollutants will then float freely though your HVAC system, your house, and eventually your lungs. This can lead to your home's air supply feeling stuffy and dirty, and you could get sick as a result.
Increased Energy Consumption
A dirty filter forces your AC system to work harder to maintain a cool temperature, leading to an increase in energy consumption. If your utility bills have spiked without any apparent reason, a thorough cleaning of your filter might be all it takes to rectify the issue.
Yes. After a while, the extra strain on your cooling system can cause it to break down. A dirty AC air filter can exacerbate minor mechanical issues or cause rapid wear and tear to machine parts. Eventually, the damage adds up to a broken air conditioner that needs professional AC repair.
When you forget to change your air filters on an often and regular basis, dust and other particles can start to build up, creating a clogged or dirty HVAC air filter that will have negative consequences on your home's indoor air quality.
A new, clean new air filter keeps your HVAC unit running smoother and running longer, extending its useful life.
Most manufacturers recommend changing basic fiberglass filters every 30 days. Higher-quality pleated filters should generally be changed every 90 days, though they can potentially last up to six months.
Many disposable air conditioner filters should be replaced rather than cleaned, as cleaning with water can lead to possible mold issues. Clean the coils and fan of the AC regularly, using a canister of condensed air to blow away dust and buildup.
If you don't clean the air conditioner before turning it on, it can lead to greater wear and tear on your system. Also, if one of the parts of the unit isn't working correctly, it can damage the unit itself. For example, damaged electrical components or wiring could cause an electrical fire.
Dirty air filters can restrict airflow and put tremendous stress on the air conditioner. The additional, unnecessary stress leaves your AC unit more prone to malfunctions and can even cause it to break down on excessively hot days.
Is my AC not working because of the filter? Potentially, yes. While there are a whole host of issues that could cause problems with your air conditioning system, a dirty air filter should be the first thing to check if your central air conditioning unit isn't working as properly as it should.
Just like how a low fan speed on a hot day will never make you feel cold enough, a clogged cabin air filter restricts airflow, which can make your AC seem less effective. So, while a new cabin air filter might not make your AC 'colder,' it certainly contributes to a cooler and more comfortable cabin experience.
You may notice a significant decline in HVAC performance, increased energy bills, and decreased comfort in your home. Additionally, delaying filter changes can lead to more extensive damage to your HVAC system, requiring costly repairs or replacement.
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.
Poor Air Quality
If the filter is too dirty to do its job, those unwanted particles can collect in your ductwork and cling to the internal components of your HVAC system, ultimately diminishing air quality throughout your house.
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.
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.
To clean the coils, spray the fins on the inside of the unit with an A/C coil cleaner, following the manufacturer's instructions. To remove the cleaning detergent, spray with a hose to push the cleaner through the fins to the outside of the unit. Don't use a pressure washer — the force of the water can damage the fins.