Your vehicle's engine may begin to make strange sounds, aside from the sounds that are caused by misfiring. These may be wheezing sounds or coughing sounds. These sounds are caused by an engine air filter that is clogged and is not letting enough air into the vehicle's engine.
When you begin to hear strange sounds coming from your vehicle, chances are something is off. The cause of the strange noise could be as simple as a dirty air filter. If you start to hear popping or coughing noises while you are driving, it could be a spark plug that is damaged because of a dirty air filter.
If you're suffering from an AC cough, there are several cures that you can try. One of the most important things to do is to replace the air filter regularly, as dirty filters can lead to irritation and coughing.
FLAMES OR SOOTY SMOKE EXITING THE EXHAUST
Insufficient air supply to the engine results in incomplete burning of fuel. The unburnt fuel then leaves the vehicle through the exhaust pipe in the form of black smoke. This is a sign that your vehicle needs an air filter replacement or clean-up.
When your car is idling or stationary, you should feel and hear the smooth vibrations of an efficient engine. If you notice unusual noises, in particular a coughing, popping or spitting noise, it suggests that the engine isn't getting enough airflow, which means your air filter needs to be replaced.
Is no AC filter better than a dirty one? No. A dirty filter will slightly protect against some dust particles that will damage your AC system. Its better to have a dirty filter than having no filter.
Dust accumulations support vast microbial colonies, especially in humid climates. Mold, bacteria and dust mites that live in dirty filters may trigger allergies and asthma.
Postnasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and other health issues can trigger nighttime coughing spells. Some people don't cough during the day, but then start hacking once they're in bed. Several conditions can cause this, and some have a common culprit: gravity.
The problem might be a condition called hypersensitivity pneumonitis; it goes by multiple nicknames, including air conditioner lung. If you feel like you have the flu and you cough and experience shortness of breath a few hours after turning your AC on, your unit may be the culprit.
A Dirty or Discolored Filter
A clean air filter is usually white or tan. Over time when dirt and grime accumulate on it, it turns dark brown or black. Always check your filter in a well-lit area. If your filter is dirtier than usual, it's time to replace it.
A dirty air filter can cause your vehicle to throw a Check Engine code. During this instance, the Check Engine Light of your vehicle will turn on. The light turns on because your vehicle is sensing that its engine isn't receiving enough air.
In general, the whistle-like sound from the air filter occurs because the filter does not fit properly in its place. For this reason, it is important to find the proper air filter for your car model.
How Often Do I Need to Change Out My Air Filter? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.
The most common causes are tobacco use and asthma. Other common causes include fluid that drips from the nose down the back of the throat, called postnasal drip, and the backward flow of stomach acid into the tube that connects the throat to the stomach, called acid reflux.
It can sound harsh and cause a tickling sensation in the throat, similar to coughs caused by irritation from dust or smoke. Many of us remember the horse-like coughs we've had when sick during childhood, which is quite similar to what acid reflux coughs sound like.
Wheezing while lying down is a common symptom of conditions such as asthma. It can also occur due to anxiety at night, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or obesity. Some people may have a combination of several conditions.
A furnace running with a clogged air filter is starved for ventilation and produces high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) – a colorless, odorless gas than can be fatal for humans and their pets. A clogged air filter can also increase the chances of a fire, further advancing the safety concerns in this home.
Signs of poor indoor air quality may include excessive amounts of dust or increased difficulty breathing in your home. People with allergies or other breathing problems will often be some of the first to experience the effects of poor indoor air quality. Sometimes you might even smell the problem before you can see it.
The symptoms of a dirty air filter include weak airflow, higher energy bills, uneven heating or cooling, and increased dust or allergens in your home.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
Poor Air Quality
If the filter is too dirty to do its job, those unwanted particles can collect in your ductwork and cling to the internal components of your HVAC system, ultimately diminishing air quality throughout your house.