You already know how important it is to change your air filters on a regular basis. That’s probably nothing new to you. A clean air filter helps remove dander, dirt, dust, and other debris from your home. But what do you do when your air filter seems to be turning black no matter how often you change them? While it’s natural for dust to build up on air filters, it’s not for your air filters to turn black. That could be a sign that there’s a bigger issue lurking.
3 Reasons Your Home’s Air Filters Are Turning Black
If your air filters are black, here are three potential causes.
1. Mold
When it comes to the safety of your home, mold is one of your worst enemies. Unfortunately, air conditioning systems in homes in humid states (hello, Florida) tend to be more prone to mold growth. Why? Because when your air conditioning system runs, condensation starts to collect on the evaporator coil. In some cases, this moisture can transfer to the air filter where black mold can begin to grow. If you notice mold growth on your air filters, dispose of them immediately and put in fresh air filters. Be sure to schedule an appointment with a local HVAC technician right away since mold can worsen allergy symptoms and cause asthma, fungal sinusitis, and pneumonitis.
2. Soot
Listen up candle lovers, if you’ve noticed your air filters are black, your fragranced home decor could be to blame. Soot is a byproduct of burning candles. While burning candles is typically harmless, the buildup of excess soot from candles can make your air filter less efficient. Luckily, you don’t need to give up your candles to fix the problem. One of the easiest ways to prevent candle soot from turning your AC filters black is to trim the candle wicks to one-quarter inch before lighting them. You can also opt for all-natural candles made from soy, which can reduce soot.
3. Clogged Air Filter
If mold and soot aren’t the culprits, it’s likely that you’re simply dealing with a very clogged air filter. Clogged air filters can restrict airflow, which makes your home’s indoor air quality worse. This can also put excess strain on your air conditioning system. For good measure, be sure to change your air filters once a month.
HVAC Maintenance Services in South Florida
Air filters are the MVP of your air conditioning system, so if you’ve noticed your air filters are turning black, don’t wait to solve the problem. At Sansone, we offer comprehensive air conditioning and heating services. We can determine the cause of your air filter discoloration and provide effective solutions. Keep your home feeling as clean and comfortable as possible. Give us a call today to learn more or schedule an appointment online. Broward: (954) 800-2858 Palm Beach: (561) 701-8274 St. Lucie: (772) 879-5656
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