Dangers of a Dirty Air Filter

The next time you’re at your favorite home improvement store, consider picking up one of those disposable filters for your home air conditioning. Why? Because although they seem simple and are low-cost, filters are actually a very important part of making sure your home air conditioning system runs effectively and efficiently – and hopefully avoiding costly Phoenix air conditioning repair.

How Does It Work?

An air conditioner brings air into your home that is then cooled by blowing it over a set of cold pipes called an evaporator coil. After leaving the evaporator coil, the air goes through the filter, which is a thin, paper looking rectangle with a “fuzzy” outside. The filter catches airborne particles such as dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria, to both keep the unit clean and remove these particles from the air you breathe.

As more and more particles accumulate on the filter, it increases resistance and reduces the airflow. If the filter isn’t changed regularly, the air flow will decrease and the system will not perform as well. In addition, if the filter gets very dirty, it can become a source of air pollution itself. Without an air filter, the mold, bacteria and other particles would build up on the evaporator coil and eventually cause coil failure.

Benefits of Regularly Replacing the Filter

Phoenix air conditioning contractors like those at Chas Roberts Air Conditioning & Plumbing recommend disposable filters be replaced once a month. But why?

• A dirty filter decreases the efficiency of the air conditioning system. According to energy.gov, replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower the system’s energy consumption by five to 15 percent.
• Inspecting, cleaning, and changing air filters regularly is important because according to energystar.gov, a dirty filter can damage equipment, leading to Phoenix air conditioning repairs and early failure.
• A dirty filter is not able to collect as many of these particles and stop them from going into the home, leading to polluted air.

The Phoenix air conditioning contractors at Chas Roberts are here to help with all of your air conditioning and heating needs. To schedule an appointment with an experienced Chas Roberts technician, visit ChasRoberts.com or call (602) 943-3426 in Phoenix, (520) 618-1884 in Tucson or (505) 264-7257 in New Mexico.