The easiest way to tell whether it’s time to change the HVAC filter in your Sour Lake, Texas, home is to hold the filter up toward the light. If you see light passing through it, you can put it back. If you don’t, then you should go ahead and change it. A clogged HVAC filter impacts the performance of your cooling system in several ways, and they’re all problems you should try your best to avoid. Here’s why.
Decreased AC Efficiency
A dirty air filter impedes airflow to the cooling system, which means you’re likely to feel hot and cold spots in your home. Plus, without sufficient airflow, the cooling system has to work harder to keep your home at your desired temperature. As a result, the system consumes excess energy, which increases your energy bills and adds unnecessary wear and tear to the AC. This can translate into costly repairs and premature AC failure.
Unhealthy Air From a Dirty HVAC Filter
The HVAC filter’s purpose is to trap harmful particles, like dirt, dust, pet dander, and other airborne allergens. When the filter is dirty, it can’t trap these particles. The longer you go without changing the filter, the more likely it is that unfiltered air will make its way throughout your home. This can lead to poor indoor air quality and is extremely detrimental if you suffer from allergies, asthma, or another respiratory health condition.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
The function of the AC’s evaporator coils is to absorb heat from the cooling system’s return air source. With a clogged filter, the evaporator coils don’t receive sufficient airflow, and they won’t absorb heat. This eventually causes them to freeze. When the evaporator coils freeze, the cooling system runs the risk of overheating and completely shutting down.
Contact Thermacon Service Company, Inc. today at 866-797-1535 to learn more about the different ways dirty filters can affect air conditioning. You can also schedule a maintenance session to have a technician change your filter for you.
Image provided by Shutterstock
