If we had to offer only one bit of advice to homeowners about their HVAC system, it would be this: Please change the air filter in your HVAC system regularly, every one to three months. We’re glad we can offer more advice than this, as well as fast help for AC repair in Bulverde, TX and many other useful jobs. But this piece of advice is an essential maintenance task that everyone needs to do for their comfort systems.
We’re fast approaching the hot months of the year, when air conditioners will run steadily for many days. Staying on top of regular filter changes for air conditioning systems is a key part of making summer less stressful … for both you and the AC! We’ll look at how this basic maintenance job makes a big difference for your summer.
It keeps the air conditioner energy efficient
The job of the air filter in an AC is to stop debris from entering the air conditioner’s cabinet as the blower draws air through the return duct. As dust and lint start to accumulate in the filter, it restricts airflow through the air conditioner, and this places greater strain on the blower, forcing the air conditioner to consume more electricity. If you leave a clogged filter in place for too long, you’ll start to see a noticeable increase in the cost to keep your house comfortable.
It keeps the house more evenly cool
If less air is flowing into the air conditioner because of a clogged filter, you can expect a smaller volume of air to get into the rest of the ventilation system and reach the rooms. Some rooms won’t receive the level of conditioned air they’re supposed to, leading to uneven cooling. A clean filter helps the whole house stay comfortable.
It prevents the AC from overheating
A common trouble people encounter because of a clogged air filter is an AC that trips the circuit breaker and shuts down. This occurs because the stress placed on the blower motor can cause it to overheat and overload the circuit. This is one of several malfunctions a clean filter can help prevent.
It stops the evaporator coil from freezing
Here’s another malfunction you can keep from happening with a clean filter. Several different malfunctions in an AC can lead to the evaporator coil freezing. If there’s not enough warm air passing over the coil because a clogged filter has lowered airflow, it’s far more likely the coil will remain too cold and start to freeze water moisture along its surface.
It keeps debris from getting into the AC
This is the standard job of an air filter in an AC—and it can’t do it as well if it’s left in place to become clogged. The filter will start to distort from the air pressure placed on it, and this will allow dust and other debris to slip around gaps in the edges. Dust contamination inside an air conditioner can lead to serious damage like burnt-out motors and frozen coils.
If you have any questions about how to change the air filter or how often to change it, please call us and we’ll help!
At Thayer Air Conditioning, your comfort is our #1 priority! Call us when you need AC help—we’re already on our way!
