Are you having trouble getting your air conditioner to cool your home? It may be due to a dirty air filter. This dirt can cause a series of problems and, in the worst case, the total breakdown of the air conditioner. It's been a hot summer, and that means you've probably turned on your home's air conditioner quite a bit. If your house isn't cooling as well as you'd like, the best first step is also the easiest: check the filter. The answer to the question “Can a dirty air filter stop my air conditioner from cooling?” is yes.
A dirty filter can create several issues that can impede the unit's effectiveness and lead to premature system failure. Experts such as Degree Heating & Cooling suggest changing the filter once a month for better results. If your home has an air conditioning system, a clogged air filter can effectively stop the oven from heating. Dirt and dust accumulated in the oven air filter will restrict air flow, causing heat to accumulate in the heat exchanger. This can lead to the air conditioner overheating or freezing.
The harder the fan has to work to get air in and out of the ducts, the higher the utility bills will be. According to the Department of Energy, blocked air filters can contribute up to 15% more to energy consumption. In addition, a dirty filter can also block air flow in the ducts and through the filter, allowing moisture to build up during hot, humid months. This build-up can cause poor cold air flow to the air conditioning system, reducing its efficiency and potentially leading to it stopping working altogether. To clean a reusable air filter, you must safely remove it from the air conditioning unit and rinse it in a bathtub or sink with warm water. An air conditioner filter can extend the life of your air conditioning system by keeping it clean, helping your air conditioner to work more efficiently, and even contributing to cleaner home air. If your air conditioner is working but not cooling properly, you should first check if the air conditioner filter is dirty.
A new, clean filter will prevent dirt and dust from accumulating on the internal components of the air conditioner. Running an air conditioner without a filter can reduce its lifespan, cause expensive repairs, or deposit dirt in the ducts. If your air conditioner has a reusable filter, you'll need to handle it carefully to make sure it keeps it running at peak efficiency. If you put a wet filter back into the air conditioner, ice will form and other problems will occur, and if you try to dry it with a cloth, you are likely to damage its delicate surface. As an expert in HVAC systems, I recommend that if your central AC isn't working as it should be, check your filter first. A dirty filter can cause all sorts of problems that can hinder its effectiveness and even lead to premature system failure.
Make sure to change your air filter once a month for better results.
