Will a Dirty Air Filter Stop Your AC from Working?

Learn how dirty AC filters can cause problems with your HVAC system and how regular maintenance can help prevent costly repairs.

Will a Dirty Air Filter Stop Your AC from Working?

An overheated air conditioner can be a sign of a clogged air filter. If the AC filter is dirty, the air conditioning unit will work harder when turned on to keep the room cool. Consequently, that will put more pressure on the air conditioner, causing it to produce a lot of heat. When the air cleaner is dirty, the air conditioning unit has difficulty operating efficiently. As a result, parts work harder than usual and ultimately break before their time.

Not only will this require you to pay for a unit to be repaired, but you will even have to replace it before it has passed its normal 10-15 year lifespan. A clear sign that the AC filter needs to be replaced is when the back of the unit is too hot. If the filter is heavily soiled, you may feel warm air coming out the back of the unit. A clogged filter forces the air conditioner to work harder to keep the house cool. This will lead to more frequent air conditioning repairs and ultimately shorten the life of the unit.

Reduce the load by simply changing the AC filter regularly. A clean air filter will not prevent air from entering and leaving your unit. However, a dirty air filter will restrict the flow of cold air, causing it to build up inside the air conditioning unit and lower the temperature. If the air filter becomes clogged during the summer cooling season, cold air buildup can cause icing on the air conditioning coils or evaporator. Freezing will reduce the HVAC system's ability to remove heat from the air and eventually cause the air conditioner to fail.

These are just some of the common problems that a dirty air filter can cause in your air conditioner. Above all, a dirty air filter will cause the air conditioner to stop working. Therefore, if you notice that your air conditioner has stopped working, you will need to contact your local air conditioner repair technician to have a look at the air filter. Air cleaner maintenance is very important because this device plays an important role in cooling your home. All the air that cools or heats your home passes through it. For this reason, it is very important to always keep them clean and in optimal condition.

Sliding a wet filter back into the air conditioner only requires icing and other problems, and trying to dry the filter is likely to damage its delicate surface. Dirty air filters keep your air conditioner running at a lower efficiency, which means it doesn't cool your home as well as it should and can end up costing you more money in the long run. We recommend checking your air filter at least once a month, but advanced filters can last a little longer. If you notice that your air conditioner doesn't cool down as it normally does or blows hot air, the first thing to check is the air conditioner filter. To clean the air filter, simply remove it from your oven, remove dirt and thoroughly clean it by running it in warm water. Don't let a dirty air conditioner filter stop you from feeling comfortable in your own home or lead to costly repairs. To clean a reusable air filter, remove it from the air conditioning unit and rinse it in a tub or sink with warm water.

The air conditioner filter isn't the most complicated part of an air conditioning system, but it can dramatically affect your efficiency and the air quality in your home. If your air conditioner uses a reusable air filter, you don't have to buy a new one every time you maintain the air conditioner. If you leave an air filter of an AC unit clogged for too long, you may experience a system-wide failure. If it's dirty and you don't have to change it right away, try to clean some of the dirt on it in the meantime. While dirty air filters can prevent an AC from working, there are many ways to keep your AC well cared for and running efficiently for longer. If your AC continues to work, licensed technicians can take a look at your air filter and clean or replace it if necessary.