If you wonder whether a dirty air filter can stop your AC from providing sufficient cool into the house, the answer is yes! It can. A dirty air filter is more or less a clogged one because dust accumulated over time will naturally clog the filter, which will restrict the airflow from the Ac into your house.
Due to the importance of the air filter, it is recommended that you replace it as often as needed. You have to check and see if the filter is dirty. For this purpose, consistent AC maintenance provided by reputable HVAC companies like Direct AC Miami can help you determine when your air filter needs to be replaced.
Aside from the fact that a dirty air filter can trap cool air in the system and prevent the AC from distributing air into the house, it can also shut down your system entirely.
Here is how that happens, once the air filter is clogged with moles and debris, it becomes impossible for air collected by the AC to pass through the filter to the vent and then into the house.
When this happens, the cool air is trapped into the system, and this occurs for as long as you leave the AC on. With the continuance of this situation, the Air Conditioner keeps cool air within the compartment, and before you know it, ice starts to build up in the system. When it accumulates so much, the system becomes inoperable.
How Often Should You Replace Your Air Filter?
The air filter is an essential part of your Air Conditioner, and as such, you need to take proper care of it. Taking care of the air filter is all about replacing it. This system is so important because it functions as an air purifier by removing the dirt and dust from the air collected by the system.
While it is advised that you clean your air filter at least twice a year, you must first consider your location when considering how often you need to replace your air filter.
If you live in a very dusty area, there is a high chance that the air filter will get dirty faster, and as such, you will need to replace it often. Where you stay in an area with no dust, replacing your air filter should not be constant.
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How to Know That Your Air Filter Needs to Be Changed
Try The White Sheet Test
The most convenient way to determine whether it is time to change your air filter is through the white sheet test. This test helps you see if the air filter is dirty, and as such, you can then decide to change it. To do this, all you have to do is hang a white sheet at the front of the air vent. If the white sheet gets dirty, that is a sign that the air filter is dirty and needs to be changed.
Your Ac Is Inefficient
While the white sheet test may be an excellent way to determine when the air filter is dirty, the test may be a little late if not done on time. However, where your AC is less efficient in cooling the house. You should check and see if nothing is wrong with the air filter.
How to Clean Your Air Filter
Some air filters can be cleaned and used again, while some need to be removed entirely and replaced. Depending on the type of AC you are using. However, where your air filter needs are cleaned, this guide below will help you with that.
To clean your air filter, you first need to remove it. You must turn off the AC entirely before you start cleaning. Once you’ve turned it off, proceed to remove the air filter.
Also, removing the air filter depends on where it is located in your system. All you have to do is slide the front panel for some Air Conditioners, and there you have the air filter.
However, some ACs require that you unscrew some screws before getting to where the filter is located. For accuracy, I recommend that you contact your supplier for instruction.
Once you have followed your supplier’s instructions and removed the air filter, use any of these three options to clean your air filter.
Use A Vacuum Cleaner
You can easily clean the air filter using a vacuum. All you have to do is use the tube extension of the vacuum to remove the dirt. Do this repeatedly to ensure that you’ve thoroughly cleaned the air filter before fixing it back.
Use Water
You can also use water to clean the air filter. You can leave the filter under a hose or running water until it is thoroughly cleaned.
Irrespective of how you use the air filter, the most important thing is to clean it thoroughly. Where the cleaning is not giving the desired result, you can consider replacing the air filter with a new one.
Conclusion
A dirty air filter can cause more problems, like rendering your AC ineffective. It can impact your health negatively and cause several health issues; once the air filter is dirty, it cannot stop the dirt and dust. Therefore, the AC distributes dusty air full of allergens and bacteria into your home. This can cause allergic symptoms like a running nose, headache, and sore throat. To prevent all of these problems, you must run a periodic check on your air filter. This way, you can determine when it is dirty, and as such, you can either clean or replace it on time.
