August 23, 2023
You’ll need AC repair sooner rather than later if you don’t change the air filter. A clogged filter restricts airflow. This leads to various issues that can require costly service. Changing the filter as recommended can avoid having to call for AC repair near Milpitas.
How the AC filter works is often misunderstood. It’s designed to protect HVAC components from contamination more than clean the air (although a clogged filter reduces AC performance, which can adversely affect indoor air quality). If a filter is clogged, then dust, dirt, hair, dander, and other contaminants can find their way into sensitive components.
If you forget to change a dirty, clogged, or old filter, the system will then draw more power to compensate for the lack of airflow. Therefore, it becomes less energy efficient and your utility costs go up.
But besides spending more on energy bills, waiting longer for your home to get cooler, and potentially having more allergens and irritants in the air, you may eventually need AC repair near Milpitas to address these issues:
Overworked Blower Motor/Fan: Neglecting to change the air filter can cause the blower motor to get dirty, increasing friction on its internal parts. And just a fraction of an inch of buildup on fan blades can reduce efficiency. As the motor works harder, it can slow down considerably, reducing the AC’s cooling power, or it can stop working. The blower motor can even burn itself out which means it will have to be replaced.
Clogged Evaporator Coil: Once it passes the blower assembly, air contacts the evaporator coil, which is a series of tubes with layered fins. There are lots of surfaces for dust and dirt to collect on. A combination of impeded heat transfer and low airflow can cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze up. Ice can crack the coil, causing a refrigerant leak that reduces cooling performance and can damage the compressor.
Water Damage: When ice on the evaporator coil melts, it can drip down onto the blower motor and other electrical components, causing serious damage to your HVAC unit. In addition, debris that enters the system can clog the drain line. An overflow can then cause water to pool up under the unit and damage flooring, furnishings, and underlying building materials.
Moisture Issues/Mold Contamination: A dirty filter can make it harder for your AC to remove moisture from the air. Your home will then feel warm and clammy; also, mold can grow and release spores. The problem may begin as mold grows on damp surfaces in your AC. Once the unit becomes ineffective, dampness in your rooms and ductwork can allow mold to grow and spread there.
Total System Failure: A well-maintained AC system can last 15 years or longer. But if you don’t change the filter, accelerated wear and tear can reduce its lifespan by five to ten years. Investing in a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter protects the unit from tinier particles. But regardless of the filter, changing it regularly will save you thousands of dollars in repairs and early replacement.
To avoid these issues and costly AC repairs, we recommend changing the air filter:
Every 90 days if your home is dust-free and located in a dry climate.
Every 60 days if you have pets or your home tends to be dusty.
Every 30 days if you have multiple pets or suffer from allergies or a respiratory condition.
The filter media also impacts how often you should change it. Fiberglass filters may last just 30 days. However, pleated filters can last 60 days and some HEPA filters can remain effective for up to a year. Check the product’s label for recommendations on when to change the filter.
You don’t need a technician to change an AC filter. But we’re always available to help and are open seven days a week to provide air conditioning repair. Our team also provides year-round maintenance, which improves HVAC performance and efficiency. Join our Maintenance Value Plan to benefit from annual tune-ups, priority service, and discounts. If your system isn’t working as effectively, call Service Champions at 833-600-0991 for AC repair near Milpitas.