Does a Dirty AC Filter Affect Cooling?

A dirty AC filter can have a significant impact on your HVAC system's performance. Learn how it affects cooling and how to keep it clean.

Does a Dirty AC Filter Affect Cooling?

A dirty air filter can have a significant impact on the performance of your air conditioning system. It restricts the flow of cold air, causing it to build up inside the air conditioner and lower the internal temperature. This can lead to ice forming on the coils, an overheated air conditioner, poor cold air flow, and uneven cooling throughout the house. The way your air conditioner works is by absorbing heat from the air inside your home.

As the refrigerant evaporates inside the indoor condenser unit, the evaporator coil absorbs heat from the air blowing over that coil. However, if the air filter is too dirty, then the hot air is restricted, which can cause the coil to freeze. This can put more pressure on the air conditioner, causing it to produce a lot of heat and eventually freeze and stop working. Before your system completely freezes, there will be some telltale signs you need to watch out for. One of them is uneven cooling throughout the house.

If you notice that some rooms are harder to cool than others, while others are constantly feeling cold, you'll want to check your air conditioning filter first. To clean the reusable air filter, remove it from the air conditioning unit and rinse it in a tub or sink with warm water. We recommend at least checking your air filter once a month, but advanced filters can last a little longer. If you need air conditioner maintenance, including cleaning or replacing your air filter, count on us to meet your needs. Don't let a dirty air conditioner filter stop you from feeling comfortable in your own home or lead to costly repairs. When the air filter in your HVAC system becomes too clogged, the fan has to work a lot harder to try to get the right amount of air in. Changing the air filter on a regular basis restores proper airflow through the ventilation system and, as a result, can help keep your monthly utility bills low they should be.

While dirty air filters can prevent an air conditioner from working, there are many ways to keep your air conditioner well-maintained and running efficiently for longer. If you notice that your air conditioner doesn't cool down as it normally does or blows hot air, the first thing you should check is the air conditioning filter. Don't let a dirty filter stop you from feeling comfortable in your own home or lead to costly repairs.