12 Health Dangers of Not Cleaning Aircon – During the hot weather, many people are using air-conditioning to keep cool. Did you know that not cleaning the aircon can be dangerous to your health? This blog post will discuss some of the health dangers of not cleaning your aircon.
Aircon units are the biggest cause of office-related diseases. They work by bringing outside air indoors, which can carry contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and mold spores.
As the unit cools the air, it also increases moisture levels. If not regularly cleaned, this excess moisture can become trapped inside your AC’s ducting system or evaporator coils, which provides a perfect environment for microbes to grow. Read on – 12 Health Dangers of Not Cleaning Aircon:
1. Legionnaires Disease
Legionella pneumophila, a type of bacteria found in water systems such as lakes and streams, can grow inside wet cooling towers and then spread through your AC system via the evaporator coil. Symptoms include high fever, chills, headaches, a dry cough, and muscle aches.
There is currently no vaccine for Legionnaire’s disease, so the only way to prevent it is to make sure your AC unit is clean.
2. Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia occur when mold spores may get into the evaporator coil.
Once there, they grow and cause lung irritation. Besides turning off your AC when it isn’t being used, take care of any standing water that could breed bacteria or fungi in your yard – especially if you have a cooling tower. You should also have a professional service person inspect your AC once every year.
3. Food Poisoning
When airborne particles from cooking may build up in the AC system, it can contaminate your food when you turn on the AC. This is because they release the particles into the air, similar to steam from a teakettle.
Ensure you clean out your condenser coils regularly and that there isn’t any standing water around where insects or animals could get into it.
4. Flu & Cold Symptoms
Viruses cause colds and flu (not bacteria). Since many types of bacteria do like wet, conditions are found in cooling towers. There is no need to re-explain what will happen if allergens are allowed inside your evaporator coil because they are already under respiratory infections above.
5. Asthma Symptoms
Using a dusty AC unit could cause allergies and trigger asthma attacks in those who suffer from a respiratory ailment. The best way to prevent this is to use a high-quality air filter that will stop allergens from ever reaching your evaporator coil.
In addition, ensure there isn’t any standing water around where insects or animals can get into it.
6. Rashes & Skin Irritations
If you have cuts or open wounds on your skin, they could become infected by harmful bacteria, fungi, or mold if they get exposed to the conditions found inside an AC unit – especially if young children use the AC before washing their hands.
For this reason, it’s recommended that you always shut down and clean your AC when it’s not being used.
7. Dirty Air Inside Your Home
When the evaporator coil is dirty, your home becomes filled with toxins that you and your family breathe in every day. In addition, mold spores can grow on old dust, which will then get released into the air as well whenever you turn on the AC.
One of the best ways to help remove these harmful contaminants from inside of your house is by using a high-quality air purifier.
8. Poor Indoor Air Quality
If you aren’t spending enough time outside during those hot days, turning up the AC too much could cause poor indoor air quality. To avoid this problem, I recommend opening windows throughout your house to let cool fresh air flow in. You should also use fans to circulate the air and improve ventilation.
9. Damage To Furniture
If you have any wooden furniture in your home, it could warp and crack if it’s constantly exposed to high levels of humidity caused by a dirty AC unit. In addition, the metal parts on some furniture can rust. The best way to prevent this is by cleaning your AC unit every year and keeping it free from any standing water.
10. Higher Energy Bills
Dirty AC units work harder than clean ones, causing your energy bills to go up. Ensure you clean your coils and condenser at least once a year to ensure your AC runs as efficiently as possible. You should also make sure that your evaporator coil isn’t dripping water and causing the unit to overheat.
11. Damage To The AC Unit Itself
If you continue driving a car without changing the oil, the engine will eventually become clogged up and stop working properly. This is much like what happens when you neglect an AC unit for too long.
Eventually, it will cause components to move less freely, which could lead to more problems in the future. Cleaning your coils at least once a year is one of the easiest ways of preventing this, but replacing some filters every month during the peak season will work even better!
12. Air Conditioning Maintenance Costs
When you do not regularly perform preventive maintenance on an AC unit, you soon notice that it doesn’t work as well as it once did. You may end up having to replace the entire unit! Regular AC maintenance is important if you want your equipment working at peak efficiency for many years with no problems.
12 Health Dangers of Not Cleaning Aircon – Final Thoughts!
If you’re not cleaning the aircon regularly, there are a lot of health risks that can come with it. The bacteria and mold from the hot months will grow in the filter and when turned on again, they’ll get released into the room’s atmosphere, which could lead to respiratory problems or allergies.
In addition, mold spores can also cause symptoms such as wheezing because of lung inflammation caused by exposure. So if you want to avoid these issues altogether, invest some time every month for upkeep!
Contact us today if you need professional help in aircon cleaning today!