Can Dirty Air Filters in Your Home Make You Sick?

Dirty air filters can cause serious health risks for people with allergies, asthma, or respiratory diseases. Learn how to prevent these risks by replacing your filters regularly.

Can Dirty Air Filters in Your Home Make You Sick?

A blocked filter can cause your heating and cooling system to become inefficient. All air that passes through your systems must go through the filter. If the filter is full of dust and dirt, airflow is restricted, leading to premature wear and tear, system failure, or expensive utility bills. There are many potential health risks from dirty air filters, particularly for those with allergies, asthma, or respiratory diseases.

Even the lowest level of dust, dirt, or pollen can cause serious health problems. It is generally recommended to change the air filter once a month during busy heating and cooling seasons. If the air filter becomes too congested during the summer cooling season, it can cause a lack of air flow to the evaporator or cooling coils. Changing the air filter is a simple five-minute task and should not be skipped.

The best way to start cleaning air filters is to replace them. However, in many cases, the air filter is just one piece of the puzzle that contributes to poor air quality. Smog and other air pollutants can enter your home, making the HVAC system and filter work harder to keep the air clean. It is essential to replace your air filter regularly to have a healthier home.

The air filter helps trap all dust and other particles, preventing them from entering the air and spreading. Not changing air filters regularly does not make sense given the money you have already invested in your home and the priority you place on your health. If you have an HVAC system or oven, it is important to understand the need for a clean air filter that could otherwise make you or your family sick. The health problems you experience as a result of the dirty filter are likely due to allergic reactions to particles in the air.

The edges of the filter should indicate the measurement of your filter in inches to help you buy the correct size for your unit. Many homeowners don't realize that a clogged air filter could be causing them to experience cold and flu-like symptoms. You'll receive first-line priority air conditioning service, discounts on future repairs, and peace of mind knowing that Action Furnace is just a phone call away, 24 hours a day. Many homeowners will try to clean their disposable air filters and reuse them to save money by not buying new filters.

A clogged air filter increases the risk of these symptoms because it cannot trap impurities before air passes through the ventilation grilles in the house.

Cleveland Spadafore
Cleveland Spadafore

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