Changing your filters regularly is an important part of AC maintenance. It’s something you can take care of on your own for a low cost, but it makes a world of difference to your AC’s efficiency and lifespan. When you change your filters, it’s normal for them to be gray with dirt and dust. But what if they’re black? It’s important to note that black filters are not normal, and you may want to consider having an AC company in Conyers, GA, come out and take a look at your system. Keep reading to learn the common causes of blackened air filters and what you should do about them.
Soot Accumulation
you tend to burn a lot of soot-producing candles or have a wood-burning fireplace that is frequently in use, the blackening of your filters may be caused by the accumulation of soot. While not a major health issue, a large amount of soot in the air is not good for your HVAC system. It can impact the air conditioner’s overall performance and efficiency, and you should do your best to reduce the amount of soot in the air of your home.
The best way to do this is to switch to natural candles that don’t produce as much soot and to reconsider how frequently you use your fireplace. If you don’t want to cut down on how much you use it, you should look into specialty logs that don’t produce as much ash and soot. Additionally, make sure that you clean out your fireplace frequently, and place a grate in front of the fireplace when it is in use. You may also want to consider a gas insert for your fireplace instead.
Mold Growth
The more common–and more dangerous–cause of black air filters is mold growth in your air conditioning system. This is much more common in humid regions, just like Georgia, where moisture levels in your HVAC system are much higher. When your AC is running, condensation accumulates on the evaporator coil. This condensation can travel through the ducts and accumulate on the filters, creating an ideal breeding ground for mold.
When mold begins growing on your filters, those spores can be blown into your home’s environment every time the AC clicks on. This is hazardous to the health of everyone in the home and can lead to serious respiratory issues.
The first and most effective way to deal with this problem is to change your filters regularly; since these are the locations most likely to grow mold, switching them out on a regular basis will prevent the spores from breeding and being released into your home. If this is a persistent problem, you should reach out to an AC company to have the system inspected. They may be able to find ways to reduce the moisture in your system or the humidity in your home overall so that mold doesn’t continue to grow. They can also check your ducts for any existing mold problems that you might not see.
If your filters are black when you change them, and you don’t think that soot is the problem, call Triad Mechanical for AC repair service in Conyers, GA. We’ll take a look at your system and help you deal with any mold problems right away. Call now!