The air filter in your HVAC system has a critical job, pulling irritants out the air and keeping the internal components of your air conditioner clean. The air can harbor anything from pollen to contaminants. You should check your filter monthly and change it at least quarterly for the best performance. You can face some serious consequences if you neglect this task.
Serious Compressor Damage
A clogged filter forces your air conditioner to work harder than usual, pulling air through the system. Sluggish airflow makes it nearly impossible for your system to provide you with adequate cooling, so the air conditioner may run continually in a futile effort to cool the home. This can lead to major damage to your compressor. A new air filter is cheap but replacing this key component is a major AC repair that will cost you.
Frozen Coils
When the evaporator coil doesn’t receive proper airflow, the refrigerant inside will reach dangerously cool temperatures. Any humidity that’s present will collect on the coils and freeze, turning your air conditioner into a block of ice. You can’t repair your system until this ice melts, which may cause additional problems if the water overwhelms your condensate drain and leaks.
Poor Air Quality
If your air filter is filthy, there’s a good chance the rest of your system is as well. A clean, well-maintained filter acts as an essential line of defense, keeping irritants like dust and dander out of your air conditioner. 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.
Combine regular filter changes and annual maintenance visits to get the best performance possible from your HVAC system. Schedule your next preventive maintenance visit with Del-Air Heating and Air Conditioning now by calling today.
