5 Problems Caused By Dirty Air Conditioning Filters
Regularly cleaning or replacing the filters in your home air conditioning system is an essential part of AC maintenance. However, many people forget to take this simple step. Here are a few common problems that dirty air conditioning filters can cause.
1. High Cooling Costs
Air conditioning systems cannot run efficiently when their filters are clogged with dirt, dust or pet hair. When air cannot flow freely through the filters, the system must work harder and run for much longer to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Replacing AC filters has a low upfront cost and can lead to significant long-term savings on energy bills.
2. Air Conditioning Breakdowns
When dirty filters force your home air conditioning to work hard for a long period, the chance of the unit breaking down is high. Longer running times lead to a high risk that the motor will burn out, while dust circulating in the system can damage the cooling coils or other system parts. Reduce your risk of facing a large repair bill by replacing or cleaning your AC filters now.
3. Hotter Home
Many people rely on their AC systems to quickly bring their home down to a comfortable temperature when they arrive home from work or school. A system with clogged filters takes much longer than average to sufficiently cool the home, leading to you and your family feeling uncomfortably hot for a long time after arriving home.
4. Unpleasant Odours
Cleaning AC filters regularly is essential to prevent mould and bacteria from growing inside your air conditioning unit. These micro-organisms thrive in dirty, warm, damp environments, such as the inside of a neglected AC unit. If you notice a bad smell coming from your air conditioner, shut it off and take out the filters so you can clean them right away.
5. Respiratory Symptoms
Blocked filters don't just make your home a less pleasant place to spend time, they can even turn it into a health hazard. Systems with dirty filters circulate dust, hair and mould spores around your home, which can cause respiratory problems, especially in people who suffer from allergies or asthma. Look out for symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, a runny nose or itchy eyes, all of which can be a sign that your filters urgently need to be cleaned or replaced. You might need to clean your filters more often than average if you live in a home with pets or in an area where there is a lot of air pollution.
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