In our previous blog post, we talked about the difference between an air filter and an air filtration system. We mentioned how an HVAC air filter is not enough to improve your indoor air quality. But that doesn’t mean that your air filter doesn’t have a very important job! It is tasked with keeping debris out of the system, helping it to perform at its best.
Changing the air filter has a huge impact on your air conditioner, contributing to its effectiveness, efficiency, and even longevity. Read on to learn just why you need to change your air conditioner’s filter on a regular basis (every 1-3 months during periods of system use).
Changing the Air Filter Contributes to Comfort
While your HVAC filter seems like a very small component in the grand scheme of things, it has an important job. This air filter rests between your HVAC system and the intake air. if it gets too clogged up with debris, your air conditioner’s ventilation system won’t be able to circulate air.
Essentially, there won’t be enough air making its way into your home in order to keep you cool (or warm, for that matter, in the case of your heating system). If you have the right setting on your thermostat but the temperature of the air doesn’t seem to match, or if the airflow has significantly declined, then a clogged air filter can be to blame.
The Air Filter Keeps Equipment in Good Shape
Your central air conditioner or heat pump functions by absorbing heat from the air within your home. Then, refrigerant evaporates in the indoor evaporator coil and absorbs heat from the air blowing over the coil. However, if the air filter gets too clogged up with debris, then warm air is limited, which can cause the coil to freeze over.
When this happens, not only does it make it impossible for your cooling equipment to adequately absorb heat, but when the ice thaws it creates condensation with nowhere to go, and so you may even experience a leaking air conditioner.
If you ever notice ice on your air conditioner, you should give us a call. Although it is tasked with chilling your home, there is no part of the cooling process that includes ice.
In addition to this, when a clogged air filter restricts airflow, your compressor will just keep running because your system isn’t pulling in enough air to put through the refrigerant process in order to meet the desired temperature on your thermostat. The compressor is the most important part of your air conditioner, and this contributes to faster wear and tear, which threatens the longevity of your air conditioning equipment.
The Right Air Filter, Regularly Changed, Can Keep Your Energy Bills Down
The blower fan component of your air conditioner has to essentially work harder (or rather, run longer) to bring in the right amount of air when a clogged-up air filter is restricting airflow. By changing the air filter on a routine basis every 1-3 months, you can easily lower your monthly cooling bills–or at least maintain them.
For professional air conditioning service in Lafayette, CA look no further than Hometown Heating and Air Conditioning. Contact us today. Your Comfort Is Our Business!