If you don't replace your air conditioner (AC) filter, it will start to malfunction. The filter will no longer be able to effectively trap dust and other contaminants, allowing them to enter the AC system. This can cause dust to clog up the moving parts of the air conditioner, such as motors and fan valves, which restricts airflow and puts a strain on the system. Not changing the filter can also have a negative impact on your health.
If the filter is clogged and can't trap pollutants like it used to, those things can go 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 the air filters are not changed and these issues persist, the long-term effects could be respiratory disease, heart disease, or cancer. Homeowners who neglect their air filters also risk increasing energy costs, damaging expensive equipment, and decreasing indoor air quality.
Below are some of the consequences of not changing your air filters:
- The system will have to work harder to get around clogged air filters, which can cause it to overwork and eventually break down.
- The dust clumps into the evaporator coil (or coil A) of your HVAC system, which will greatly reduce its efficiency.
- The air blower may break down due to a clogged filter, leading to a breakdown of the entire HVAC system.
- Dust mites from furniture and beds can leave their microscopic debris on carpets, which eventually reach the filter of your AC controller.
These air filters act as barriers to prevent contaminants from entering the HVAC system or circulating in the air. Some people have reported that rooms with poor airflow can even change the color of walls and furniture. Air filters are generally made of spun fiberglass or pleated paper and are surrounded by a cardboard frame. It is important to change your air filters every 6 months if you have a 5-inch thick high-efficiency filter, not the standard 1-inch filter.
As air moves through a building's HVAC system, air filters trap and pick up large and small particles, such as dust, allergens and microorganisms. To get the most value out of your home, make sure you change your AC filter regularly. This will help keep your family healthy by preventing pollutants from entering your home's air supply. It will also help preserve your HVAC system by preventing dust from clogging up its moving parts and reduce energy costs by ensuring that it runs efficiently.