Did you know that your air conditioner has an air filter? Did you know that you need to clean or change that air filter every few months? If not, you should definitely read on. Every air conditioner contains an air filter. While it is one of the simplest and cheapest parts of the air conditioning system, it also happens to be one of the most important. Let’s look at how the air filter operates within your air conditioning system, and what can happen if you don’t clean or replace it often enough.
The Role of the Air Filter
The air filter sits in the air handler return duct, right before the evaporator coil. Like all air filters, this one is meant to capture any dust or other particles that flow into it. The reason that this is important has to do with the way the evaporator coil operates. The evaporator coil is the part that evaporates refrigerant to cool off the home’s air. This causes the air around the coil to drop in temperature, and also causes condensation to form on the coil itself. If the air filter were not there, any particles in the air flowing over the coil will stick to it, creating problems.
Problems Caused by Not Changing or Cleaning the Filter
If the air filter is not cleaned or replaced every few months, it will become clogged with particles. This cuts off the air flow to the evaporator coil, which will cause the temperature to drop so low that the condensate on the coil freezes. This causes the coil to ice over, which can eventually cause a complete system breakdown if not corrected.
If you aren’t sure how to clean or replace your air conditioner filter, call Sound Heating. We provide air conditioner services throughout the Tacoma, WA area.