Don't Let Clogged Filters Freeze Your Compressor

The Hidden Danger of Neglected Air Filters
Can clogged HVAC filter damage compressor? Absolutely, and it happens more often than you might think. That little filter might seem insignificant, but when neglected, it can trigger a devastating chain of events that leads straight to your system's most expensive component.
When your filter becomes clogged with dust, pet hair, and other airborne particles, it creates a serious breathing problem for your entire HVAC system. The restricted airflow forces your system to work harder and longer to move the same amount of air. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this simple issue can increase your energy consumption by 5-15% – but that's just the beginning of your troubles.
What really happens when your filter can't breathe properly? First, the reduced airflow prevents proper heat exchange at your evaporator coil, often causing it to freeze over. This frozen coil blocks airflow even further, creating a dangerous cycle. Meanwhile, refrigerant can't properly absorb heat, potentially leading to refrigerant floodback – where liquid refrigerant returns to your compressor, washing away crucial lubricating oil.
Your compressor, designed to compress gas (not liquid), begins to overheat as it works harder against increasing pressure. This strain often triggers short cycling – where your system rapidly turns on and off – accelerating wear and tear on all components.
I've seen this scenario play out countless times in my 8+ years in the HVAC industry. In fact, dirty filters are the #1 cause of system failures I encounter. A real-world example from an industry study found that neglected filters and loose belts destroyed 7 compressors out of 44 on a post office roof in just 3 years – an expensive lesson in the importance of basic maintenance.
My name is Allen Chenault, owner of AC's Heating & Air LLC, and I'm passionate about helping Florida homeowners understand that a can clogged HVAC filter damage compressor situation is completely preventable with simple, regular maintenance.
Can clogged hvac filter damage compressor terms to know:- damaged coils on ac unit- damage to hvac unit from storm
How HVAC Filters Keep Your System Breathing
Your HVAC filter isn't just about keeping your air clean—it's your system's first line of defense. Think of it as the lungs of your air conditioner. When you breathe easily, everything works better. The same goes for your AC system!
When I visit homes in Winter Park or Orlando, I often show homeowners their filters and watch their eyes widen. That thin piece of material does so much more than trap dust—it protects everything downstream in your system.
"But Allen, I thought filters were just for allergies!" is something I hear all the time. While better air quality is certainly a wonderful benefit, the truth is your filter's main job is actually protecting your expensive equipment.
According to research from the U.S. Department of Energy, proper airflow is critical for system efficiency and longevity. When a filter becomes clogged with dust, pet hair, and pollen, your system essentially tries to breathe through a straw—everything struggles, especially your compressor.
As Norm, a factory trainer for York, puts it: "Many compressor burnouts are the direct result of liquid refrigerant floodback to the compressor. This is not an out-of-the-ordinary failure." And guess what often causes floodback? Restricted airflow from a clogged filter.
Not all filters are created equal, though. They're rated on what's called the MERV scale (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value), which measures how effectively they trap particles:
MERV 1-4 filters catch only the largest particles, while MERV 13-16 are hospital-grade. For most Florida homes we service, MERV 8-13 provides that sweet spot of good filtration without restricting airflow too much. Higher isn't always better—using a filter that's too restrictive for your system can cause the same problems as a clogged one!
Why Restricted Airflow Starts a Domino Effect
When your filter gets clogged, it increases what we call "static pressure"—basically resistance against airflow. Imagine trying to suck a thick milkshake through a tiny straw. That's what your blower motor experiences with a clogged filter.
This restriction kicks off a dangerous chain reaction that I've seen damage thousands of dollars worth of equipment:
First, less air passes over your evaporator coil, dramatically reducing its ability to absorb heat. The coil temperature then plummets below freezing, causing moisture in the air to freeze on the coil. This ice formation blocks even more air from passing through—making a bad situation worse.
With inadequate airflow, the refrigerant doesn't fully vaporize in the evaporator. This is where things get serious: liquid refrigerant can then travel back to the compressor—a component designed to handle only vapor.
One of our technicians recently explained to a customer in Apopka: "A clogged filter can cause your evaporator coil to ice up, which leads to liquid refrigerant washing back into your compressor. This dilutes the oil that lubricates the bearings and can destroy your compressor within hours."
This is exactly how a simple $10 filter can lead to a $3,000+ compressor replacement. And sadly, it's completely preventable.
The static pressure increase from a dirty filter forces your blower motor to work harder too, increasing energy consumption and potentially shortening its lifespan. Your entire system becomes less efficient, using more electricity while delivering less cooling—a lose-lose situation for both your comfort and your wallet.
Can clogged HVAC filter damage compressor? Absolutely. But with regular filter changes, you can keep your system breathing easy and working efficiently for years to come.
Can Clogged HVAC Filter Damage Compressor?
The short answer? Absolutely yes. Your compressor is often called the "heart" of your air conditioning system for good reason – it's vital, hardworking, and unfortunately, quite vulnerable when other parts of your system aren't properly maintained.
I've seen it happen countless times in Florida homes: a simple clogged filter leads to a $3,000+ compressor replacement. Here's why this happens and how you can prevent it.
Your compressor has one job: to pressurize and circulate refrigerant throughout your system. When it's working properly, it's a marvel of engineering. But introduce a clogged filter into the equation, and things go downhill fast.
When your filter gets clogged, two particularly dangerous scenarios can develop:
Liquid Slugging occurs when liquid refrigerant (which should be vapor by the time it reaches the compressor) enters the compression chamber. Think of trying to compress water in a syringe – it simply doesn't compress, and something has to give. In your compressor, that "something" is usually expensive mechanical components.
Oil Washout happens when liquid refrigerant dilutes the compressor's lubricating oil. Without proper lubrication, metal parts grind against each other, creating heat and wear that quickly leads to failure.
As Norm, a York factory trainer, wisely noted: "Low airflow prevents all the liquid refrigerant from boiling off so liquid returns to the compressor. The liquid does not have to be enough to cause a slugging condition." Even small amounts of liquid can cause big problems over time.
I recently helped an elderly couple in Orlando who couldn't understand why their home wasn't cooling despite their thermostat settings. Upon inspection, I found a severely clogged filter that had caused their evaporator coil to freeze solid. Their compressor was already showing early warning signs with abnormally low superheat readings of just 1°F (when 10-20°F is normal). We caught it just in time to prevent complete failure.
The Two Killer Scenarios: Overheat vs Floodback
When asking "can clogged HVAC filter damage compressor?", it's helpful to understand the two main ways this damage occurs:
In the Overheating Scenario, restricted airflow forces your compressor to work overtime. It's like running a marathon while breathing through a straw. Your compressor draws more electricity, generates more heat, and eventually, the insulation around the motor windings breaks down. Once that happens, electrical shorts occur, and your compressor fails completely.
The Floodback Scenario is more subtle but equally destructive. When your evaporator coil freezes due to poor airflow, liquid refrigerant can't properly evaporate. This liquid makes its way back to the compressor, washing away vital lubricating oil. As one HVAC professional colorfully explained: "Refrigerant is not a lubricant; if oil washes out of bearings, the rotor can scrape stator windings and cause a short."
The worst part? These scenarios often happen simultaneously, creating a perfect storm for compressor failure.
Residential vs Commercial Risk Profiles
Whether you own a home or manage a commercial building, clogged filters pose a serious threat – though the dynamics differ slightly.
In residential settings, systems are typically smaller (1.5-5 tons) and often have just one filter location. The biggest risk factor? Filter changes depend entirely on homeowner diligence. Many homeowners simply forget this critical maintenance task until it's too late.
For commercial buildings, systems are larger (5-50+ tons) with multiple filter locations. While they might have dedicated maintenance staff, the stakes are higher when failures occur – business disruptions can cost thousands per hour.
A dramatic example comes from a post office with 22 rooftop units. Despite being a commercial facility with presumably regular maintenance, poor filter upkeep and loose belts resulted in 7 compressor failures out of 44 total compressors in just three years. The maintenance technician bluntly stated: "Loose belts and dirty filters killed 7 compressors out of the 44 on the roof."
This shows that no matter the setting, proper filter maintenance is essential to protect your expensive HVAC equipment. For more information about maintaining proper air filtration, check out our detailed guide on Air Filtration.
In my years serving Central Florida homes, I've learned that most compressor failures aren't sudden – they're the result of small maintenance tasks neglected over time. The good news? With proper care, your compressor can last 15+ years, even in our hot, humid climate.
Step-by-Step Prevention & Maintenance Guide
Protecting your compressor from the dangers of clogged filters doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, with a few simple habits, you can add years to your system's life and avoid that dreaded repair bill. Let me walk you through what works for our customers across Orlando and Central Florida.
1. Regular Filter Inspection
Think of checking your filter as the HVAC equivalent of brushing your teeth—a simple habit that prevents serious problems down the road. Once a month, especially during our sweltering Florida summers, take a moment to slide out your filter and hold it up to a light source. Can't see light passing through? That's your system's way of gasping for air. Time for a change!
One of our Winter Park customers, Martha, made this a part of her monthly routine when paying bills. "It's just five minutes that saves me thousands," she told us after avoiding compressor issues for over a decade.
2. Choose the Right Filter
Not all filters are created equal, and using the wrong one can be almost as bad as using a dirty one. The right size matters enormously—even a quarter-inch too small creates gaps where unfiltered air sneaks through.
For most Central Florida homes, we recommend pleated filters with a MERV rating between 8 and 13. This sweet spot balances excellent filtration with proper airflow. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, higher-efficiency filters can capture more particles but may restrict airflow if your system isn't designed for them.
Always ensure your filter fits snugly with no gaps around the edges—those gaps are highways for dust heading straight to your evaporator coil.
3. Maintain Proper Airflow
Your filter isn't the only airflow culprit. Walk through your home and make sure supply and return vents aren't blocked by furniture, curtains, or decorative items. That beautiful armoire positioned perfectly in your living room might be suffocating your system if it's covering a vent.
Give your vents a quick dusting while you're at it. Even small dust buildup can incrementally reduce airflow over time, making your compressor work harder than necessary.
4. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Even the most diligent homeowner can't see everything happening inside their system. That's where professional maintenance becomes invaluable. During our AC maintenance visits in Orlando, our technicians perform critical checks that go beyond filter changes:
We thoroughly clean both coils, check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical connections, measure system pressures, and evaluate blower performance. These checks often catch minor issues before they escalate into compressor-killing problems.
As Allen, our owner, often says, "The compressors we replace most often are in systems that haven't seen a professional in years."
How Often Should You Replace or Clean?
The 30-90 day rule works for most homes, but your specific situation might require more frequent changes. If you have pets (especially those fluffy shedders), allergy sufferers in your home, or live near construction areas, you'll want to check filters monthly and replace them more frequently.
Our Apopka customers with multiple golden retrievers change filters monthly without fail, while some Winter Garden retirees with minimal dust can stretch to 2-3 months during milder seasons.
For reusable filters, remember to turn off your system before removing them, rinse thoroughly under warm water, and allow them to dry completely before reinstalling. Damp filters can become breeding grounds for mold—the last thing you want circulating through your home.
According to scientific research on energy-efficient filters, even a moderately dirty filter can increase energy consumption by 5-15%. That's money literally disappearing into thin air!
Airflow Checks Every Owner Can Do
You don't need fancy equipment to spot potential airflow problems. Try the tissue test by holding a facial tissue up to your supply registers when the system is running. It should stick firmly from the force of the air. If it barely moves, you might have an airflow restriction.
Another simple check is the temperature differential test. Use a basic thermometer to measure the temperature at a return vent and at a supply vent. You should see a difference of 14-20°F. A smaller gap often signals restricted airflow.
Pay attention to your system's cycle timing too. During moderate weather, your AC should run for about 15 minutes per cycle. Frequent short cycles or constant running are red flags that something's amiss.
Finally, get to know your system's normal sounds. Changes in operational noise can signal developing issues that might eventually threaten your compressor.
Professional Tune-Up Checklist
While filter maintenance is your first line of defense, our professional maintenance addresses other factors that affect compressor health. During a complete tune-up, we'll:
Clean both coils thoroughly to restore heat transfer efficiency. A dirty condenser coil can raise head pressure and strain your compressor just as badly as a clogged filter.
Check refrigerant charge levels precisely. Too much or too little refrigerant puts enormous stress on your compressor.
Inspect all electrical connections and components. Loose connections can cause voltage issues that shorten compressor life.
Evaluate your ductwork for leaks or restrictions that might be reducing airflow throughout your home.
Assess your blower for proper operation, as fan speed and motor condition directly impact the airflow your system receives.
One of our Orlando customers learned this lesson the hard way when they diligently changed filters but skipped professional maintenance for three years. The slow buildup on their condenser coil eventually led to high head pressure that damaged their compressor—a $3,200 repair that could have been prevented with regular $149 tune-ups.
At AC's Heating & Air, we've designed our maintenance plans specifically to protect Central Florida homeowners from these expensive surprises. A small investment in prevention truly is worth a thousand in repairs—especially when it comes to keeping your compressor healthy and your home comfortable through our challenging Florida climate.
Warning Signs & Damage Timelines
Your air conditioner often sends distress signals long before it completely breaks down. Learning to recognize these warning signs can save you thousands in repair costs and help you avoid the dreaded question: "can clogged HVAC filter damage compressor?"
Early Warning Signs
Think of these as your system's gentle nudges that something's not quite right.
You might notice reduced airflow from your vents first – that gentle breeze becoming more of a whisper. Your system also starts working overtime with longer run times to maintain the temperature you've set. Walking through your home, you'll feel uneven temperatures with some rooms comfortable while others remain stubbornly warm.
A telltale sign many Florida homeowners miss is increased dust on furniture near vents. Your filter is no longer capturing particles effectively, so they're being distributed throughout your home instead. And of course, a visual inspection of your filter appearance will show obvious discoloration, with what was once white now a dingy gray or brown.
One of our Orlando customers described it perfectly: "I noticed my energy bill climbing even though we weren't home more often. When I checked the filter, it looked like it had been dipped in dirt!"
Advanced Warning Signs
When your system moves beyond gentle nudges to more insistent warnings, pay attention!
Unusual noises like whistling or rattling indicate your system is straining against restriction. Your energy bills will spike noticeably as efficiency plummets. The system begins short cycling – turning on and off repeatedly because it's struggling to function normally.
Perhaps most noticeable to homeowners is when warm air blows from vents during cooling mode. This happens because restricted airflow prevents proper heat exchange. If you're brave enough to peek at your indoor coil (please turn off power first!), you might spot ice formation – a clear indication that your evaporator coil is freezing due to inadequate airflow.
An HVAC technician I know describes it this way: "You can hear a compressor 'squeal' under load after about 20 seconds when airflow is restricted – it's literally crying for help."
Critical Warning Signs
These are the final desperate pleas from your system before catastrophic failure.
When your system shuts down completely or your circuit breaker repeatedly trips, your compressor is likely in serious danger. A burning smell coming from vents indicates electrical components are overheating. Unusual compressor noises like banging or rattling suggest mechanical damage is already occurring. If you notice oil leakage around your outdoor unit, your compressor may already be compromised.
At this stage, many Florida homeowners call us in panic mode. As one Winter Park customer told me: "I ignored the weird noises for weeks. When the breaker tripped for the third time, I knew I'd waited too long."
How Fast Can Damage Happen?
The timeline for compressor damage varies dramatically based on the severity of the airflow restriction:
With a severe clog, damage can begin within 24 hours. This happens when a filter collapses completely into the blower, when someone accidentally blocks the return with furniture, or when an extremely restrictive filter is installed. The compressor is immediately stressed as the system struggles to circulate refrigerant properly.
A moderate clog typically causes damage over weeks rather than days. The evaporator coil gradually freezes, refrigerant floodback becomes more frequent, and the compressor temperature rises consistently. This is the most common scenario we see in Central Florida homes.
Even a mild clog will eventually take its toll over months through increased run time, gradual reduction in cooling capacity, and cumulative stress on electrical components. It's like running a marathon with a slight breathing restriction – you'll finish, but with more strain than necessary.
As one of our senior technicians likes to say: "Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards."
Can the Compressor Recover After Airflow Restored?
The million-dollar question (or at least the several-thousand-dollar question) is whether your compressor can bounce back once proper airflow is restored.
With early intervention, the outlook is good. Change that filter before mechanical damage occurs, and your compressor will likely recover completely. This is why we emphasize regular maintenance to our Apopka and Winter Garden customers.
If partial damage has occurred, your compressor may continue functioning but with reduced efficiency, increased noise, higher energy consumption, and a significantly shortened lifespan. It's like driving a car after a minor accident – it still works, but not as well as before.
Once severe damage has occurred, recovery is unlikely. When we see a compressor that won't start, has tripped its internal overload protector, shows visible oil leakage, or has electrical shorts, we typically recommend replacement rather than repair.
A factory trainer I learned from years ago explained it perfectly: "An internal relief valve in a compressor can bypass refrigerant around 600 psi under high pressure but may not reset if damaged. Once that safety mechanism fails, the compressor is living on borrowed time."
At AC's Heating & Air, we've rescued many compressors caught in the early stages of stress, but once significant damage occurs, replacement is usually the only reliable solution. The good news? This entire scenario is preventable with regular filter changes and maintenance – a small investment that saves thousands in the long run.
Cost of Neglect vs Cost of Prevention
When it comes to your HVAC system, the numbers tell a compelling story about the value of regular maintenance. I've seen too many Florida homeowners learn this lesson the hard way.
Preventive Measure | Approximate Cost | Repair/Replacement | Approximate Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Standard Filter | $10-$30 | Compressor Replacement | $2,000-$4,000 |
High-Efficiency Filter | $20-$50 | Complete System Replacement | $5,000-$10,000+ |
Professional Maintenance | Affordable annual plan | Emergency Service Call | Higher rates for after-hours |
Energy Efficiency | Save 5-15% on bills | Energy Waste | 5-15% higher bills |
The contrast is stark, isn't it? A $10 filter replaced regularly could save you thousands in compressor repairs. As one of my industry colleagues puts it: "Filter replacement is a small price to pay to extend the life of one of the biggest financial investments in your home."
The math isn't complicated – regular filter maintenance costs pennies on the dollar compared to what you'll shell out for a compressor replacement. It's like choosing between spending a few dollars on oil changes or buying a whole new car engine later.
What many homeowners don't realize is that neglecting filter maintenance can also void your warranty. Most manufacturers include clauses that specifically exclude "damage resulting from inadequate maintenance, including failure to replace filters." That means when you ask "can clogged HVAC filter damage compressor?" and the answer is yes, you might be fully responsible for that expense.
Hidden Expenses You Might Overlook
The true cost of a compressor failure goes well beyond the repair bill. Here in Florida, where summer temperatures regularly climb into the 90s, these hidden costs can add up quickly:
Temporary Living Arrangements might become necessary if your home becomes unbearably hot during repairs. Hotel stays for a family of four can easily cost hundreds per night.
Business Disruption can be devastating for commercial properties. Imagine a restaurant or retail store closing during peak season – the lost revenue often dwarfs the repair costs.
Water Damage from a frozen, then thawing evaporator coil can silently wreak havoc on your ceilings, walls, and floors. I've seen simple HVAC failures turn into multi-thousand dollar renovation projects.
Refrigerant Replacement isn't cheap these days. Environmental regulations have made modern refrigerants increasingly expensive, and proper recovery/replacement adds significantly to repair costs.
Electrical System Complications often accompany compressor failure. Like dominoes falling, one major component failure can cascade into damage to control boards, contactors, and capacitors.
Emergency Service Premiums will hit your wallet hard. That after-hours weekend call when your system fails during a heatwave comes with premium pricing – sometimes double the normal rate.
One homeowner I helped recently was shocked to learn: "A new HVAC repair can start around $600 and reach up to $7,000 for exhaustive fixes." And that was just for the HVAC work, not including the water damage to their ceiling.
At AC's Heating & Air, we've built our business on a simple principle: prevention is always more affordable than repair. Our maintenance plans are specifically designed to catch issues like clogged filters before they spiral into expensive compressor damage. We'd much rather see you spend a little on regular maintenance than a lot on emergency repairs.
When asking "can clogged HVAC filter damage compressor?" – the answer is absolutely yes, but it's entirely preventable with proper care.
Frequently Asked Questions about Clogged Filters & Compressors
Can a clogged filter cause other parts to fail before the compressor?
Absolutely! While we've been focusing on how clogged filters affect your compressor, the truth is that several other components often wave the white flag first.
Your blower motor typically takes the initial hit. Think about it—this poor motor has to work overtime trying to pull air through what's essentially a wall of dust. It's like trying to breathe through a pillow! I've seen countless blower motors humming desperately but not turning, overheating and shutting down, or drawing so much electricity they're practically begging for mercy.
Next in line is usually your evaporator coil, which can transform into a mini-glacier when airflow is restricted. This isn't just inconvenient—those expanding ice crystals can physically damage the coil. And don't get me started on the water damage that follows when all that ice eventually melts! One homeowner I worked with had to replace their ceiling drywall because they ignored a frozen coil for too long.
Your capacitors also suffer under the strain. These components help your motors start and run properly, but when they're constantly overworked due to airflow issues, they fail prematurely. The result? Your compressor struggles to start, your blower never reaches proper speed, and your system starts short cycling like a washing machine gone haywire.
As one of our technicians at AC's Heating & Air likes to say, "A clogged filter makes your entire system sweat through a workout it was never designed to handle."
Are high-MERV filters just as risky as dirty ones?
This is a great question that catches many Florida homeowners by surprise! Those premium high-MERV filters promising hospital-grade air quality might actually be suffocating your system if it's not designed for them.
Can clogged HVAC filter damage compressor? Yes, and sometimes that "clog" comes from a brand-new, high-efficiency filter that's too restrictive for your system. Filters rated above MERV 13 can significantly reduce airflow in standard residential systems, creating the same problems as a dirt-clogged filter.
Before you install that fancy high-MERV filter, please give us a call at AC's Heating & Air. We'll help determine if your blower can handle the increased resistance and suggest alternatives if it can't. Many of our Central Florida customers are surprised to learn their system needs modifications to handle advanced filtration.
If you're concerned about air quality but your system can't handle high-MERV filters, don't worry! You have options. Consider a separate air purification system that works alongside your HVAC, use moderate MERV 8-11 filters but change them more frequently, or ask us about electronic air cleaners that can remove particles without restricting airflow.
As I tell my customers: "Your lungs and your air conditioner both need to breathe—we just need to find the right balance for both."
What myths exist about dirty filters and compressor failure?
In my years servicing HVAC systems across Central Florida, I've heard some doozies when it comes to filter maintenance myths. Let me clear the air on a few of these:
Myth 1: "Filters are just for air quality." While cleaner air is a wonderful benefit, your filter's primary job is actually protecting your expensive HVAC components from dust and debris. It's like thinking windshield wipers are just for appearance—they're actually keeping you safe!
Myth 2: "My system will automatically shut off if the filter gets too clogged." I wish this were true! Unfortunately, most systems will continue running with severely restricted airflow until something breaks. Your AC doesn't have a "filter clog sensor" that triggers an emergency shutdown. It's like a car that keeps driving even when the oil light comes on—technically possible, but damaging with every minute.
Myth 3: "High-efficiency filters are always better." This is like saying professional running shoes are better for everyone—not if you have knee problems! Without adequate airflow capacity, those premium filters can cause the same problems as dirty ones.
Myth 4: "Filter maintenance is just an upsell tactic." This one makes me chuckle. At $10-30 per filter versus thousands for a new compressor, filter changes are actually the most cost-effective maintenance you can perform. It would be a terrible upsell strategy!
Myth 5: "You can't damage a compressor through the filter." As we've thoroughly covered, the connection between airflow restriction and compressor damage is as real as Florida's summer heat.
At AC's Heating & Air, we believe educated customers make the best decisions. That's why we take the time to explain the real connections between proper maintenance and system longevity. As one of our veteran technicians loves to say with a smile, "In this house, we obey the laws of thermodynamics!"
Conclusion
The question "can clogged HVAC filter damage compressor?" has a clear answer: absolutely yes. That little filter might seem insignificant, but it's actually your air conditioner's first line of defense. When clogged, it sets off a dangerous chain reaction—restricted airflow leads to evaporator coil freezing, which causes refrigerant floodback, ultimately putting tremendous strain on your compressor.
The good news? This expensive damage is completely preventable with some simple care.
Think about it this way: spending $10-$30 on a filter replacement is pocket change compared to the $2,000-$4,000 you'll shell out for a new compressor. As one of our technicians likes to say, "Replacing air filters is like changing the oil in your car—skip it at your own risk!"
Here in Florida, our AC systems work overtime, especially during those sweltering summer months. That's why we recommend this simple action plan:
Check your filters monthly during heavy-use seasons. Hold it up to the light—if you can't see through it, it's time for a change. Replace disposable filters every 1-3 months, depending on your household (pets, allergies, and home size all affect this timeline). Choose the right MERV rating for your system—typically 8-13 provides the perfect balance of filtration and airflow for most Central Florida homes.
Don't ignore warning signs of restricted airflow like weak air from vents, longer run times, or unusual noises. These are your system's way of crying for help before serious damage occurs.
At AC's Heating & Air, we've seen too many preventable compressor failures throughout Apopka, Winter Park, Orlando, and Winter Garden. It's heartbreaking to tell a homeowner they need a new compressor when simple maintenance could have prevented the problem.
We're passionate about helping our neighbors protect their comfort and their investment. That's why we offer comprehensive maintenance plans designed to catch these issues before they become expensive problems.
Don't wait until your system is struggling—a simple filter check today could save your compressor tomorrow. Your comfort, your system's longevity, and your wallet will all thank you for it.
For more information about our air-conditioning-repair services or to schedule maintenance, give us a call. As we like to tell our customers: your compressor's life may depend on it—and we mean that quite literally!