How a Clogged Air Filter Can Damage Your AC in San Luis, AZ

Every 30-90 days, you should clean or replace the filter for your central AC here in San Luis, AZ. You may even want to do it sooner if your indoor air quality is already poor due to the presence of pets or smokers. Here’s how a clogged air filter can wear out your AC and contribute to the system failing prematurely.

Pressure on the Motor

One thing that the resulting blockage does is lower air circulation. Now, your AC’s motor runs at a single speed and must blow out a certain amount of air at that speed; if too little air is coming in, then the motor will work harder to blow out that air.

The resulting strain will wear out your motor prematurely so that you’ll need to replace it. This is an expensive job as far as AC repairs go, and one that often convinces homeowners to buy a new system altogether.

A Frozen Evaporator Coil

Note that the purpose of an air filter is to trap pollutants like dust, dirt, dander, and pet hair. If it gets clogged, these pollutants will pass into the air handler (the indoor unit), potentially covering components like the evaporator coil. This is the coil that refrigerant travels through to absorb heat inside your home.

The dirt buildup will prevent such heat absorption, leaving your air lukewarm. It will also lower the temperature inside the air handler and cause ice to develop.

A Shorter Lifespan for the AC

A clogged filter may cause your AC to overheat and shut off prematurely. In the meantime, you’re shortening its life span so that it won’t achieve the 15 or 20 years that it’s meant to.

Contact Quick Refrigeration for a maintenance plan that keeps you cool in San Luis, AZ without needing to worry about AC breakdowns. Although we’re a Trane Comfort Specialist, we repair and service all makes and models of AC equipment.

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