 Your air conditioner’s filter may seem like an unimportant element of the system, and it is certainly easy to ignore it because of its location. Most homeowners believe that the filter’s job is to clean their indoor air supply, but this is actually not the main role of this simple system component. The reality is that many HVAC problems trace to poor filter management, making consistent evaluation of your air filter a top priority as your cooling system operates through the summer months in the San Bernardino area. What Is My Air Filter’s Job? An air filter removes solid material from your airstream, which has a direct impact on indoor air quality. However, the primary need for the removal of these particles is protection of the air handler’s components. Your evaporator coils, drain pan, and fan are typically located just beyond the filter, and when solid material infiltrates this space, it settles on these parts. The dehumidification that occurs as your air conditioner operates causes this to be a rather humid environment, and the solid materials absorb that moisture to create a grimy layer on the coils and other parts. This layer can reduce the cooling efficiency of your air conditioner by impacting the ability of refrigerant moving through the coils to remove heat from the indoor air. The reality is that your air filter is essential for achieving excellent home comfort and energy usage results. How Much Attention Does My Filter Need? Ideally, you should install a new air filter prior to initiating any air conditioning activity in the spring. You will want to check your filter at least once per month to evaluate the amount of dirt present. With heavy cooling activity, more frequent filter evaluation is recommended. A dirty filter can interfere with your system’s airflow, which can cause your compressor to work hard while also negatively impacting your home comfort levels. According to the United States Department of Energy, a dirty filter can reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner by as much as 15 percent. Your Air Filter and System Problems Although many air conditioning repairs occur because of the failure of an important component of the system, a filter issue can be resolved quickly. If your equipment appears to be malfunctioning, check the filter to be sure that it is not dirty. A prompt replacement may be all that is necessary. If the problem continues, however, the HVAC experts at Victory Heating & Air will be happy to identify and resolve the issues in order to restore your home’s comfort levels.
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