Why Is My AC Filter Black?

Climate change has become a global problem in this modern world. Because of global warming, the temperature of Earth’s environment has significantly increased in recent years. Many living beings, including humans, are suffering from this major issue, but mankind always finds solutions for its problems. In this situation an AC (air conditioner) comes in handy, this device was created by Willis Carrier in 1902. This device helps to control indoor air temperature and provides a comfortable environment. Today, an AC has become an important component of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems.

An AC also has a filter that provides clean air to the air conditioner when it consumes the air inside the house. Over time the filter becomes black due to many reasons and in this blog, people will find out answers about the reasons behind a black AC filter and how to prevent this problem. So readers should read every section of this blog carefully to know the answers to all of their queries.

Purpose Of AC Filter

An AC filter is one of the most important parts of an air conditioner and the main purpose of the filter is to protect the components inside the device. Dust, debris, and other air pollutants can damage the air conditioner’s delicate components and an AC filter removes all the damage-causing contaminants by removing them from the air when the air passes through it. Here are some of the main key purposes of an AC filter:

1. Improve Air Quality

An AC filter helps to provide clean air by capturing contaminants from the air and this improves indoor air quality. Some filters help to reduce unpleasant odors that are released by cleaning products, cooking, and other factors. By removing odors an AC filter also provides a fresh-smelling indoor environment.

2. Increases AC’s Lifespan

When the contaminants from the air are captured by an AC filter then the air conditioner will work without any problem and work smoothly. When the AC works effortlessly its lifespan increases because the probability of damage to its components decreases significantly.

3. Keeps Optimal Performance Of AC

The performance of an AC stays optimal when it gets clean air without any airborne particles. When an air conditioner works efficiently it controls the temperature of indoor air more effectively and due to that individuals inside the home get a comfortable environment.

4. Prevent Health Risks

Many types of airborne particles can cause risks to the respiratory health of an individual. Problems like asthma and allergies can be prevented with the help of an AC filter because it can remove allergens that can irritate the respiratory system of many individuals.

Reasons That Turn AC Filter Black

Many reasons can cause the AC filter to turn black and these causes are very common. By understanding them people can easily identify the main cause that makes their AC filter black. Here are some of the key reasons that turn AC filter black:

1. Soot

Soot is a byproduct that is released by many things like candles, stoves, indoor fires, etc. The soot particles are very small and light which means they can easily float in the air and get inside the air conditioner. When the AC pulls the air soot gets stuck on the surface of the filter and over time the amount of soot increases which turns the AC filter black.

2. Mold

Mold is one of the major reasons that turns an AC filter black. This small contaminant grows in highly humid environments and it grows on the AC filter when the indoor environment is humid and the filter is wet. The mold can make the filter black and it can become the reason for allergies and respiratory problems for many individuals.

3. Pet Dander

Pets can also become the reason for black AC filters because pets release danders and hairs and these two things join the air when the air conditioner pulls the air inside it the filter captures these particles and its color becomes darker. So people who are pet owners should always make sure that their pets are groomed regularly.

4. Indoor Smoking

People who smoke inside their houses may not know that they are turning their AC filter black. Particles and chemicals inside the tobacco smoke can change the color of the filter. When the air conditioner consumes indoor air that is polluted by tobacco smoke then particles of smoke get captured by the AC filter and turn it to black.

Effects Of Black AC Filter

A black AC filter can cause many side effects on the air conditioner and these effects will have a negative impact on the indoor environment also. So here are some of the side effects of black AC filter:

1. Decreases Efficiency

When the AC filter becomes black it doesn’t allow the air to pass from it properly which decreases sufficient air supply to the air conditioner and this decreases its efficiency. When the efficiency of an AC decreases its ability to control room temperature also decreases because the components of the AC can’t work properly without proper air supply.

2. Frequent Repairs

A black AC filter can cause frequent repairs to the air conditioner because the components inside the AC air are vulnerable to airborne particles like dust and mold. These particles get inside the components and cause problems like overheating and cause damage. So people who are using their AC with a black filter should be ready to repair their AC frequently.

3. High Energy Bills

High energy bills are one of the main side effects of a black AC filter because it restricts the proper airflow. When the air conditioner doesn’t get sufficient airflow it forces its components to work more which increases the energy consumption significantly and due to this energy bills also increase.

4. Decreases Indoor Air Quality

Over time when the AC filter becomes black and clogged it stops removing airborne particles from the air and throws back the polluted air to the room again. This process is continuous and because of this indoor air quality starts decreasing significantly. Particles like pet dander, dust, and mold spores can cause health problems to individuals in the house if the air is not cleaned.

Prevention Of Black AC Filter

Black AC filters can be prevented by taking some precautions and this can help people to keep their air conditioner’s performance at optimal level. So here are some of the main precautions that an AC user should take to prevent a black AC filter:

1. Regular AC Filter Replacement

Most people make a very common mistake that they don’t replace their AC filter regularly and this makes the filter black. Air conditioner owners should inspect to check whether their AC filter needs a replacement or not. By replacing the filter individuals ensure that their AC will work smoothly at optimal efficiency and create a comfortable indoor environment.

2. Clean Air Ducts

Air ducts are passages of air and the ducts help to spread air throughout the house but over time ducts also become dirty and filled with mold, dust, and soot. A dirty air duct can make the AC filter black so it is important to clean the air ducts with the help of a professional. An expert will check and inspect the duct properly and clean it with special equipment to make sure it is clean properly.

3. Control Moisture Levels

As mentioned in the earlier sections moisture is one of the big factors that makes an AC filter black so it is important to control moisture levels from the indoor environment. Using a dehumidifier is the best option to decrease the amount of moisture in the air and by decreasing humidity individuals can ensure that mold will not form on their AC filter and cause any problems to the air conditioner.

4. Control Indoor Pollutants

Many people only rely on air filters to remove pollutants from the air but they forget that many other reasons can increase the level of pollutants in their homes. Regular cleaning of the home helps to decrease the amount of dust and other airborne pollutants and by doing this simple thing people can easily prevent turning their AC filter black.

How To Choose An AC Filter?

Choosing an AC filter that suits your needs and works properly is very important and it also helps in the prevention of black AC filters. So here are some of the key points that should be considered before choosing an AC filter:

1. MERV Ratings

MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) ratings are one of the main factors that decide an AC filter’s efficiency. High-efficient filters capture particles like soot, mold spores, pet dander, etc effectively which helps to prevent the air conditioner’s filter from turning black.

2. Types Of Filters

Whether an AC filter turns black or not also depends on its type and the market is full of different varieties of AC filters. Here are some of the best types of AC filters:

• HEPA Filters: HEPA filters are one of the most efficient filters because these AC filters can remove 99.97% of airborne particles.
• Pleated Filters: The pleated filters are one of the most commonly used AC filters for residential use because they remove contaminants like pet dander, dust, mold spores, etc. efficiently.
• Fiberglass Filters: Fiberglass filters are one of the most basic and budget-friendly AC filters. They can capture large particles effectively but may not capture small particles like pet dander effectively.
• Electrostatic Filters: Electrostatic filters use static electricity which helps them to remove small particles like soot and pet dander which make them perfect for residential use.

Conclusion

The temperature of the indoor environment nowadays has significantly increased and the main reason for this issue is climate change. This global issue is affecting almost every living being on planet Earth. To fix the problem of indoor environment temperature an air conditioner (AC) was invented in 1902. In all of these years, the AC has evolved and become efficient at controlling room temperature. An air conditioner also has a filter that protects the components of the AC from getting damaged but the problem with the AC filter is it turns black for some reason. Airborne contaminants like soot, pet dander, smoke, mold spores, etc. are some of the main reasons that turn AC filters black. 

A black filter can affect the efficiency of AC, decrease indoor air quality, increase energy bills, etc. but by taking some precautions black AC filters can be prevented. Regular filter replacement, cleaning air ducts, reducing moisture levels, etc. can help to prevent AC filters from turning black. Are you looking for a high-quality air filter? The Custom Filters Direct will provide you with a filter that suits your filtration requirements. For more details about our services contact us at (877) 812-7983.

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