The Dangers of Ignoring Your AC Filter

When it comes to keeping your air conditioning system running smoothly, the filter is an essential component. It helps to keep dust and other particles from entering the unit, but unfortunately, many homeowners forget to replace their filters on a regular basis. This can lead to a number of issues that can be costly and time-consuming to repair.

Decreased Airflow

One of the most common consequences of not replacing your AC filter is decreased airflow. When the filter becomes clogged with dirt and debris, it restricts the amount of air that can pass through it. This means that your AC unit has to work harder in order to reach the desired temperature, resulting in higher energy bills. Additionally, this could mean that certain areas in your home are not being cooled as effectively as they should.

Icy Evaporator Coils

Another issue caused by an unclean or blocked filter is frozen evaporator coils. These coils are responsible for absorbing heat from inside your home and transferring it outside. If there isn't enough airflow due to a dirty filter, then these coils will freeze up, which can cause a variety of problems such as reduced cooling capacity and increased energy costs.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

A dirty or blocked filter also affects indoor air quality negatively. As dust accumulates on the filter, it will not be able to trap particles which then circulate throughout your home, leading to health issues such as allergies or asthma attacks.

Increased Risk Of Fire

Finally, if you don't replace your AC filters regularly, you increase the risk of fire. Dust buildup on filters can become hot if left unchecked, while restricted airflow over motors causes them to overheat and potentially catch fire.

Conclusion

Replacing your AC filters regularly is essential for maintaining a healthy cooling system. A dirty or clogged filter can lead to decreased airflow, icy evaporator coils, poor indoor air quality, and an increased risk of fire. It's important that you check your filters every month and replace them when necessary so that you don't have any unexpected problems down the line.