Matt, how can regular filter maintenance prevent compressor failures and extend system life?

In this edition of “HVAC Skill Builder,” Matt discusses the importance of regular filter maintenance for the longevity of an HVAC system.

Matt, how can regular filter maintenance prevent compressor failures and extend system life? Well, filters are some of the most common components that homeowners know about. And it’s very important that you have the right size filter in that system. And most importantly, that that duct system can handle that filter when it’s put into the airflow. If you have a system that is clogged up, has an improperly sized filter, it will affect system capacity and performance by not allowing the proper airflow to go through that system, which in turn could prematurely damage the compressor. Also, if you have a filter that’s dirty or it’s improperly sized, it can cause undue strain on components such as a blower motor and cause failure that way. So it’s very important when you’re talking to your homeowners about proper filtration, you want to make sure that the static is correct, there’s enough airflow going through that system, and the filter is not going to have a large pressure drop, which could affect the system performance when it’s operating.