12 Ways Dirty Air Conditioner Filters Can Affect Your Health

Air conditioner filters are critical components of any cooling system, both residential and commercial. They are used to purify the air by removing dust, dirt, pollen, mould spores and other airborne particles from the incoming air as it circulates through a building. Air conditioning Sydney filters also help reduce energy costs by allowing your system to run more efficiently. 

When selecting an air conditioner filter for your home or office, you should consider factors such as size, type and efficiency rating. The size of the filter will depend on the space it is covering; if the area is large, you may need a larger filter that can adequately capture all of the pollutants in the air. In terms of type, pleated filters are usually considered more effective than fibreglass or other flat filters. They can capture a greater amount of pollutants and are often used in commercial buildings. 

The efficiency rating of the filter is also important; this is measured in a unit called MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standards). The higher the number, the better the filter will be at capturing particles like dust and pollen. A good rule of thumb is to choose a filter with an efficiency rating of eight or higher for residential use.

Air conditioner filters should be changed every month or so to maintain their effectiveness. If you find that your filters need changing more frequently, it may indicate that there's too much dirt or pollen in your home or office space – in which case you should consider investing in a higher-quality filter. 

The air we breathe is crucial to our overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, many of us overlook the maintenance needed to keep our air conditioner filters clean. Dirty air conditioner filters can have serious implications on our health.

To help you stay informed, here are some of the ways dirty air conditioner filters can impact your health and well-being.

Allergens and Asthma

The dirty air filter traps dust, pollen, pet dander and other allergens which can worsen allergies and asthma symptoms for those with sensitivities.

Respiratory Infections

When mould, bacteria and viruses get trapped in the filter, it increases the risk of respiratory infections like the common cold, flu and bronchitis.

Headaches and Fatigue

Poor indoor air quality can lead to headaches and fatigue due to the higher levels of carbon dioxide present in the air.

Skin Irritation

Dirty filters can cause skin irritation as dust particles become airborne, not just on your body but in the air you breathe.

Eye Irritation

If you have sensitive eyes, dirty air conditioner filters can worsen eye irritations like redness, itchy eyes or watery discharge.

Lack of Concentration

When breathing polluted air, your concentration levels decrease due to overall discomfort caused by pollutants such as VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

Sinus Congestion

When allergens such as dust and mould become trapped in your air conditioner filter, it can lead to sinus congestion or other respiratory issues.

Increased Chemical Exposure

Pollutants such as VOCs are more concentrated when a clogged filter is present, increasing the exposure to harmful chemicals.

Poor Sleep Quality

Breathing polluted air can result in poor sleep quality due to the discomfort that comes from breathing dirty air.

Ear Infections

Dirt, dust and pollen particles in the filter can travel into the ears of anyone nearby, leading to ear infections for those with sensitive inner ears. 

Weakened Immune System

Prolonged exposure to polluted air can weaken the immune system and make it more susceptible to illnesses.

Premature Aging

Pollutants present in dirty filters create a higher risk of premature aging due to the damage caused by free radicals on our skin cells.

Keeping your air conditioner filter clean is essential for your overall health and well-being. Make sure to check the filter regularly for dirt and debris buildup, and replace it as soon as possible if necessary. This will help you maintain a healthy indoor environment and keep your family safe from potential risks associated with dirty filters.

If you have questions or need more information about the topic discussed in this article, please get in touch with a reputable technician to receive professional advice.