5 Signs Your AC Needs Immediate Cleaning
Don't wait until the unit stops. These five signs tell you cleaning is needed today, not tomorrow.
How Do You Know Your AC Needs Cleaning Now?
If you notice a bad smell on start-up, weaker cooling, a higher bill, water dripping from the indoor unit, or dust on the filters, your AC needs cleaning today; waiting costs you a higher bill and faster wear.
Ignoring warning signs costs you more long-term. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR programme, a dirty filter can increase energy costs and damage your equipment, leading to early failure.
1. A Bad Smell From the AC When It Starts
A musty or mouldy smell on start-up is a warning sign you shouldn't ignore. According to the World Health Organization, a mouldy odour is one of the indicators of dampness and microbial growth, and the cool parts of AC units can lead to dampness. The same WHO guidelines find that people in damp or mouldy buildings, homes included, are at increased risk of respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections and asthma flare-ups.
2. Weak Cooling Even at the Lowest Temperature
If you need to lower the temperature more than usual to get the same cooling, a common cause is dust build-up on the evaporator. According to ENERGY STAR, dirty coils reduce the system's ability to cool your home.
3. High Electricity Bill With No Usage Change
A dirty AC works harder to produce the same cooling and consumes more power. According to the US Department of Energy, routinely cleaning or replacing air filters can lower an AC's energy consumption by 5 to 15%.
4. Water Leaking From the Indoor Unit
Leakage from the indoor unit usually means the drain line is blocked. If you ignore it, the leak can do more damage than you'd expect. According to ENERGY STAR, a blocked drain can cause water damage in the home and affect indoor humidity levels.
5. Visible Dust on Filters
If you open the cover and see a thick grey layer, it's time. This happens within weeks in the Eastern Province, especially after storms.
Notice any of these signs? Book an urgent cleaning today with a verified provider.
Sources
- Maintenance Checklist, ENERGY STAR, US Environmental Protection Agency.
- WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould, executive summary, World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, 2009.
- Energy Saver 101: Home Cooling, US Department of Energy.