How A Dirty AC Affects Your Health

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You’ve invested in an AC unit that should provide you with a sense of comfort and relaxation in your home. However, having a dirty AC can destroy that sense of comfortability, and negatively impact your health. Air conditioner filters are an integral part of any air conditioner’s functionality and in safeguarding your well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to a dirty AC filter, you aren’t alone in the search for answers. Dirty AC filters can have a monumental impact on your health. Also, they can impact the efficiency of the air conditioner unit itself. It’s important to know what the risks are and what to do about correcting the situation.

How Does My AC Get Dirty?

Dirt buildup is a natural part of your air conditioner’s life cycle. However, it’s imperative to change and replace your air conditioner’s filter regularly to ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner. Filter clogging issues lead to thebuild up of dirt and other debris in and around your AC filter. Unfortunately, when you use your AC all that build up will be expelled back out into your living area.

How Does A Dirty AC Affect Me?

Air quality has a significant impact on your health. For example, breathing unclean air can have a direct effect on the functionality of your lungs. Dirty air conditioners collect high quantities of dust, pollen, and mold. Furthermore, the buildup of these things in your filtration system or ducts can result in many health problems. For example, it can cause allergies, asthma exacerbation, and lung infections. Below are four respiratory illnesses that can potentially result in serious lung problems.

1) Viral Infections

Many different kinds of viruses can cause a viral infection. Viral infections occur when pathogenic viruses invade an organism’s body, attaching to and infecting susceptible cells. As it relates to dirty air conditioner filters, unclean particles that may carry viruses could be filtered through your unit and expelled into your living area. 

2) Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections occur when disease-causing agents enter your body and multiply, spreading detrimental toxins while eating away your body’s tissues. Disease-causing bacteria reproduce quickly and are harmful to their hosts’ natural beneficial bacteria. It’s common for bacteria to populate on unclean surfaces, which is why maintaining a clean AC filter is imperative. 

3) Fungal Infections

Microorganisms, that populate on and around dirty surfaces, cause fungal infections. Likewise, yeast and Tinea infections are the most common fungal infections and often occur directly with the skin. It’s essential that checking ductwork and air filters are best left to professional technicians.

4) Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis 

One of the most harmful results of inhaling unclean air can be what many refer to as “air conditioner lung” or Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis. Moreover, this immune system disorder can result in significant lung problems, including bronchitis and lung cancer. Those who spend a lot of time in areas with poor air quality are more prone to this disorder.

How Do I Repair A Dirty AC?

Repairing a dirty AC unit is as simple as replacing air conditioner filters and regularly cleaning the system’s vents. In addition, dirty and clogged ductwork can directly impact the unclean air circulating throughout your home. Contacting a technician to consult what needs to be done with your ductwork is the best course of action.

Ensuring the safety and efficiency of your home’s AC is something Home Comfort USA  prides itself in. Our specialists have years of experience! And they would be more than willing to assist you in making the air quality of your home pristine again. Contact Home Comfort USA today for a consultation! 

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