Problems caused by dirty air conditioner filters

Published on Mar 08, 2013 by Coleman Levin

Maintaining your air conditioning system is important: if you neglect it there can be a wide array of problems that occur, one being clogged and dirty filters. The air filter cleans the air that blows into your home, and whilst it is cleaning the air, it leaves all the dirt and bacteria in these filters.

Maintaining your air conditioning system is important: if you neglect it there can be a wide array of problems that occur, one being clogged and dirty filters. The air filter cleans the air that blows into your home, and whilst it is cleaning the air, it leaves all the dirt and bacteria in these filters. Over time this builds up and makes the filter dirty and if these aren't cleaned or replaced the air conditioner becomes less effective and can actually end up blowing dirty air into your household.

Here are some of the problems associated with dirty filters:


Minimized air flow

An air filter that is clogged reduces the amount of air that comes through the system, this reduces the amount of air flow into a building or home and the effectiveness of the unit. It is possible for the system to fail when air filters are clogged as air conditioning systems are designed to work with a specific amount of airflow.


Unclean air ducts

When the filter on a central air conditioning system gets dirty, the dirt is more than likely to spread to the air ducts in the house. It is far more worthwhile to have your air filter cleaned or replaced rather than waiting and spending lots of money on replacing ductwork that has been damaged from particulate and dirt.


Allergens

Allergens are caused by the dirt and mould built up in air conditioning systems. A dirty air filter causes the duct work to become dirty as well which is where the mould and bacteria grows. The pollution indoors can cause symptoms such as fatigue, coughing, itchy eyes, headaches, sore throat, difficulty breathing, congestion and tightening of the chest. Having your air filter cleaned or replaced will reduce these symptoms.

Regular maintenance is vital in order to keep your air conditioner clean and your family healthy. Enquire with Colbycool if you are due for a service.

Picture: Wikihow

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