A dirty air conditioner filter can cause a variety of problems, from poor air flow to costly repairs. It's important to regularly replace or clean your AC filter to keep your air conditioner running efficiently and your home comfortable. Here are 7 negative effects that can occur if your AC filter is dirty.Poor Cold Air Flow - As a result of the buildup, a dirty filter will also cause poor cold air flow in the air conditioning system. That cold air will be trapped inside the air conditioner, causing ice to form on your coils.
Once that happens, the air conditioner will freeze and stop working.
Back of the Unit is Too Hot
- A clear sign that the AC filter needs to be replaced is when the back of the unit is too hot. If the filter is heavily soiled, you may feel warm air coming out the back of the unit.Air Conditioner Works Harder
- A clogged filter forces the air conditioner to work harder to keep the house cool. This will lead to more frequent air conditioning repairs and ultimately shorten the life of the unit. Reduce the load by simply changing the AC filter regularly.Dirt Buildup Inside Air Conditioner
- In addition, a dirty filter can cause dirt to build up inside the air conditioner.Dust and dirt will clog parts and cause damage to your air conditioner.
Overheated Air Conditioner
- An overheated air conditioner can be a sign of a clogged air filter. If the AC filter is dirty, the air conditioning unit will work harder when turned on to keep the room cool.Hot and Cold Spots in Home
- 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. With reduced airflow, you may experience hot and cold spots in your home, and it can be difficult to achieve desired indoor temperature levels.Costly Repairs
- Don't let a dirty air conditioner filter stop you from feeling comfortable in your own home or lead to costly repairs. To keep your AC running efficiently and avoid these negative effects, it's important to regularly replace or clean your AC filter.To clean the reusable air filter, you must remove the filter from the air conditioning unit safely and rinse it in a tub or sink with warm water.
