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Understanding the relationship between furnace filter and AC isn’t too complicated. The HVAC filter influence on cooling matters considerably in your comfort levels. Once you grasp this connection, you’ll also have an easier time answering the question, “Does your furnace filter affect air conditioning?”
Whether you have a central heating and air conditioning system or a separate heating unit (a furnace) and cooling unit (an HVAC or AC), they both typically share the same air handler. You’ll often find the filter in a slot or compartment within the air handler itself or near where the return air duct connects to the system. And that means, of course, that both systems share the same filter.
So, air will flow through your system’s air handler regardless of whether you’re heating or cooling your home. If you’d like to understand the implications of this relationship, you’ll be happy to hear more from the go-to HVAC company in Greenwood, Indiana, below. Comfort Heating, Plumbing & Air Conditioning’s crew explores the furnace filter impact on your AC unit so that you can understand how AC efficiency and furnace filtration go together.
The Purpose of Furnace Filters Is Clean Air
The furnace filter primarily blocks dirt, dust, and other debris from getting into your furnace. That’s necessary because when the air inside your Greenwood home enters the furnace, it carries all kinds of airborne particles with it. Without a furnace filter, those particles would build up and compromise the system’s efficiency.
Blockages strain the system and result in premature breakdowns. Your furnace would also be redistributing pollutants into your breathing space. The result always involves poor indoor air quality and AC performance issues.
How Furnace Filters Affect Cooling in Your Greenwood, Indiana, Home
How does a clogged or dirty furnace filter impact your air conditioning system?
Reduced Airflow
A dirty furnace filter makes it harder for your HVAC system to cool and heat. By restricting the flow of air, a dirty filter places strain on the unit. Over time, the resulting increase in wear and tear can overburden the entire HVAC system.
Short Cycling
HVAC systems cycle on and off through their operation. With a dirty filter, those cycles become more frequent because of mixed signals. You’ll experience temperature fluctuations, wasted energy, and noise pollution.
High Energy Bills
An HVAC system with a dirty filter will consume more energy and increase your energy bills. A dirty furnace filter causes your HVAC system to work harder than usual and consumes more power to keep your home comfortable. If you postpone an overdue filter replacement, you’ll spend more.
Frozen Air Conditioner
Does your furnace filter affect air conditioning? Yes, a clean air filter will facilitate proper airflow in and out of your unit, while a dirty one forces the cooled air to build up inside the unit instead. This lowers the temperature too much and freezes the evaporator or condenser coil, which means your HVAC system will struggle to do its job of cooling your home and break down.
System Failure
Besides causing an inefficient, poorly functioning furnace, a dirty air filter can also damage your air conditioning system beyond repair. Keep in mind that a clogged air filter tops the list of reasons for equipment failure. An overburdened blower may fail and cause the whole HVAC system to malfunction, an outcome that can cost plenty to fix or replace.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
A dirty furnace filter will allow dirt, dust, and debris entry into your air duct system, distributing it throughout your home and compromising indoor air quality. It’s important to change the filters regularly, especially if anyone in your home suffers from asthma or allergies. A clogged furnace filter and poor indoor air quality can be a huge problem as allergens build up, not to mention the risk of mold growth in the ducts.
Decreased Comfort
A dirty air filter results in poor HVAC performance, which means less cool air and decreased comfort for you and your family. A clogged filter’s layer of dirt, dander, and dust restricts the amount of air your air conditioner takes in, straining the blower. Inadequate cooling and reduced airflow will also create hot and cold spots throughout your Greenwood home.
Invest in Regular Furnace Maintenance
Does your furnace filter affect air conditioning? We’ve seen that it can. That’s why replacing your furnace filter regularly can boost your home’s energy efficiency and extend the life of your air conditioning system!
Seasoned HVAC experts recommend checking your filter once a month and replacing or cleaning it before it gets clogged. Some filters last longer, so check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Also, most HVAC systems use disposable filters; others allow you to clean and dry the filter before placing it back in. If your furnace uses a disposable filter, ensure you replace it with a properly sized replacement filter designed specifically for your system.
Don’t run your HVAC system without a filter, either. Without air conditioning and furnace filtration, dust, debris, and other unwanted contaminants will enter your system’s internal components and lead to catastrophic issues.
Contact Complete Comfort Heating, Air & Plumbing for Top-Tier Plumbing and HVAC Services in Greenwood, Indiana
In the daily commitment to comfort and health, the team at Complete Comfort Heating, Air & Plumbing strives to deliver premium plumbing and HVAC solutions. Our crew can handle the complete range of your comfort needs, from heater repairs and pipe replacements to AC unit maintenance and heat pump installation. If you suspect an issue with your HVAC system, it could be one of the common HVAC problems we fix, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with our professionals.
Does your furnace filter affect air conditioning in any other way? Find out when you call Complete Comfort Heating, Air & Plumbing at 317-678-7002. We’re available day or night for first-rate plumbing and HVAC services in Greenwood, Indiana.
