All air conditioning units have air filters that capture particles to improve airflow for optimal cooling or heating and safeguard your property’s indoor air quality. Experts recommend changing the filters every six months. However, countless homeowners neglect this crucial task of HVAC maintenance between major services.
What happens if you don’t change air conditioner filters and continue to use the system? Complete Comfort Control is here with the answer. Plus, when you need AC repair in the Hamptons, NY, we’re the team to call.
How Do Air Filters Work?
Air filters consist of a dense mesh of crisscrossed fibers, which create a matrix to trap particles before they enter the unit or make their way into your home. Air filters are meant to capture all kinds of particles, including dust, pollen, pet dander, soot, and more. You can usually find it in the main return duct, but it depends on what type of cooling system you have.
MERV Ratings
Air filters carry a minimum efficiency reporting value rating that tells you how efficiently it filters the air. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particles it can capture. Most home-based cooling systems will use filters with a MERV rating between 10 and 13 because residential air conditioners can’t take advantage of more adept filters (with MERV ratings of 14 and higher).
Quick note: Not all air conditioners are compatible with all air filters, though. For example, a filter with a MERV rating that’s too high could restrict air flow, stress your system, and overheat.
What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Air Filter?
So, what happens if you don’t change air conditioner filters when they’re clogged? A lot of things can go wrong, but not changing your filter is also a surefire way to run into the following problems:
Cooling Performance Suffers
The main effect of forgetting to change an air filter is that the air conditioner’s performance drops. For instance, it might start blowing lukewarm air.
A clogged air filter cuts off necessary airflow, so the system can’t move the right amounts of cool air. Additionally, choking off airflow increases the pressure inside your system, which can lead to long-term damage.
Utility Bills Go Up
Another outcome of air filters that are dirty is that utility bills start to spike. Clogs that hinder airflow make your unit overwork to compensate, which will affect energy use considerably. Your energy bill can start to rise as a consequence unless you start changing or cleaning your filters to maximize air conditioning efficiency.
Air Quality Worsens
Your air filter exists to remove harmful particles from the air. A clogged AC filter is less effective, which also compromises indoor air quality. The vibrations can knock excess dust loose, which then spreads all over your ducts and into your house.
If you notice more dust than usual on surfaces or more frequent allergies, you may have a filter that’s due for a replacement.
Mold Starts Spreading
Air filters capture all kinds of contaminants, including dander, allergens, and more. However, filters can also capture mold spores, which start growing right on the moist filter if left too long. If mold spreads through the filter and your vents, health problems follow.
Odors Will Develop
A clogged filter gives the air a musty (or moldy) smell as dirt, dust, and spores get stuck in the filter. If you notice a bad smell coming from your vents, a clogged filter is likely.
Fire Risk Increases
Even worse, leaving your clogged filter in place for too long is a potential fire hazard. Cutting off airflow means your air conditioner can’t cool down efficiently, and if it gets too hot, it could catch fire. It’s a small possibility but a real enough one that you shouldn’t neglect regularly changing your filter.
How Often Should You Replace Your Air Filters?
How often to change these air filters depends on your specific air conditioning system and the surrounding environmental conditions. Experts like Complete Comfort Control recommend replacing your clogged air filters twice a year for the best results. Air filters with a lower MERV rating might need replacement earlier.
Your Trusted Heating and Cooling Experts in the Hamptons
The best way to avoid what happens if you don’t change your air conditioner filter is to get regular HVAC maintenance. Whether you need to repair or replace your AC or install an entirely new one, the experts at Complete Comfort Control have your back. Fill out our contact form, or reach out to us at (631) 910-6702 to schedule an appointment!