While homeowners in many parts of the country are turning to their heating systems for comfort at this point in the year, those of us here in Florida are still running our air conditioners regularly. When you use something almost every day, it can be easy to take it for granted. Do not have this attitude when it comes to your air conditioning system. When was the last time that you changed your air filter, for example?

Dirty Air Filter

During annual maintenance service, your air filter will be changed out by your AC technician. However, this definitely must be done more than once a year. That is why it is so important that you keep track of filter changes, and take care of your air conditioner in Miami, FL between scheduled maintenance visits.

  1. Low energy efficiency. Imagine that you are asked to blow air through a straw. Not too difficult, right? Well, now imagine that you are asked to do so again, but the straw used is stuffed with its wrapper. You can force air through the straw, but it is much harder in this case. That is essentially the issue with using a dirty air filter. Your air conditioner is going to have to work harder in order to distribute cooled air throughout your home, and it will cost more to do so as a result.
  2. Reduced indoor air quality. Not only are you likely going to pay more to cool your home when you have a dirty air filter in place, but your air quality is likely to be subpar, as well. When the airflow is restricted enough by your air filter, the system may actually force air around the filter. That can allow pollutants to get past it, as the conditioned air travels the path of least resistance.
  3. Operational problems. Finally, a dirty air filter can actually put the operational quality of your HVAC system at risk. If your air filter restricts airflow enough, the evaporator coil in the system can get too cold. When that happens, condensation can freeze on it, and a layer of ice will develop. That further insulates the coil, causing serious trouble for the cooling process.

One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating® of Miami can handle your air conditioning service needs.