Dirty air filters are clogged air filters that obstruct airflow, making it more difficult for the HVAC system to do its job properly. This means you consume more energy and money. A visual inspection can be the first confirmation of a defective filter. If it appears to be contaminated with dirt, dust, and debris, it might be time to clean it.
Fans drive air through the filter. If the filter becomes too clogged with dust, dander and debris, then the blower has to work harder to get air through a clogged filter. This can lead to hot and cold spots in your home, and difficulty achieving desired indoor temperature levels. Engine misfires, rough idling, and hard starts can also be attributed to a clogged engine air filter. The dirty air filter restricts air supply to the engine, causing unburned fuel to form a soot residue that accumulates in the spark plug. This fouls the spark plug (s) and decreases its ability to produce the spark needed for the combustion process.
Changing the affected air filter and spark plugs will restore your engine's performance. Over time, the filter will pick up annoying particles from the air. When dust, dirt, and other elements clog the filter, the HVAC system has to work harder to get fresh air to the other side. A clogged filter increases resistance, which reduces the efficiency of your unit and increases operating expenses. The dirtier the air filter is, the less efficient your heating and cooling efforts will be.
With a clean filter, air will flow easily and your utility bills will go down. Blower fans inside the oven system are responsible for pushing hot air through the filter. When the filter becomes too clogged with dander, debris, and dust, the blower faces increased tension needed to get air through. This reduced airflow causes you to experience hot and cold spots in your home, rather than constant temperature levels. Since less air flows through the system due to the clogged filter, the heating system will work longer to heat your home.
Inadequate heating results in higher energy bills. If the filter becomes too clogged with dust, dander and debris, then the blower has to work harder to get air through a blocked filter. In our busy lives, small things like servicing the air conditioner and changing the HVAC air filter often slip through the cracks. Air filters contribute to fuel efficiency but a dirty filter can reduce oxygen flow. One of the worst things about a dirty oven filter is that all of the dust and debris that needs to be filtered is recirculated back into your home. You should change your home filter once a month to ensure that it works at peak efficiency.
Over time, an engine air filter can become dirty and lose its ability to filter air entering the engine. While manufacturers vary in their recommendations for how often an air filter should be changed, if you notice any of these signs that it is dirty, it's time for them to inspect it. A new air filter is white or off-white while a dirty one will appear darker with visible dirt and debris. So what's the problem? Does an air filter really matter? To answer this question let's take a look at what happens if you don't routinely change your heating and cooling filter. A clogged air filter will allow all of the dust and debris that needs to be filtered to circulate back into your home. This inefficiency increases rapidly as the filter becomes more and more clogged until it is serviced. Sliding a wet filter back into an air conditioner only causes icing and other problems while trying to dry it is likely to damage its delicate surface.
