Neglecting to clean or replace your air conditioner's air filter can have serious consequences. When a filter is clogged, it restricts the flow of cold air, which can cause ice formation on the evaporator coils. This can lead to leaks or damage other parts of the unit, and can even be a fire hazard. Additionally, a dirty filter can pick up high concentrations of dust, pollen and mold, exacerbating allergies and asthma, and even leading to infections.
Furthermore, a clogged filter causes the motors in your system to work longer than they were designed to, resulting in much higher than normal utility bills. Routine cleaning and replacement of your air conditioner's air filter is a critical responsibility if you want your air conditioner to operate efficiently. If you've never changed your air conditioning filter, it's best to have an HVAC technician do it the first time. When you change your air conditioning filter every month during peak cooling season, you can save about 15% each month on utilities, as well as avoid repair problems due to airflow restrictions. If you've neglected to change the AC filter for some time, there is a good chance that a lot of dust will accumulate inside the ducts. Sliding a wet filter back into the air conditioner only requires icing and other problems, and trying to dry the filter is likely to damage its delicate surface. It's important to remember that not cleaning or replacing your air conditioner's air filter can have serious consequences.
Not only will it increase energy consumption by up to 15%, but it can also lead to ice formation on the evaporator coils, exacerbating allergies and asthma, and even leading to infections.
