How much is your power bill this month? Was it higher than normal? It’s just because it has been hot, right? Maybe, but maybe not.
If you haven’t cleaned or replaced you’re A/C filter recently you may begin to notice problems. Too often the first thing you notice is a higher than normal power bill. Here are the sometimes, less noticeable symptoms:
Reduced airflow. When air cannot circulate freely through the system because of a dirty air filter, less conditioned air reaches you. As the filter becomes more clogged, this blocked airflow can cause your AC to freeze up and quit cooling all together.
- Ice formation on the evaporator coil or the copper lines. First frost, then ice may form on the evaporator coil and pipes. This will eventually cause compressor failure.
- A/C runs much longer than normal. With a clogged A/C filter the air handler has to work as much as 50% harder just to maintain air flow. This alone will increase your power bill substantially. In addition to excessive wear and tear on the equipment it can potentially shorten the life span of the unit.
- AC stops cooling completely. An excessively dirty or clogged air filter can lead to a total system shutdown. If the compressor stops running, any ice buildup eventually melts, and your AC may turn on again. But unless you resolve the issue of a dirty air filter, the cycle of frozen coils and a stopped compressor will continue.
- Increased allergy, asthma and dust. Air filters trap particulate matter to prevent pollution of the air in your home. Family members who suffer from allergies and asthma experience increased breathing problems when saturated air filters can no longer remove airborne debris.
A/C filters should typically be cleaned or replaced once a month. However, “out of sight – out of mind”, right? Not with today’s technology. Almost everyone has a cell phone with a calendar app. Just set up a reminder at the first of the month on your calendar