When your air conditioner filter gets clogged with dust, dander, and debris, it can cause a number of problems. Reduced airflow can lead to hot and cold spots in your home, and it can be difficult to achieve desired indoor temperature levels. A dirty filter also forces the air conditioner to work harder, leading to more frequent repairs and a shorter life for the unit. If the filter is heavily soiled, you may feel warm air coming out the back of the unit.
This is because a clogged filter puts more pressure on the air conditioner, causing it to produce a lot of heat. Additionally, the buildup of dirt and debris can cause ice to form on your coils, resulting in your air conditioner freezing and stopping altogether. A clear sign that the AC filter needs to be replaced is when the back of the unit is too hot. To reduce the load on your air conditioner, it's important to change the filter regularly.
To clean the reusable air filter, you must remove it from the air conditioning unit safely and rinse it in a tub or sink with warm water. Like replacing your car's engine oil and air filter every 3,000 miles, a clean HVAC air filter protects your heating system from being damaged and ultimately completely failing. Don't let a dirty air conditioner filter stop you from feeling comfortable in your own home or lead to costly repairs. Sliding a wet filter back into the air conditioner only requires icing and other problems, and trying to dry the filter is likely to damage its delicate surface.
