Can a Dirty Air Filter Cause My Air Conditioner Not to Cool?

It’s been a warm summer, and that means you probably have been running your home’s air conditioner quite a bit. If it isn’t cooling your home as well as you’d like, the best first step is also the easiest step: check your unit’s filter. Many people wonder, “Can a dirty air filter cause my AC not to cool?” The simple answer is “yes.” A dirty filter can create several problems that can hinder your unit’s effectiveness. Not to mention, a dirty filter can also lead to premature failure of your system. Experts like those at Degree Heating & Cooling recommend changing your filter monthly for best results.

Dirty filters can cause a whole host of problems for homeowners. First of all, they can cause allergens to build up in your home. When the filter is dirty, allergens can’t get trapped in the filter like they’re supposed to. So, they start building up in your ductwork. The result? The air released into your home every time your air conditioner runs is full of allergens, like pollen, spores, dander – and even bacteria. This leads to poor indoor air quality and can cause you and your family some unpleasant physical symptoms, like stuffiness, sneezing, and itchy eyes.

As a result of the buildup, a dirty filter will also cause poor cold airflow in your air conditioning system. That cold air will be trapped inside your air conditioner, causing ice to form on its coils. Once that happens, your air conditioner will freeze up and become inoperable. Before your system freezes up completely, however, there will be a few telltale signs you should look out for. Uneven cooling throughout your home is one of them. If you notice some rooms are more difficult to cool than others, while others constantly feel cold, you’ll want to check your AC filter first.

One of the most obvious signs of a blocked, dirty furnace filter is air conditioning system inefficiency. Clogged filters force your system to use more energy to cool your home driving up your energy bill. When a dirty filter constantly forces your AC system to work overtime, it causes significant wear and tear on your unit. Ultimately, this can lead to system failure long before the typical life of an AC unit. You’ll also be decreasing the energy efficiency of the unit by not having your filters changed or cleaned regularly.

Of course, some people don’t change their filters because they’re not sure where the filter is located, or they’re unsure of how to actually change it. Our expert technicians will be able to show you how to locate your filter on your unit, where to find the size, and how to change it out. Or, we’re happy to come change your AC filter for you whenever you need it done.

Degree Heating & Cooling will provide customer satisfaction while improving your comfort. If you need AC maintenance, including air filter cleaning or replacement, count on us to meet your needs.

Simply give us a call at (860) 633-6122, and we’ll be more than happy to assist you.

As a full-service air conditioning contractor, Degree Heating & Cooling is pleased to offer these additional cooling services in Glastonbury, CT:

• Air Conditioning Repair
• Air Conditioning Maintenance
• Air Conditioning Installation and Replacement
• Ductless and Mini-Split Air Conditioning

Degree Heating & Cooling wants to provide exceptional service and improve your comfort. When you need service in your Glastonbury, CT home, you can trust us to meet your needs. Call us at (860) 633-6122, and one of our friendly associates will be happy to assist you.

Click here for a list of many of the areas in which we regularly service AC systems: