Why Use Those Filters???

Almost every air conditioning system has a filter upstream of the evaporator coil. This can be in the return grille or in special slots in the duct system and can be a fuzzy-looking or a folded paper filter. This filter removes particles from the air stream to both keep the air conditioning system clean and to remove particles from the air.

 

As the filter does its job, it gets loaded with more and more particles. This actually has the effect of making it more efficient, but it also increases resistance and reducing airflow. When this happens, it is time to change the filter. How long it will take to happen depends on how dirty the air is and how big the filter is.

If you don’t change the filter, the air flow will go down, and the system will not perform well. Not only that, but if the filter is too dirty, it starts to become a source or air pollution itself.

If you take the filter out completely, you would solve the low air flow problem, but this victory would be short lived. The particles that the filter would have taken out will now build up on your evaporator coil and eventually cause it to fail. A new filter is a lot cheaper.

When you do buy a new filter, it is highly recommended to get a Minimum Efficiency Rating Value of MERV 6 or higher.

Importance of Freon Levels

Air conditioning systems are sealed. Therefore, your a/c unit should not just “lose” freon (refrigerant). Unlike a car, air conditioners do not consume refrigerant. With that being said, just like you should check your oil in your car, you should also have your freon level of your a/c checked.

In the perfect situation, you will never need to add or change the refrigerant in your air conditioning system. But as you know, we do not live in a perfect world so you should have your refrigerant levels checked. If you do find that your refrigerant levels are low, this indicates a leak in your system which should be repaired before you add refrigerant. While most new system connections are welded to minimize leaks, many older units are connected with mechanical flared fittings which can vibrate loose over the years, causing leaks.

It is important not to lose refrigerant because of many reasons. The first reason is that low refrigerant levels reduce the efficiency of the air conditioner causing it to work harder and for your energy bill to go up. Another important reason is that freon is a controlled substance and according to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) it is hazardous to the environment. Freon also keeps the evaporator coil from icing up and the compressor from overheating. The coil and the compressor are two vital (and expensive) parts of the system. The compressor (which is the heart of the system) is often needed to be replaced early in situations where freon levels have been low.

The comfort specialists at Indian Air HVAC in Prescott Valley, AZ check your freon level as part of their regular maintenance. Also, any time you call Indian Air for your cooling system, rest assured- your freon levels will be monitored.