# Do You Know Just How Bad a Dirty Air Filter Is on Your A/C? > By understanding the effects of a dirty air filter you will see why you need to change it regularly. [![dirty air filter](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/air-filter-zoomed-in-300x200.jpg)](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/air-filter-zoomed-in.jpg)An [air filter](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/a-primer-air-filters.html) is an easy aspect to miss when you are figuring out your basic home maintenance needs. However there are many reasons why this should be made a priority. By understanding the effects of a dirty air filter you will see why you need to change it regularly. [![dirty air filter](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/air-filter-zoomed-in-300x200.jpg)](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/air-filter-zoomed-in.jpg) ## Air Quality in the Home Suffers One of the first things to consider is that the air quality in the home will suffer when the air filter is not changed properly. Even if you go with a top of the line filter designed for people with allergies, it cannot continue to filter indefinitely. This means that more allergens and other elements will get through the filter which is not good for your family's health. ## The [Efficiency of Your Air Conditioner](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/high-efficiency-ac-running-like-dream.html) is Reduced Another one of the effects of a dirty air filter is that it can cause issues with the air conditioning unit. When the air filter is not changed regularly the air conditioner cannot operate optimally. There are a few reasons for this. You will find that not as much air can get through the filter so the unit has to work harder. On top of this, the dirty air coming through the filter can lead to the inner workings of the air conditioner, such as the coils and blades becoming dirty. The best thing you can do is to look at the [air filter](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/put-air-filter-changes-on-a-schedule.html) when you buy it to know how often to change it. If this is not clearly labeled a good rule of thumb is once a month. If you are in need of any heating or air conditioning services, contact [Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning](http://rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser.html). We service the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts. *Image via [Shutterstock.com](http://Shutterstock.com)* ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [https://bc.rodenhiser.com](https://bc.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Massachusetts, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. Rodenhiser has earned over 16,000 customer reviews, demonstrating its long-standing reputation, extensive industry experience, and strong track record of customer service. **Nice People…Great Service** ## Page information - [Canonical URL: https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/know-just-bad-dirty-air-filter-ac.html](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/know-just-bad-dirty-air-filter-ac.html)