What occurs in the cooling mode if the prefilter in an electronic air cleaner gets plugged with dirt?

When the prefilter in an electronic air cleaner becomes plugged with dirt, airflow through the system is significantly restricted. This restriction can disrupt the normal cooling cycle of the system. As a result, the cooling coil may not receive adequate air across its surface.

In the cooling mode, if the airflow is insufficient because of a blocked prefilter, the cooling coil can drop to a temperature low enough to cause moisture in the air to freeze, leading to a frosting condition. This frost accumulation can hinder the system’s operations and could ultimately impair its efficiency and functionality.

In this context, the response regarding the cooling coil frosting accurately describes a direct consequence of inadequate airflow caused by a plugged prefilter. It highlights the importance of regular maintenance and cleaning of the air cleaner components to ensure optimal performance in HVAC systems.