There are a lot of different issues that can affect your air conditioner, especially during the summer. Some of these issues can be quite a bit more difficult to solve than others, and most will require professional repairs. One problem at least, though, is actually fairly easy to solve without professional help. Read on to find out what you can do to avoid having your air conditioner clog, and what can happen if it does.
The Air Filter
The air filter is a part designed to keep the system safe from the dust and other airborne contaminants commonly found in the homeb s ductwork. The filter is quite effective at protecting the system, but it needs to be changed every couple of months in order to prevent it from becoming clogged. Allowing your air conditioner to clog causes a number of issues for your system, most of which are quite a bit more difficult to deal with than the clog itself.
Consequences of a Clogged Air Filter
If the air filter becomes clogged, it will block most of the air in the ducts from passing through to the air conditioner. No air flow through the system means no air for the air conditioner to cool and circulate throughout the house. You may notice that your system isnb t blowing as much air as it should be if the air filter is clogged. Thatb s not the only issue, though.
The evaporator coil in your air conditioner is dependent on a constant flow of warm air over it in order to both cool the home and remain functioning properly. Without that airflow, the temperature around the coil will drop lower and lower until it freezes. A frozen evaporator coil will be unable to siphon heat from the air in your home at all. The ice can travel down the refrigerant line to other parts of the air conditioner, as well, causing them to break down. If you want to protect your air conditioner from this cascade of problems, the best thing you can do is make sure that you change your air filter every three months or so while youb re using your system. If you donb t know how to do that yourself, you can have a professional show you how to do it for next time.
Please note that the only issue that a homeowner can solve easily by themselves is a clogged air filter. A frozen evaporator coil is not something that can be dealt with properly by anyone but a professional. Make sure that you call a professional technician if you see ice on your air conditioner, or experience any other suspicious symptoms that may lead you to think that thereb s a problem with the system.