Can a dirty air conditioner filter make you sick? Many homeowners call for air conditioning repair in Margate, FL, because their AC vents produce musty, unpleasant odors. People with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions can experience worsening symptoms if their air conditioner does not maintain adequate air quality. The risk of an air conditioner harboring mold, bacteria, and allergens makes it crucial to keep air filters clean.
What Do AC Air Filters Do?
Air filters remove dust, dirt, pollen, and other contaminants from the air passing through the air conditioning system. They improve indoor air quality by trapping the particles and keeping them from circulating in the ductwork.
As air filters absorb impurities in the air, they become dirty. Once an air conditioner filter becomes saturated, it can become clogged and lose its ability to protect air quality.
In addition to decreasing air quality, dirty air filters reduce the effectiveness of air conditioners in several ways, including:
- Forcing the air conditioner to work more
- Impairing the air conditioner’s ability to keep rooms cool
- Increasing wear on the fan and AC coils
- Increasing the energy costs of air conditioning
- Causing air conditioning coils to freeze
How Do Air Conditioner Filters Affect Your Health?
Can a dirty air conditioner filter make you sick? Some people report headaches and other symptoms as a result of “sick building syndrome” after spending a long time working or living in buildings with suboptimal conditions. The reduction of air quality in your building can make it a less healthy environment.
Dirty air filters increase the amount of potentially disease-causing organisms to spread from air conditioning vents, especially if the ductwork is also dirty. As mold spores and bacteria spread, they can infest other parts of the HVAC system or even spread to moist areas throughout the home. Neglecting air filters can lead to costly damage restoration throughout your home.
Even if your air filters do not harbor microorganisms, they might cause health problems. Dust particles from dirty air filters can irritate the lungs and air passages, and the body’s immune system often reacts to dusty air by causing inflammation.
You might experience a stuffy nose, watery eyes, coughing, and other symptoms due to a dirty air filter. People also report headaches, difficulty sleeping, and other symptoms.
How Can You Protect Yourself from the Dangers of Dirty Air Conditioning Filters
Even if you know the answer to the question, “Can a dirty air conditioner filter make you sick?” the next question is, “What can you do about it?”
The best way to keep your air quality high is to replace air filters. The precise length of time you can use an AC filter might vary depending on air quality, how often you use the air conditioner, and the condition of the air conditioning system. As a general rule, your air conditioner filters should last at least three months, but they might last longer depending on the:
- Recommendation of the manufacturer
- Physical appearance of the filter
- Presence or absence of any other signs of a struggling air conditioning system, such as increased heating bills
Before winter every year, note whether there is a dusty or musty smell from your air conditioning vents, remove your air filter, and check whether it looks gray or dirty.
Some impurities and disease-causing elements might not discolor the filter. Consider replacing the filter even if it looks normal, especially if anyone in your household or anyone working in your building has a respiratory condition that makes them vulnerable to changes in air quality.
Thorough Filter Cleaning from Lion Air Conditioning Cooling and Heating, LLC
In addition to talking to your physician, call a trusted HVAC specialist and ask them to check your air quality, inspect your filters, and clean your ductwork to determine whether the air conditioner system poses a health risk.
The experience of many air conditioner users provides a clear answer to the question, “Can a dirty air conditioner filter make you sick?” However, you might wonder if your health problems are due to a dirty air filter or some other cause.
If you are experiencing colds, stuffy noses, and allergic reactions due to poor air quality, protect your health and the health of your family through regular maintenance. Choose Lion Air Conditioning Cooling and Heating, LLC, the trusted heating & air conditioning company in Margate, FL. Call 754-704-6459 to speak to an AC maintenance technician and set up a schedule for regular air conditioner maintenance.
