If dust and debris get caught inside the air conditioner, it can clog up parts and prevent them from working properly. Plus, all the buildup of dust and debris can restrict airflow and cause your AC to overheat and shut down. It could even do permanent damage to your motor, which means you'd have to replace it.
For example, if you use fiberglass filters, have pets, and run your AC day and night, you should probably change it every month. However, if you don't have pets, use high-quality filters, and only run your AC for a few hours a day, you may be able to get away with going six months between changes.
Replacing or cleaning your air conditioner filters regularly is crucial. Dirty, clogged filters reduce airflow and system efficiency. When airflow is obstructed, dirt can bypass the filter and accumulate on the evaporator coil, reducing its heat-absorbing capacity.
If you don't clean the air conditioner before turning it on, it can lead to greater wear and tear on your system. Also, if one of the parts of the unit isn't working correctly, it can damage the unit itself. For example, damaged electrical components or wiring could cause an electrical fire.
A dirty air conditioner can significantly impact your respiratory health. When an air conditioner is not properly cleaned, dust, pollen and other allergens can accumulate in the filters and ducts. As the AC runs, these particles are circulated throughout your home, leading to respiratory issues such as: Coughing.
While there are a number of commercially available coil cleaning solutions on the market, air conditioner coils can be cleaned with a solution of a mild household detergent and water. The detergent and water mix is applied to the coil using a low-pressure sprayer.
Legionella bacteria can proliferate in air conditioning systems, particularly in cooling towers. Inhalation of contaminated aerosols can lead to Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia. Symptoms include high fever, cough, and muscle aches. In extreme cases, it can be fatal.
Get Your AC Coils Cleaned
Get your coils cleaned annually. If you live in an area where your AC unit is exposed to excessive amounts of dirt, dust, debris, or moisture, it is best to regularly clean your coils every three months or so. Every AC unit and environment is different.
Most HVAC professionals recommend AC coil cleaning once or twice a year. If dust and dirt build up on the coils, major problems can occur. The AC coil cleaning cost is around $100 to $400 as of 2024, according to Homeguide (for an evaporator coil), and up to $700 to remove and clean the coil.
The dirt clogs up the system and creates condensation, leading to mold that clogs the draining system. These clogs, when left unchecked, lead to water leaks coming from the interior unit of your AC.
Increased Energy Consumption
A dirty filter forces your AC system to work harder to maintain a cool temperature, leading to an increase in energy consumption. If your utility bills have spiked without any apparent reason, a thorough cleaning of your filter might be all it takes to rectify the issue.
Air filters that are overdue for a change are a common cause of HVAC system failure. Over time, dirt builds up in the heating and AC filters, causing components such as the motor to go into overdrive, which may eventually overheat your unit.
Dirty AC coils become insulated rather than able to release heat the system extracts from the air. The system will therefore struggle to cool your home. Indoor air can become more humid too, as the system won't be able to extract as much moisture, making things extremely uncomfortable in the summer.
After all, one thing we were all taught when we were very young is that water and electrical appliances don't mix. So how do you clean your outside AC unit? The good news is that you absolutely can spray water on your air conditioner if it needs a cleaning, and nothing bad will happen.
They can make your family sick:
Your family may suffer upper respiratory infections if they experience coughing, headaches, sneezing, nasal congestion, sore throats, runny noses, and low fevers due to dirty air-conditioning filters.
The average AC coil cleaning cost is $250. The price of this service can range between $100 and $400, depending on several factors, including type, cleaning method, labor, size of your AC unit, and more.
If not cleaned properly, dust, allergens, and germs can accumulate on your air conditioner's components. This can result in respiratory issues and decreased cooling effectiveness. Regular maintenance ensures its effectiveness and improves the quality of the air within the house.
Fatigue or Feeling Sick May Relate to the AC
The cold temperatures may cause fatigue, headaches, dizziness or other symptoms of a cold or flu. A simple solution for this problem is turning up the temperature.