Can an Old Air Filter Make You Sick?

If the filter is dirty, everything that passes through the filter is also dirty, including the air you breathe. This fills your home with dust and allergens, which 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. To minimize the effects of dirty air, it is important to change your air filter regularly. Contaminants and small particles can make you sick if you don't keep the filter clean.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), dirty air filters may be to blame for triggering allergic reactions and sinus congestion in people who are allergic to animals, pollen and mold. An air filter can collect and house these allergens and allow them to circulate around homes when the air conditioner is in use. If an air filter becomes clogged, poor circulation will occur. This could cause unwanted moisture to stick around and cause mold, which is a pain to remove and can lead to long-term health complications.

When an air filter is clean, its primary function is to filter dust, mold spores, pollen, and other airborne materials. However, when an air filter is dirty or “full”, its ability to filter these particles drastically decreases. Over time, contaminants essentially build up in the ducts, which means they are free to blow throughout the house. Inhaling these contaminants can exacerbate symptoms associated with a cold or respiratory infection, not to mention the flu.

For people with asthma, these particles can cause an asthma attack. If the air cleaner is clogged and can't keep contaminants out of the air as they should, those elements can return to the air you breathe. As a result, immediate problems could include itchy eyes or throat, headaches, and more. If you continue with that same air filter and the problems keep pace, the long-term impacts could be serious. They include possible heart disease, respiratory disease and even cancer, experts say.

A Lindstrom Air Conditioning whole-house duct cleaning professional uses specialized tools to dislodge dirt and debris in airflow systems, followed by a thorough disinfection process. It is important to keep track of when the filter changes and set a reminder on your phone or computer to remind you to change it every month. The ACAAI recommends that those affected frequently check their air filters and replace them every three months if they are disposable. Having a reputable company dealing with furnace repair in Norfolk change the filter can really make a big difference to the air quality in your home. If you forget to replace the air filter for an extended period of time, there are often devastating results. However, when oven filters are dirty and clogged, dirty air accumulates and settles throughout the system.

You're probably already familiar with air pollution such as smog and how it can have a serious effect on your health. Most manufacturers recommend people with basic filters to replace them at least every two months; however certain conditions could alter that program. When it comes to a healthy home, indoor air should be clean and free of allergens and other pollutants. Changing your air filter and relying on experts like Lindstrom Air Conditioning & Plumbing to clean your air ducts are some of the simplest things you can do to improve air quality. These are serious warning signs that may indicate that you have problems with your home's indoor air quality. However, another reason why it's better for you to change your oven filters when they start to clog is because the air filter helps trap all dust and other particles preventing them from entering the air and spreading. People who live alone without pets can change filters once or twice a year without any problem.

Elisa Michocki
Elisa Michocki

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