Most homes in San Jose have air conditioning. For some, it may be a luxury, but for many, air conditioning is a necessity. These systems do not come cheap and need a lot of power to run. They need periodic maintenance for long life and performance efficiency as well. Every person who owns an air conditioner should have some knowledge about its parts and how they work.
The main parts of an air conditioner are the compressor, filter, condenser coil, evaporator coil, and the ducts. While you need professionals to look after most parts, it is the filter that is easy to maintain all by yourself.
Almost all air conditioning systems have a filter in front of the evaporator coil. The filter may be in the return grill or placed within special slots in the duct system. The job of the filter is to remove particles from the air stream so that the system remains clean and the air that flows out of the air conditioner is clean too.
When the system works, all parts, including the air filter are at play. As the filter does its job, more and more particles get loaded on it. When this happens, there is resistance caused and continuous resistance will reduce the airflow. So, what you can do here is:
- Clean the filter based on the manufacturer’s instructions, usually given in the user manual.
- Replace the filter with a new one.
Are there some questions that come to your mind now? Here are the answers to some common ones.
How do I clean the filter?
Most filters can be cleaned with plain soap and water. This is the best way to unclog the netted surface. Holding the filter under a jet of water will be most effective in cleaning all the pores so that they open up fully. Then, you just need to wipe them dry and fix them back.
How long does it take to clean a filter?
Not more than a few minutes. However, this depends on how dirty the filter is and how long since it was last cleaned. If the cleaning exercise is sufficient to open all the clogged pores, it is fine. On the other hand, if the filter is not fully clean, you may need to spend a few minutes on it with an old toothbrush.
What happens if I don’t want to clean the filter?
You need to replace your old filter with a new one. This is not the only thing that can happen. The air flowing out of the air conditioner will also get affected. If you don’t clean or change the filter, there will be obstruction in the air flow and lesser and lesser air flows out. This will bring down the performance of the air conditioning system. Additionally, a dirty filter becomes a source of air pollution.
Can I remove the filter completely?
If you decide to take the filter out completely, the low air flow problem will be solved. However, the particles will now start building on the evaporator coil, causing it to fail eventually. This repair cost will make a hole in your pocket. The particles that the filter would have taken out will now build up on your evaporator coil and eventually cause it to fail. It is better to get a new filter to replace the old one rather than let your machine run without a filter.
These points on filter maintenance can help you breathe pollution-free air as well as keep your air conditioner running smoothly and efficiently.
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