Can a Dirty Air Filter Cause the AC Not To Cool?

Keep your air conditioner working perfectly when you need it most. Call Fast Air Repair at 352-290-7968 to request a repair service. 

When your air conditioning suddenly stops working, experts will most often tell you to check your air filter. Sometimes, replacing the filter is the solution to your problem and can provide you with cooling relief again. Exactly how can a dirty air filter cause the AC not to cool your property?

The team behind Ocala's reliable air conditioning service explains this issue in-depth, so you'll understand the importance of changing your air filters. Learn how dirty filters are detrimental to your cooling system in this informative guide. 

The Importance of Air Filters

Your HVAC system uses a filter to capture dust particles, dirt, and other allergens. Without a filter in place, these pollutants can travel through your vents and impact your indoor air quality. You may experience more allergy symptoms as a result and feel uncomfortable in your home's environment. 

All parts of your air conditioner work together to keep your home at a refreshing temperature. The air filter is an essential component that, when clean, allows for steady airflow. If dirt blocks the airflow, the rest of the system's components face the consequences. 

Signs You Need To Replace Your Air Filter

One of the most common questions individuals have for HVAC experts, aside from, "Can a dirty air filter cause the AC not to cool?" is, "When should I replace my filter?" Pay attention to these telltale signs that you need to change your filter:

• The air conditioner starts to overheat: Clogged filters force your system to work harder in order to cool your home. This excess strain can cause the machine to heat up and potentially damage some internal components. 
• Your energy bills spike: Dirty filters lead to restricted airflow and, ultimately, higher energy consumption. If your utility bills skyrocket with no explanation, your filter could be the root of the problem. 
• The unit releases warm air: Excess dirt blocks cool air from passing through the filter and results in warm air production instead. 
• You experience severe allergy symptoms: Clogged filters can't catch all pollutants, so you may notice a huge difference in allergy symptoms like sneezing or eye irritation. 

Expect a Higher Risk of Mechanical Breakdowns

Not only can a dirty air filter cause your AC not to cool, but it can lead to significant problems with your cooling system. You risk damage to the entire system because of the airflow restriction due to clogged filters. Your air conditioning coils can freeze, and the motor can malfunction. These issues can result in expensive repair costs and, in severe cases, may force you to replace your unit. Prevent this from happening by keeping a clean air filter in your HVAC system. 

Types of Air Filters

Most air conditioners utilize one of two types of air filters: disposable filters and reusable ones. The disposable ones allow you to throw away dirty filters when necessary and replace them with new, clean ones. These filters can be quite delicate and difficult to install if you aren't familiar with them, but an HVAC expert can show you how to insert them. 

Most homes use disposable filters, which involves routinely replacing them to avoid clogging the HVAC system and causing the air conditioner not to cool. However, if you have a reusable filter, you don't need to invest in new filters every few months and instead only need to wash it. 

Just like replacing a disposable one, you should check your reusable filter about every month and clean it before it gets too dirty. Fill your bathtub or sink with warm water, dunk the filter in the water, and use a gentle detergent and brush to scrape off all the debris. Shake the filter to remove excess water and let it air dry before putting it back in the HVAC system. 

Common Air Filter Issues 

Along with asking, "How can a dirty air filter cause the AC not to cool?" many homeowners find themselves wondering, "Why is my air filter clean after several months?" It's normal to see a build-up of dust and dirt on your air filter after about three months of use. If you check yours and it appears clean, the following reasons can explain why:

• Improper installation: Placing the filter upside down won't support the airflow direction.
• It's the wrong size: Filters that are too small let particles travel throughout the space instead of trapping them.
• Poor rate of air exchange: Your unit could have underlying problems if your filter looks clean due to a shorter-than-normal rate of air exchange. 

How To Prevent Future AC Cooling Problems

Knowing all the ways that a dirty air filter causes your AC not to cool, you should be proactive about changing your filter. Experts recommend scheduling regular filter replacements every one to three months. However, you should pay attention to how frequently yours becomes dirty and adjust your replacement schedule accordingly. 

Households with more occupants, smokers, and pets tend to accumulate more allergens that clog the filter. Be mindful of how often you need to change yours and stick to that schedule to avoid problems. 

You should also have an expert perform annual maintenance on your air conditioner. In addition to checking for dirty air filters, they will clean internal components like the evaporator coil and motor fan. Thoroughly cleaning the machine and repairing minor signs of damage will improve your overall HVAC efficiency and performance. 

Contact Fast Air Repair for Unbeatable HVAC Repairs

Now that you have the answer to the question, "Can a dirty air filter cause the AC not to cool?" take proactive steps to keep your system working properly. Regularly change your air filters to keep your air conditioner running efficiently and avoid major damage. 

Does your air conditioner smell like mold? Immediately change the filter and reach out to the skilled technicians at Fast Air Repair for a long-lasting solution. Call us at 352-290-7968 to schedule a consultation.