The air conditioning filter is one of the most important air conditioning parts in the air conditioning system. Without it, your air conditioning system would be dirty and the air you breathe would be filled with pollutants. All air conditioning parts, from the ductwork to the air conditioning refrigerant, need the air conditioning filter to be clean and replaced to ensure you’re getting the very best in central air conditioning./cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19736880/air_conditioning_iStock_1148634878.jpg)
If an air conditioning filter is left dirty, over Heat pumps NYC time, it can lead to higher energy costs and short
equipment life due to all the air conditioning parts relying on each other. One can not work without the other. Overall, your heating and cooling will not be as effective and you will need to invest in more air conditioning repair and air conditioning maintenance.
An air conditioning filter should be changed every month or every two months for home air conditioning systems and every couple of weeks for certain commercial or industrial air conditioning since it’s running almost 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Doing this as a routine in your monthly chores and not waiting until you see dust matted on the air conditioning filter will ensure you and your family the very best health as well as a smooth running air conditioning system. Dust particles can not always be seen so even if you see a little dust on the air filter, clean it as you normally would.
You can judge a filter’s ability to clean by using MERV ratings – Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value – which is a rating of how efficient an air conditioning filter is from 1-12. The higher the rating, the more effective it is at removing particles such as animal dander, pollen, dust, mold and other allergens, and the better the protection for your air conditioning equipment. Most air conditioning filters screen out particles measuring from 3 to 10 microns in size.
Conventional fiberglass disposable filters (1″ and 2″): These are common in most homes and small industrial air conditioners and commercial air conditioning systems. Since they are disposable and have an adhesive coating that traps the dust, you should not clean the filters. This may damage the filter’s ability to remove particles by damaging the adhesive coating and/or the underlying mesh work. They are both not as effective as other types of filters even though they are lower in cost.
Pleated fiberglass disposable filters (1″ and 2″): The 1″ are generally used in many residential and commercial settings and are made of materials that can vary in the effectiveness. Usually, they are more densely woven to increase the efficiency of removing dirt. These have a larger surface area to lead to increased trapping of particles as compared to conventional filters. They must be specified for your air conditioning system or this can lead to increased demand on your air conditioning components. Thereby, a mismatch can be counterproductive on the health of the air conditioning system and possibly lead to higher air conditioning maintenance and service cost. You should check with the air conditioning manufacturer as to the appropriate type of pleated filter for your system. A filter spray can also be applied after the cleaning and drying of the air conditioning air filter.
Electrostatic filters: Different in design and performance, since there are so many varieties, it is rather difficult to determine which is the most efficient. They are commonly advertised as allergy-free air conditioning filters. These filters also come in the 1″ and 2″ sizes. Air that moves through the filter creates a static charge that collects any dust in the filter. They may require more cleaning and more blower power.
When placing the appropriate air conditioning filter in to the system, the filter should be placed in the correct direction as indicated by the arrow located on the side or face of the filter. Air should flow in the proper direction which is in the same direction as the arrows. This allows the filter to work appropriately, as the air exits the filter in the most reinforced part of the filter.
The air conditioning filter should fit tightly. A perfect seal is necessary to prevent unfiltered air from entering and damaging your air conditioning system. Without a perfect seal and appropriate sizing, the filter is useless. Additionally, the non-conventional filters may have a higher efficiency and may not fit your system. This should be checked with an air conditioning company, contractor, or air conditioning supply company.
Improper refrigerant charge can damage your compressor, which is the heart of your air conditioning system; this is an expensive air conditioner repair. Systems improperly charged will cause increased electric bills because this will reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning system. The proper refrigerant charge will provide longer equipment life, lower your utility bills and reduce the need for air conditioning service.
A dirty condenser coil (outside unit) will reduce your air conditioning systems ability to remove and reject heat from your home. This will cause your system to run longer and increase your electric bills. The benefit of a clean condenser coil is proper heat rejection, reduced run time and lower energy bills. A dirty air conditioning condenser can lead to system failure and the need for you air conditioner to be repaired.
Dirt and house dust that escapes through your air conditioning filter can cling to the cold moist coil. This will restrict the air flow through the coil reducing your air conditioning system of performance and capacity. Maintaining the evaporator coil will ensure that proper air flow is delivered to all areas of your home, increase comfort levels, provide better dehumidification, and a cleaner healthier indoor environment. Inspecting and changing your air filter on a monthly basis will help prevent air conditioner repairs.
As your air conditioning system removes heat from your home, humidity is extracted from the air. The condensation created by warmer air passing over a cold coil must be drained from your system. This is done through a condensate drain line. The drain must be checked and cleared of algae build up or foreign particles clogging the drain, which could cause water damage to the ceiling or floors of your home. By keeping your air conditioner drain line clear you will reduce the need for air conditioning service and overflow problems which can result in water damage. Proper draining will also aid in maintaining indoor humidity levels.
Dirty blower wheels can affect the air flow to your home; limit your air conditioning system’s capacity and your comfort. It can also spread dust particles which irritate sinus and allergies. A clean blower wheel and fan motor will provide maximum air flow, improved comfort levels and proper cooling. Most of air conditioner repairs are caused by dirt and the lack of maintenance.
Moving parts in need of lubrication can cause increased electrical consumption and air conditioner repairs. This is due to additional power required to overcome the resistance in motors and drive shafts that are not lubricated. Proper system lubrication will offer smooth motor and shaft operation, extended part life and less air conditioner repairs.
The electrical components on your air conditioning system should be inspected regularly for signs of wear. Faulty electrical components can lead to very expensive air conditioning repairs. A thorough inspection will reduce the need for air conditioner service if the faulty or worn parts are replaced when found.