A central air conditioning system is a great device to have in the hot months of summer as long as it is working well, but there are many things that can go wrong with a central AC system that will prevent it from operating properly and efficiently. One common cause of problems with central air stems from a dirty air filter. Here are some of the effects a dirty air filter can have on your system.

Dirtier Home

An air filter is designed to remove debris particles from the air, and this includes dust and pet hair. When the filter in your system is too dirty, it has trouble removing these things, and this may lead to more dust in your home and in your furnace.

Less Airflow

A major effect of a dirty air filter is reduced airflow. When the filter is dirty, air has a harder time passing through. Because of this, your system will have to work a lot harder to cool your home, and this could lead to problems keeping your house cool.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

A lack of airflow can also present problems for the evaporator coils in your device. These coils work to remove heat from the air, and they need a lot of airflow for this to happen. When airflow is restricted, the coils can freeze up. If this happens, you may not have any cold air coming through your registers, and you may also experience damage to your evaporator or condenser.

Higher Energy Bills

Because your system must work harder to cool your home, you are likely to see a spike in your energy bills if you leave a dirty air filter in your device for a long time. Clean air filters offer more efficiency for air conditioning systems, and they also protect the furnace. If you allow your filter to get really dirty and the dirt gets inside the system, you may have to spend a lot of money getting it fixed.

You may wonder how often you should change your furnace filter in order to keep your system running efficient; however, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on the type of filter you have and the conditions of your home. The best thing to do is check the filter monthly. If it appears dirty, replace it with a new one.

If your system is currently experiencing issues, you can get the repairs you need by contacting a company that offers air conditioning repairs.