An air filter is an essential component of a healthy home air conditioning system. Its main job is to clean the air that circulates through your HVAC system by trapping harmful contaminants like dust, dirt, pollen, and dander. Over time, the filters get dirty and clogged, which causes your air conditioner to run less efficiently. It is important to check your air filters regularly to see if they need cleaning or replacing. Industry experts recommend changing the air filters every 30 to 90 days.
Here are 5 potential problems that may occur if you ignore the necessary filter replacement:
Poor airflow
When the air filter is clogged with dust and dirt, it restricts the flow of air to and from the system. This is the reason behind uncomfortable temperatures in your home. You will notice uneven cooling in your home, with rooms colder or warmer than the others.
Short-cycling
A healthy air conditioning system should cycle on and off occasionally throughout the day. If you notice your AC cycling more frequently than usual, dirty air filters could be the problem. The limited airflow caused by dirty filters can lead to system overheating. AC short-cycling happens as a result.
Allergen buildup
Your AC air filters play a very important role in improving the quality of air you breathe inside the home. A dirty filter can cause a buildup of allergens, which can trigger allergic reactions. If you have family members who are allergy sufferers, make sure to keep the filters clean. You may want to invest in HEPA filters or High Efficiency Particulate Air filters to keep allergens low in your home.
Increased energy usage
Dirty air filters force your air conditioner to work harder, thus consuming more energy than it needs to reach your comfort level at home. According to the United States Department of Energy, you can reduce your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5 percent to 15 percent if you replace a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one.
Wear and tear
If you continue to ignore unclean air filters in your HVAC, the problem can get worse and damage your system. The average lifespan of your air conditioner is between 15 to 20 years. Forgetting to change your air filter regularly can shorten the service life of your home cooling system.
Call for a professional AC Repair Port St. Lucie
To ensure the efficient operation of your AC system throughout the cooling season, you should invest in a professional AC repair and maintenance service. At first sight of the problem, call your trusted professionals right away to prevent it from escalating. What are you waiting for? Get in touch with a pro today to get your AC back running smoothly again.