Air Conditioning: Why A Filter-Centric Cleaning Is A Must
Posted on: 12 October 2015
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Air conditioner filters trap mold, dust and other air impurities. This usually goes a long way in improving the air quality in a home. But the benefit of a well-functioning filter usually extends beyond ensuring that the air that you and your family breathe is clean. It also helps to prevent the clogging of air conditioner coils, hence preventing a possible drop in your unit's performance levels.
However, in a bid to protect your air conditioner from the negative effects of dust and mold accumulation, the filters themselves can sometimes get clogged. Clogged filters usually means restricted air flow, something that almost always has a negative effect on the ability of air conditioner coils to facilitate efficient heat transfer.
The negative effects of clogged filters
Most air conditioning systems are designed with adequate air supply in mind in that they operate on the assumption that there will always be an ample supply of warm air to offset the temperature drop triggered by the refrigerant's change of state – from a liquid to a gas. However, with clogged filters, the supply of warm air is never enough to keep up with the temperature drop. This usually increases the risks of the temperature at the coil area dropping below freezing level, something that not only causes moisture in the air to condense, but also to freeze, hence icing at the coils.
The ability of an air conditioner to cool air depends on how well heat exchange can happen at the evaporator coils. Ice usually forms a layer of insulation around the evaporator coils. This reduces the rate of heat transfer between the air and the refrigerant. And since the whole cooling process depends on this, it usually has the effect of reducing not only the cooling effectiveness of an air conditioner, but also its lifespan.
The simplest way to keep your air conditioner in good shape
Cleaning your air conditioner filters will not only guarantee good quality in your home, but will also prevent icing of the unit's coils and all the problems that come with it. And what is great is that it is something that is easy to do.
Start by using a vacuum to remove all the easy-to-get-rid-of dust particles. Fill a bucket with a solution of vinegar and water, and then submerge the filters in the solution. Let them soak for a while before using a brush to remove any hard-to-remove dirt. Allow them to dry and then place them back on.
For further assistance, contact local professionals, such as those from Allzone Air Conditioning & Heating Corp.