Can a Dirty Air Filter Stop Your AC From Working?

If your air conditioner in Gilberts, IL, won’t turn on properly, it’s time to try troubleshooting potential issues. You might wonder, can a dirty air filter stop an AC from working? This problem potentially can prevent the cooling system from operating, but other issues might be to blame.

When you need the most reliable AC services in Gilberts, IL, you’ll want to understand how to recognize clogged filters before they cause damage. Learn more about this component that plays a key role in AC efficiency.

Why Dirty Filters Could Cause an AC Malfunction in Gilberts, IL

Can a dirty air filter stop an AC from working, and why does it clog? Filters get dirty — that’s their job. They catch pollen, dust, pet hair, and other contaminants in the atmosphere in your house. The filters keep these items from entering the system and contaminating it.

Eventually, the dust and other pollutants that collect on the filter prevent air from flowing freely through the system. This can cause air conditioners to overheat, leaving them unable to operate.

Many homeowners in the Gilberts, IL, area rely on their central air conditioning during summer and autumn. Temperatures in this region often reach the 80s and sometimes the 90s during summer, which can be uncomfortable. 

Gilberts, IL, has a humid continental climate, meaning you also need the air conditioner to help reduce the humidity levels of your home. When filters cause a system malfunction in the heart of summer, the situation needs to be fixed immediately.

How Often Should You Change a Dirty Air Filter?

Most people must change filters every three months. Gilberts, IL, homeowners who live in a dusty area or have pets might need to change filters every two months. 

You should also change them if you notice issues related to dirty filters affecting the cooling unit’s performance. Even if two or three months haven’t yet passed, changing the filter is better than suffering a malfunction.

Because filters serve both the furnace and the AC system, you must change them year-round. You can’t just change them during summer when you run the cooling unit more often.

Never attempt to run the furnace or air conditioner without having a filter in place. This can cause long-term damage by allowing contaminants to lodge inside the unit.

How To Recognize Whether a Clogged Filter Is Stopping the AC From Working

Can a dirty air filter stop an AC from working, and how do you recognize this problem? Some of the clues that you may have dirty filters include:

• Reduced airflow
• Short cycling
• Temperature inaccuracies
• More dust on surfaces
• Poor indoor air quality

If you recognize any of these signs, check the status of the filter. Changing it right away could prevent the cooling system from malfunctioning or suffering long-term damage.

Can You Perform Other HVAC Maintenance Steps Yourself?

Can a dirty air filter stop an AC from working, and should you try to change it yourself? Changing it is a task that some homeowners choose to do themselves. 

However, we also have some customers who ask us to do this maintenance task for them. If you aren’t sure what size of filter you need to buy, we can help. Our technicians ensure we source the exact product that fits your system, providing maximum protection.

Beyond changing out this component, should you try to do other types of work on your cooling system yourself? Our technicians wouldn’t recommend doing other maintenance actions yourself. Local codes in Illinois require licensed HVAC technicians to do certain types of work on the air conditioning system.

Additionally, if you do maintenance work yourself, you might nullify the warranty from the manufacturer. Our expert technicians have the licenses and certifications to do the work under warranty for you.

Our team serves the entire Gilberts, IL, area with on-time appointments, including the Binnie Hills and Timber Trails neighborhoods. We also serve nearby rural areas, such as the Burnidge Forest Preserve region and locations near Fox River.