3 Signs Of A Dirty AC Filter Every Homeowner Should Know
Posted on: 10 May 2017
It is no big secret that one of the biggest ways you can help your central air system is to keep the filter cleaned. However, most homeowners only know how to check the filter manually. However, there are also some telltale indicators that the filter needs to be changed that do not require going to the filter itself. As a homeowner who may forget to check the AC filter to see if it needs to be changed, it is helpful to know the signs. Take a look at these three signs that the AC filter needs to be changed right away.
The air coming from your vents has an odd odor.
Think about all of the air that gets circulated through the air conditioner and all of that dust and debris the filter collects in the process. A dirty AC filter often develops an odor that is pretty easy to point out once you are familiar with it. If the air that is being pushed through the air vents in your home smells a little off, it could definitely mean it is way past time for a filter change, so check it out.
There is little or no air coming through your air vents.
If the air conditioning system is not able to pull in a sufficient amount of air because the filter is too saturated with dust, it will also not be able to push air through the vents. If you place your hand near the vents in your home and you notice there seems to be less air than usual, it could mean the filter needs to be changed. While this can also point to problems inside the ducts, it is more likely an issue with a clogged filter. If there is a duct issue, you will notice one vent is not producing much air, but if the filter is clogged, the problem will be with every vent.
The air conditioning system sounds different than usual.
When a central AC unit kicks on to cool your home, you will notice a nice hiss, which is the sound of air funneling through the filter, through the system, and eventually out through the ducts. If you start to notice that the system sounds different than it usually does when the air kicks on, it could very well mean you need to change the filter because the air circulation has changed.
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