Filters are typically made of polyester and are the first protective barrier for an air conditioning system. Over time, dust particles tend to accumulate in filters, and cleaning them can help improve air quality and reduce the power consumption of the appliance. Can dirty air filters prevent an air conditioner from working? The answer is yes. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep your air conditioner running efficiently for longer. All you need to do is clean or replace the filter regularly, depending on the type of filter.
To change the temperature of your home, the heating and air conditioning system draws air from one room, passes it through coils to heat or cool it, and then blows warm air through ducts to the other rooms in your house. The air cleaner is positioned at the point where air is introduced into the system and traps airborne particles that are absorbed by the air, preventing them from blocking the blower and clogging the coils. Clogged coils cannot heat or cool the air passing through them and can damage the system. Therefore, the air filter helps your heating and cooling system do its job, keeps it running efficiently, and protects it to last longer. A clean air filter will not prevent air from entering and leaving your unit.
However, a dirty air filter will restrict the flow of cold air, causing it to build up inside the air conditioning unit and lower the temperature. If the air filter becomes clogged during the summer cooling season, cold air buildup can cause icing on the air conditioning coils or evaporator. Freezing will reduce the HVAC system's ability to remove heat from the air and eventually cause the air conditioner to fail. Whether you're trying to improve air quality in your home for health reasons or you want to reduce energy and maintenance costs in your home, regularly cleaning or replacing your HVAC filter is a cheap and easy step in your home maintenance routine. In addition, studies show that indoor air quality is worse than outdoor air quality, and people typically spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. Pleated filters made of disposable nonwoven fabric have smaller pores, and the pleats increase the surface area of the filter so that it can contain more particles than a flat surface.
Replacing air filters is an easy and affordable step you can take compared to the cost of repairing or possibly replacing your HVAC system. The air cleaner is designed with fibers, usually made of fiberglass, that trap unwanted elements contained in the air of your home. In fact, the main function of the air cleaner is to clean the air circulating in the HVAC system. When you schedule regular HVAC maintenance, the air filter is replaced as part of the maintenance package. When you combine high-quality air filters with a smart thermostat, you can maximize the desired temperature in your home and save money on energy costs. MERVs range from 1 to 16, with a higher number indicating greater cleaning efficiency because they can filter smaller particles from the air.
Shake the filter after washing to drain any excess water that may be trapped in it, then allow it to air dry before returning it to the air conditioning unit. One of the easiest, most economical and beneficial ways to keep your air conditioner running during summer season is to change the air conditioner filter and perform regular air filter maintenance. Regular home maintenance should include inspecting and replacing air filters every one to three months. If you don't replace the air filter immediately, the problem will continue to recur and the oven will not generate enough heat. In recent years, this air cleaning function has become more important for homeowners, and manufacturers have designed filters that use their heating and air system to remove microscopic particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander, bacteria, plant spores and mold, and even smoke from the air of your home.
