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