You can check and do a few things to troubleshoot your HVAC system and get it working better. For instance, one thing you can do is to check the air filter and see if it’s clean. A dirty air filter can choke airflow and make your AC work less efficiently. Another thing you can do is to check the outdoor unit and clear any debris that might be blocking the airflow.
Once you’ve done these two things, if your AC is still not working as well as you’d like, you should call the pros to take a look.
But before that, here’s what you should know about a dirty HVAC.
Your home’s HVAC system circulates air in every room it’s installed in. When these components become clogged with dust and debris, they have to work harder to do their job. This puts a strain on your system, making it less efficient, but it also causes several problems.
On average, American homes collect about 40 pounds of dust per year! Most of this dust comes from your family and pets, who shed dead skin cells and hair. The rest comprises dirt and organic matter that you, your family, or your furry friends bring in from the outdoors. The dust and debris become trapped in your HVAC system as air circulates throughout the house.
Find Out If It’s Dirty or Dusty
A malfunctioning AC unit is due to either dusty or dirty compartments. If you find the outdoor unit full of dirt, you can use a garden hose to clean it off. Just ensure you disconnect the power first!
This goal is to remove any moisture from the air conditioning unit that could cause it to freeze up and stop working properly. You are just circulating the air around the unit by running it on fan mode. This helps speed up the drying process.
You can also check it yourself with the following methods:
- First, make sure to switch off the appliance at the power source. Once the appliance is off, carefully remove the plug from the outlet.
- Open the front panel of the unit to access the interior components.
How It Can Get Dirty
Your home’s HVAC system works by recirculating the air inside and cooling it down. Over time, the air conditioner’s filter becomes clogged with dirt and dust, which affects its ability to filter more dirt and dust. This, in turn, affects the efficient flow of air and the working of your AC.
How Dirt Affects Your HVAC System
Suppose the dirt on your AC unit can prevent it from working properly. The dirt can also cause the unit to overheat, leading to damage.
- Leaving your air conditioner on all day can wear it out faster and cause it to break down more often, which can be expensive to repair.
- If you have an air conditioning unit, it might blow more dust into your house and make it harder to keep clean.
- Running your machine at a higher speed will decrease its efficiency and increase its energy consumption.
- When your system’s performance drops and its cooling becomes ineffective, it’s no longer doing its job.
- It can cut back a few bucks on your electric bill.
- Clogged air filters make it harder for your air handler to push air through, causing more wear and tear.
- If there’s a lot of dust and debris in your house, keeping it at a comfortable temperature can be difficult. The dust can also affect your thermostat and cause false readings.
Let’s look at each in broader strokes:
- Inefficiency leading to costly repairs: The inefficiency of a system can cause it to break down more often, which can be expensive to repair.
A small amount of dust or debris on your coils can negatively affect how well they work.
One of the issues that dirt can cause is decreased heat exchange. The coils in your air conditioner are important for the cooling process. Dirt builds up on the coils, creating a barrier between the coil surface and the air, which prevents heat absorption and release. This will result in less cool air being sent inside, and the air conditioner will have to work twice as much to make up for it, which will cause it to wear out more quickly. A dirty evaporator coil can result in ice and freeze if it can’t absorb enough heat to lower its temperature.
Too much dust on the air conditioner’s motor can cause electrical problems, seizing, or other motor problems.
This inefficiency also results in more energy being consumed than ever before. If your air conditioner components are dusty, it can strain the system and cause it to use more energy. This can reduce the lifespan of your air conditioner.
- Poor air quality and filter use: Air filters are used in air conditioners to keep large particles of dirt or dust from being sucked into the system. The air filter will become clogged if too much dust and debris are allowed to build up. A choked air filter is one of the most common reasons air conditioning systems must be repaired. You can avoid making unnecessary repairs by taking proper care of your air conditioner and regularly maintaining it.
When your HVAC system runs, it circulates dust and dirt particles around your home. This can cause poor indoor air quality, especially if someone in your household has allergies or respiratory problems. Clean air filters help to remove allergens from the air, making it healthier for everyone.
Here’s What to Do When You Have a Dirty HVAC
It’s important to update your air filter regularly to prevent dust buildup. In Arizona, it’s best to change your air filter once a month because of the hot weather.
We recommend getting a tune-up for your cooling system in the spring and your heating system in the fall. HVAC professionals will clean your outdoor unit from the inside and your attic’s safety switches and burners. This will ensure that your system is running safely and efficiently.
Conclusion
Get help with Berkheimer HVACs with the HVAC Swami today! We know our way around most commercial and residential AC units, so give us a call for your free quote and first visit via our website now!
