Keeping your air conditioner in the best possible condition for as long as possible requires performing basic maintenance tasks. Replacing your air conditioner filters when they get dirty is among the more important. If you’re not sure you know how to complete this task, one of our technicians will gladly walk you through the process the next time they stop by to perform repairs, make an inspection, or replace your AC system.
Why is a dirty AC filter such a problem? Why does it get so dirty so easily? The following points will help you better understand the topic, clarifying why you need to replace your filters regularly.
What do air conditioner air filters actually do?
An AC system consists of many different components. All of these need to function properly for the entire system to work.
The problem is, at any given time, the surrounding air is filled with numerous contaminants and particulates. If these contaminants were to get inside your system, they could interfere with the operation of one or several components.
That’s why an AC filter is such a critical part of your AC. It protects the system from these contaminants. The result? Smooth and consistent operation.
What happens when I have a dirty filter for my AC?
AC filters protect the system by, as the name suggests, collecting contaminants in the air before they can cause damage. Which also means pollutants will accumulate on the filter over time.
This can result in numerous consequences if the filter isn’t replaced. Primarily, dirty filters force your air conditioner to work harder to cool your home. Using more energy leads to higher utility bills. It can also put too much strain on your system. The system may break down without warning as a result.
Another Important Dirty AC Filter Point to Remember
You already know that regularly changing your filters is key to avoiding high energy bills and ensuring your system works optimally. However, changing your filters often is also important from a health and comfort perspective.
Again, the types of contaminants that may accumulate on dirty filters are wide-ranging. Unfortunately, bacteria can also accumulate on your filters. At a certain point, your filter will no longer be able to collect everything in the air.