What happens if you don't clean your air conditioner?

Author: Ashleigh Prosacco MD  |  Last update: Monday, August 4, 2025

If the condenser is not clean and properly allowing air to flow through, it could burn out. Air conditioners with dirty or blocked condensers do not operate efficiently. A congested condensate drain line can even cause water damage.

What happens if I don't clean my AC unit?

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.

How long can you go without cleaning AC filter?

As a rule of thumb, you should check it each month and clean or replace it when it looks dirty.

How do I know if my AC needs cleaning?

Here Are Five Telltale Signs That Your AC Coils Are Dirty And Need to be Cleaned
  1. Your electricity bill has been going up. ...
  2. Your unit seems to be running longer for no reason. ...
  3. Your home doesn't feel as cool as it should be. ...
  4. The Coil is Covered in Frost While Running. ...
  5. Higher Indoor Humidity.

What are the symptoms of a dirty air conditioner?

5 Health Problems Caused by a Dirty AC
  • Allergies. If your AC becomes dirty, then you will likely begin to have problems with allergies. ...
  • Fatigue. The quality of the air that you breathe also directly affects your endurance and stamina. ...
  • Dry Skin. ...
  • Airborne Illnesses. ...
  • Noise Pollution.

Deep Clean On Air Conditioner Easy in Home Without Disassembling

Can an unclean air conditioner make you sick?

Poorly maintained air-conditioning systems can cause respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold, flu, tonsillitis, coughs, and everything in between. Dirty filters are the most common culprits. Filters in an air-con system are there to remove bacteria and other contaminants.

What are the symptoms of air conditioner bacteria?

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.

What does a dirty AC smell like?

Dirty sock syndrome refers to air conditioner smells that are similar to a pile of dirty gym socks or dirty feet. This air conditioner smell results from bacterial growth within the AC unit, often on the evaporator coils as organic particles collect in this area.

How do you know if your AC coils need to be cleaned?

Signs that your AC coils need cleaning include reduced cooling efficiency, longer cooling times, and higher energy bills. If you notice these issues, it's time to clean the coils.

What happens if AC filter is not cleaned?

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.

How often should AC be cleaned?

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.

Why is AC not blowing cold air?

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.

How long should I wait to turn on my AC after cleaning it?

Turning on the AC Too Soon

Wait at least 30 to 60 minutes for the unit to dry. Water and dampness can interfere with the unit's operation and cause electrical components to short circuit.

Does cleaning AC make it cooler?

A product like Air Conditioning Coil Cleaner removes counterproductive dirt and oxidation on air conditioning coils. When fins and coils are clean, air circulates more fully and AC systems operate and cool more efficiently, reducing the unit's power consumption.

What happens if AC is not serviced?

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.

How to remove odor from air conditioner?

How to Clean Your Air Conditioner to Remove the Smell
  1. Clean the filter and change them regularly. ...
  2. Vacuum the vents. ...
  3. Check the drain line. ...
  4. Check for leaks in the ductwork or around the unit itself. ...
  5. Keep Pets Away from the Unit.

Is a dirty air conditioner bad?

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.

How to check the AC drain pan?

Turn off the power to the air conditioner. Remove the access panel and inspect the overflow pan. Use a flashlight to inspect the drain pan and the overflow drain pan. Note any cracks, dents, holes, rust, and mold or algae build-up.

How much does it cost to clean an AC unit?

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. Cleaning the condenser coil costs $75 to $230.

Is it necessary to clean AC indoor unit?

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.

Can I flush my own AC?

While performing an AC System flush can certainly be done by the DIYer, you may want to leave this one to the professionals. A/C compressor replacements are costly and by performing a flush yourself, you risk damaging the system and potentially causing even more damage, which will result in more money for repairs.

What are the first signs of Legionnaires' disease?

Legionnaires' disease, the pneumonic form, has an incubation period of 2 to 10 days (but up to 16 days has been recorded in some outbreaks). Initially, symptoms are fever, loss of appetite, headache, malaise and lethargy. Some patients may also have muscle pain, diarrhoea and confusion.

Can you get a sinus infection from the air conditioner?

Yes, air conditioning can affect people's sinuses for a couple reasons. The first being that cold, dry rooms trigger runny noses the same way going outside in the winter after being in your warm house does. The sudden change in temperature and humidity triggers glands in the nasal membranes to produce mucus.

Is bad AC smell harmful?

Musty or Moldy Smell

While this issue is not detrimental to your system, it is for your health, making it essential to improve indoor air quality fast. Breathing in mold and mildew aggravates respiratory conditions and can increase the risk of respiratory infections.

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