The air filter might be on top,
below or on the side of the air handler
, depending on what kind of air handler you have. Keep in mind your air filter may fit in a small slot near where the return duct connects with the blower fan, or behind a service door on the back of the air handler.
How do I find my AC filter?
The air filter might be on top,
below or on the side of the air handler
, depending on what kind of air handler you have. Keep in mind your air filter may fit in a small slot near where the return duct connects with the blower fan, or behind a service door on the back of the air handler.
Do AC units have air filters?
Room air conditioners have a
filter mounted in the grill
that faces into the room. Some types of filters are reusable; others must be replaced. They are available in a variety of types and efficiencies. Clean or replace your air conditioning system's filter or filters every month or two during the cooling season.
Can I run my AC without a filter?
Can Your AC Run without a Filter? Even though
your air conditioning system will work without
a filter, experts recommend against it because it can cause severe damage to your AC system and then you'll need to pay for expensive repairs.
What happens if you dont clean AC filter?
Dirty filters
restrict the flow of cold air which can cause it to build up inside the air conditioner
. The final result could be the formation of ice on the coils. … Clogged filters can cause allergens to build up in the duct system and then release into the air you breathe each time the system kicks on.
What are common problems with air conditioners?
- Air Conditioner Is Not Turning On. …
- Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air. …
- Air Conditioner Freezing Up Outside Unit. …
- AC Refrigerant Leak. …
- Air Conditioner Making Noises. …
- Frozen Evaporator Coil. …
- Electric Control Failure. …
- Air Conditioner Leaking Water Outside.
How often should you change your AC filter?
You should replace these about every 90 days, if you have no allergies, but AC pros typically recommend
every 45 days
for max efficiency. Be sure to replace them with the right size and type of air filter. If your AC was working properly, you could remove the filter and buy one that is identical to it.
Can a dirty air filter cause AC not to cool?
A dirty air filter
restricts the flow of cold air
, causing it to build up inside the air conditioner and lower the internal temperature. … Uneven Cooling: Even if it's not enough to cause freezing, that restricted airflow isn't good for your air conditioner's cooling power.
How long can I run my AC without filter?
The short answer: You can get away with running your AC without a filter for a short amount of time without hurting your system. That being said, running your AC without a filter for longer than
6-8 hours
can cause serious damage to your AC system and significantly lower the quality of the air in your home.
Does a dirty AC filter affect performance?
Many people wonder, “Can a dirty air filter cause my AC not to cool?” The simple answer is
yes
– a dirty filter can create several problems that can hinder your unit's effectiveness. Not to mention, a dirty filter can also lead to premature failure of your system.
Why is my AC not blowing out cold air?
If your central AC is not blowing cold air, the refrigerant may be the problem. The unit could be running low and need additional refrigerant added. The most likely cause of this is
a leak
. A leak not only keeps the AC unit from cooling properly, but also it can cause other issues within the home.
Why does my AC filter get dirty so quickly?
One-inch pleated filters quickly get dirty
because they're designed to catch more airborne contaminants
. Think of 1-inch pleated air filters as a fine fish net with a very small gaps: it catches everything from big to small fish, but that also means the net fills up with fish faster (say that 3 times fast).
What happens if my AC filter is dirty?
If the filter is very dirty, you
may even feel warm air coming out of the back of the unit
. A clogged filter forces the air conditioner to work harder to keep the house cool. This will lead to more frequent AC repairs and, ultimately, shorten the lifespan of the unit.
Can a dirty AC filter cause a leak?
Air conditioners can leak water for a few reasons. It is possible that the
airflow over the indoor evaporator coil is restricted
due to either a dirty coil or a dirty air filter. In either case this will cause the evaporator coil to ice up and leak water over the edge of the condensate drain pan.
Can you repair your own air conditioner?
DIY Air Conditioning Service Repair
But if you're comfortable working around electricity and are willing to spend about $50 on parts, you can probably repair your air conditioning service yourself in about two
hours
and save about $225 on parts markup and labor.
How long does Freon last in an air conditioner?
The short answer is that your AC compressor and refrigerant should last
about 12-15 years
. Learning what crucial components, and how to maintain the compressor, can keep your AC running efficiently for its entire lifespan.
