Your HVAC air filter plays an essential role in the proper operation of your HVAC system. A dirty AC air filter can wreak havoc on your HVAC system, your comfort and your wallet. Here are 8 ways a clogged, dirty filter can impact your heating and cooling system.
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1. Reduced Air Flow
One of the most immediate effects of a dirty air filter is reduced airflow. As the filter becomes clogged with debris, it restricts the passage of air through the system. This forces the HVAC system to work harder to distribute air throughout your home, leading to decreased efficiency and increased energy consumption.
2. High Energy Bills
A dirty air filter causes your system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to increased energy usage and higher energy bills. In fact, according to the US Department of Energy, a clogged air filter can cause a 5- 15% increase in energy usage.
3. Poor Indoor Air Quality
When the filter is clogged, it becomes less effective at trapping airborne particles, allowing them to circulate freely throughout your home. This can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues, particularly for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Regularly replacing the air filter helps ensure clean, healthy indoor air quality for you and your family.
4. Ice Formation
A clogged air filter impedes the flow of air through the system. This causes the temperature inside the evaporator coil to drop excessively, causing condensation to freeze on its surface. The freezing will reduce the system’s ability to remove heat from the air and eventually cause your air conditioner to break down.
5. Decreased Comfort
A dirty air filter restricts airflow through the HVAC system making it harder to reach your desired indoor temperature at an increased cost. Regularly replacing the air filter is essential to ensure optimal airflow to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
6. Short Cycling
Your HVAC system is going to occasionally cycle on and off throughout the day, but a dirty air filter can cause those cycles to become more frequent resulting in wasted energy and uncomfortable temperature changes.
7. Costly AC & Furnace Repairs
Clogged filters will not properly filter debris from entering the system, damaging internal components. They also cause accelerated wear and tear of parts such as the blower motor, fans, and compressor. This can result in premature mechanical failures, costly furnace repairs, costly AC repairs from replacement of major components.
8. Early Replacement
A dirty air filter is the #1 cause for HVAC system failure. A clogged filter impedes airflow, causing the HVAC system to work harder to circulate air throughout your home. This increased strain can lead to excessive wear and tear on vital components ultimately shortening their lifespan. Additionally, restricted airflow can result in the system overheating, leading to potential damage and complete breakdowns. By regularly replacing your air filter, you can help prevent these problems and extend the life of your HVAC system.
Contact LA Construction, Heating and Air
Regularly replacing or cleaning the air filter is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain your air conditioner in tip top shape. Most importantly schedule professional routine HVAC maintenance. Give us a call at 818-341-3406 or contact us online to schedule, we are here to help you!
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