Every air conditioner has an air filter, and you’ve probably heard that you should change your air filter every month (or two). The reason for this, however, and the reason you have an air filter in the first place, is something that’s often misunderstood. When you don’t change the filter regularly, it can have serious consequences on the way your air conditioner works.
We go over this and other facts about your AC system’s air filter in the guide below. For more information, call our expert team!
#1: Your AC System Depends on the Filter to Work
Many people believe that the filter is in the air conditioning system is there to keep them healthy. These days, that’s true—partially. But if you were to remove the filter, it would not just be your health that was in jeopardy.
Air filters were engineered into air conditioning systems in order to protect them. Before air is cooled and moves through your home, the blower fan sucks in warm air through a supply register. If there were no barrier over the register, the fan could also suck in large pieces of debris. This debris could pummel the AC unit and cause damages. Plus, an air conditioning coil that’s covered in dust will not be able to do its job.
Never run the air conditioner without a filter in place!
#2: A Dirty Filter Is More than an Air Quality Issue
“Why do I need to replace the filter if my allergies aren’t acting up?” We hear sometimes. You associate cleanliness with health, and may assume that changing the filter is a part of indoor air quality control. And while technicians do care about your overall health and wellbeing, that’s not necessarily what they’re saying.
Neglecting to change the filter means that it is clogged up with dirt and debris. And this means that air cannot flow through the AC system at all. Your air conditioning system will struggle to work properly. All in all…
- Your energy bills may go up.
- You won’t feel as comfortable.
- The AC equipment can wear down.
#3: A Better Filter Might Not Clean the Air
The final fact we think you should know about air filters is that they come in many shapes and sizes—and they are not all right for your home. You can tell how effective your air filter is by checking the MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value). A higher MERV could clean the air better, and MERV ratings may go up to about 16.
However, your air conditioner might only work with a filter with a MERV rating of about 4-8. Any higher than this, and the fibers could block the fan from moving air in (just as if you had a filter that was too dirty). Read your air conditioner’s manual for help selecting the right replacement filter, and call a technician if you have any questions.
Contact Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning for air conditioning service in Colorado Springs, CO.
