Can Dirty House Air Filters Make You Sick?

If the filter is dirty, everything that passes through it is also contaminated, including the air you breathe. This can fill your home with dust, allergens, and other particles that can cause a range of physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, chest tightness, and a disorder of cold symptoms that you may not be able to get rid of. In addition to health problems, dirty filters and air ducts can lead to increased utility bills due to decreased airflow and odors. When an air filter is clean, its primary purpose is to filter out dust, mold spores, pollen, and other airborne materials. The issue is that when an air filter is dirty or “full”, its ability to filter these particles significantly decreases.

Over time, contaminants can build up in the ducts, meaning they are free to blow throughout the house. Inhaling these contaminants can worsen symptoms associated with a cold or respiratory infection, not to mention the flu. For people with asthma, these particles can cause an asthma attack. There are many potential health risks from dirty air filters. This is especially true for people who have allergies, asthma, or respiratory diseases.

Even the lowest level of dust, dirt, or pollen can cause a chain reaction and lead to serious health problems. Nice Heating & Air covers all of your HVAC needs in Alexandria, VA, from heating and insulation to gas fireplaces and air conditioning system repair. But how serious is it to have no filter in your air conditioner for more than 7 months? Many homeowners will try to clean their disposable air filters and reuse them in order to save money by not buying new filters. When the air filters are loaded up with debris, the air flow capacity is reduced as designed through the duct system. Air filters help trap dirt, dust, pollen, and other contaminants so they don't continue to circulate around the house. For example, let's say debris from a dirty air filter has helped contribute to more mold in the air in a home.

Here we'll explore the importance of keeping your air filters and air conditioning clean in order to ensure a healthy environment for you and your family. Remember that a dirty air filter can make you and your family sick, so it's essential to replace it regularly for a healthier home. The high flow means that more air can flow through the filter more easily, making the oven work efficiently. Air filters that look dirty should be replaced as soon as possible, even if they say they last longer than a month. But in addition to making your machine work better, they can monitor air quality and make sure the filters work to keep you healthy.

To make sure your air conditioning system works cleanly and efficiently, book an air conditioner tune-up with Action Furnace. Studies show that indoor air pollution caused by a dirty air filter can trigger allergic reactions and sinus congestion in people who are allergic to animals, pollen, and mold. Smog and other air pollutants can enter your home too, making the HVAC system and filter work harder to keep the air clean.