5 Problems Caused by Clogged Air Filters
The air filter may be a simple, low-tech part of your air conditioning system, but overlooking it for too long can lead to big side effects. The truth is that skipping any preventative maintenance steps, like regular air filter replacements, can lead to extra AC repair bills and shorten HVAC unit life spans. This list explains some other serious issues that can crop up in a cooling system with clogged air filters.
What Happens When an AC Air Filter Gets Clogged?
1. High Energy Bills
All the air that passes through your home’s cooling system is sent through its filters. When they’re clean, air moves through easily. Over time, as dust and dander accumulate, it takes more energy to push the air through. The motor responds by skipping rest cycles and pulling extra power. The dirtier the filter gets, the more likely you are to notice an increase in utility bills.
2. Low Indoor Air Quality
A clogged filter is ineffective at trapping allergens from the incoming air. This means they’re free to move into the vents and will end up distributed across the entire house. Homeowners with clogged filters may notice an increase in allergy-like symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and headaches.
3. Increase in Household Chores
With no room left to store dust, clogged filters allow unwanted debris back into your home’s indoor air. Because the system is actively pushing dust toward them, furniture and floors near air conditioning vents will get dirty quickly. Schedule regular air filter changes to reduce the amount of time spent on housecleaning tasks.
4. Reduced Cooling Power
Experienced AC techs always check the air filter’s status if they receive complaints that a system is running inefficiently. Since clogged filters slow down air movement, they can leave HVAC units unable to produce cold air fast enough to cool a home. If the unit’s motor is constantly running and the vents are still blowing lukewarm air, schedule a filter replacement and maintenance checkup.
5. Total Breakdown
The condenser coils are calibrated to drop air temperature sharply over a short period of time. If reduced flow causes the passing air and moisture to linger too long, the coils can freeze up. Once this happens, air can’t pass through it at all. The system may shut down to prevent damage to the blower fan or compressor. While an HVAC technician will view thawing the coils as a fairly simple AC repair job, your house won’t have cooling until it’s finished.
For help avoiding unnecessary AC repairs, reach out to Stewart Air Conditioning & Heating LLC in Nicholasville, KY. This licensed HVAC contractor offers professional and affordable preventative maintenance. Serving homeowners across Lexington and the surrounding counties, their friendly team can perform full inspections and clean-outs, including any needed filter replacements. Call (859) 252-4945 to schedule an appointment or learn more about their AC services online.
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Contact Information
Phone: 859-252-4945
Email: j@stewartac.com
Address: 213 Normandy Court, Suite C, Nicholasville, KY, USA
