Your air conditioning unit is bound to break down eventually, and a clogged air filter is one of the main culprits. When the filter is blocked, it makes it difficult for the unit to work properly, and the strain it causes can lead to the unit failing sooner than it should. Not only that, but a clogged filter can also cause contaminants to be released back into the air that everyone in your home breathes. This can lead to immediate problems such as headaches, itchy eyes or throat, and dizziness.
If air filters are not changed and these issues persist, long-term effects such as respiratory disease, heart disease, or cancer could occur. A dirty air filter forces the air conditioner to work harder than usual, drawing air through the system. This slow airflow makes it almost impossible for your system to provide you with adequate cooling, so the air conditioner can work continuously in a futile effort to cool the house. This can cause significant damage to the compressor, and replacing this key component is a major air conditioner repair that will cost you. Replacing the air filter and having the HVAC system inspected regularly are part of a preventive maintenance routine. Failure to change the air filter can damage other parts of the system and can result in a large repair bill later on.
Changing air filters regularly can help preserve the life of your system and make it work more efficiently. Air filters are usually made of spun fiberglass (the same as attic insulation) or pleated paper framed with cardboard for added stability and rigidity. If the air cleaner doesn't do its job properly, not only will debris pass through and begin to clog your HVAC system, but it will also end up circulating around your home along with the air circulating your system. In general, filters with a MERV 16 rating or lower are considered HVAC system grade filters for residential, commercial, and general hospital use. When air is recirculated through a clogged filter over and over again, it won't be as clean as it could be. This means that indoor air quality suffers, and if you see that your current filters don't seem to go through them quickly enough, it's time to call an HVAC specialist.
A clogged air filter can also cause the air blower to break down, which in turn causes the entire HVAC system to break down. Replacing your air filter is cheap compared to what you could lose if you had to close down for repairs or replacement of your AC unit. It's important to note that there are high-efficiency filters that are designed to filter out small bacterial, mold, and fungal particles, but your standard MERV 8-11 filters will simply block out larger particles of dust, dirt & hair. In conclusion, changing your air filter regularly is essential for keeping your AC unit running smoothly and efficiently. Not only will this help preserve its life span and save you money on repairs in the long run, but it will also ensure that everyone in your home is breathing clean air.
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