Can a Dirty Air Filter Make You Sick?

If the air filter in your home is dirty, it can cause a number of physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, chest tightness, and a disorder of cold symptoms. Not only that, but a clogged filter can also lead to an inefficient heating and cooling system, premature wear and tear, total system failure, or costly utility bills every month. All air passing through your systems must pass through the filter. If the filter is dirty and full of dust, airflow is restricted.

This can cause your heating and cooling system to work harder than it should. Poor circulation can also cause unwanted moisture to stick around and cause mold, which is a pain to remove and can lead to long-term health complications. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) has stated that dirty air filters may be to blame for many health risks. 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 cause serious health problems. It is better to get a thorough cleaning of the air quality than just a partial one with the remaining dust and new chemicals mixed in the air. However, in many cases, the air filter is just one piece of the puzzle that contributes to poor air quality. The good news is that you can improve the air quality in your home quickly by changing your air filter.

With some of the major filter providers, you can set up an automatic renewal option that will send filters to your home based on a set delivery schedule. This will help protect and preserve the expensive systems that heat and cool your home, and keep your family comfortable during hot summers and cold winters. The edges of the filter should indicate the measurement of your filter in inches to help you buy the correct size for your unit. It is important to change your air filter regularly even if they say they last more than a month.

In addition to regularly changing your air filter, you should also make sure to schedule annual tuning appointments with a professional for your heating and cooling systems.