In Florida, homeowners need to do everything they can to make sure their air conditioning systems are in tip-top shape. During the cooling season, our systems have to combat serious heat and humidity, so it’s hardly surprising that we need to take extra care with our air conditioning components. One of the most overlooked homeowner maintenance duties is changing the air filter. Frankly, while it seems like a relatively minor detail, your air filter can severely impact your AC when neglected. In today’s post, we’re going to try and drill the point home by offering some scenarios that could occur in your home should you fail to keep your air filter clean. If you have questions about what type of air filter you need, or how you can benefit from professional routine maintenance, do not hesitate to get in touch with Forest Air.
The purpose of your air filter is not to provide a boost to indoor air quality, but to prevent the accumulation of debris on sensitive AC components. Let’s take a look at some problems that can occur with your AC should your filter become excessively dirty or clogged with debris:
- Frozen evaporator coil: One of the most common signs that you have a clogged air filter is a frozen evaporator coil. During the cooling season, this can shut down your cool air if you’re not careful. When cold air gets trapped inside the air handler near the evaporator coil that circulates the cold refrigerant, it can lead to a build-up of water vapor condensation on the outside of the coils that is subjected to freezing temperatures. This causes the coil to freeze, which can prevent your system from cooling.
- Hot spots: In addition to inadequate cooling, you may find that there are hot spots in your home if you allow your air filter to be compromised by excessive debris. If there are any signs of cooling problems, always check the air filter first.
The best way to prevent such problems is to take control of your cooling experience by changing the air filter as needed during the cooling season, or throughout the year if you also have a heater connected to the same ductwork. If you have any further questions or problems, make sure you get in touch with a Tampa Bay air conditioning professional at Forest Air.