Can a Dirty Air Filter Cause Your AC to Stop Working?

A dirty air filter can cause a range of problems in your air conditioner, from poor cold air flow to the unit freezing and eventually stopping working. Above all, a clogged filter will cause the air conditioner to stop working, so if you notice that your AC has stopped working, you should contact a local repair technician to check the filter. Air cleaner maintenance is essential as this device plays an important role in cooling your home - all the air that cools or heats your home passes through it. 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, leading to more frequent repairs and shortening the life of the unit. A dirty AC air filter will allow dust, dander, and debris that should seep into your air duct system. When properly maintained, your air conditioner's air filter allows air to circulate freely outside the unit and into your home.

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. Not only will a dirty air filter cause an inefficient and improperly functioning air conditioner, it can also damage your oven. A clogged filter, which is particularly evident in a central air conditioning unit, is when the machine has to work harder to push air through it. A dirty air filter will not allow fresh, refreshing air to pass through it properly, leaving you sitting in a pool of unpleasant sweat.

A good air filter helps prevent dust and dirt from accumulating on all internal components of the unit; a bad one will cause additional wear and tear that can lead to serious maintenance problems in the future. A dirty air filter will cause poor indoor air quality and can cause allergens to build up in the system, leading to respiratory problems or even mold in the ducts. If you have pets or use cleaning chemicals regularly, dander, cleaning particles, dust, and other debris can get trapped in the filter and then be released into the air. A dirty air filter caused the entire unit to work harder than normal and use more energy to cool your home. When properly maintained, your AC's air filter allows air to circulate freely outside the unit and into your home.

However, a dirty air filter will restrict the flow of cold air, causing it to build up inside the AC unit and lower its temperature. A clogged dirty air filter can cause a 15% increase in energy consumption according to US Department of Energy. Freezing will reduce the HVAC system's ability to remove heat from the air and eventually cause the AC to fail. If your home is well sealed, you have no pets, no furniture or carpets prone to dust, and you vacuum every day, your filters will have fewer particles that accumulate in them.

Erica Sagedahl
Erica Sagedahl

Devoted webaholic. Lifelong reader. Freelance zombie junkie. Hardcore zombie advocate. Infuriatingly humble beer evangelist.

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