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How Does a Dirty Air Filter Affect My Air Conditioner?

Delivering Quality Comfort to the Homes and Businesses of Hartford County and New Haven County
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As a responsible homeowner that enjoys living comfortably during even the hottest time of the year, we're sure that you are diligent in scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance in West Hartford, CT with trained professionals. However, you must also be diligent in changing your air filter on your own, as needed. There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to how frequently this must happen, but it is certainly more than once a year. That means that you cannot just wait for your technician to do it during annual visits. Typically, every 2-3 months is recommended. How can a dirty air filter affect you?

Reduced Efficiency

Imagine yourself blowing air through a straw. No big undertaking, right? Now imagine that that straw is obstructed in some way. You will probably still be able to force air through the straw, but it is going to be more difficult than it otherwise would be. That is essentially the same concept as your air conditioner trying to force cooled air through a dirty air filter. It may be able to, but the increased airflow resistance is going to make it more difficult that it should be to do so. This means that your air conditioner is going to use more energy in order to distribute cooled air throughout your home, and that means that efficiency will drop and that your cooling costs will rise.

Decreased Air Quality

Just as important to your overall comfort as temperature is the quality of the air in your home. If your indoor air quality should fall, you risk not only discomfort, but issues with your health as well. This is another reason why clean air filters are a must. If your air filter is clogged up, your system may actually force air around the filter. This means that the pollutants in that air may also circumvent the filter, and that can drag down the quality of the air throughout your home.

If you have any questions regarding your indoor air quality, contact the pros on our staff. Live more comfortably, choose Dynamic Mechanical.

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