Many of us rely on air conditioners to keep us cool during warm seasons, and even more so for those living in tropical countries with year-round summer conditions. Regardless, it’s important to ensure regular aircon maintenance in Singapore, as a neglected air conditioner could lead to a whole host of issues ranging from leaks to dirty air stemming from contaminants breeding within, which could also compromise our health. Here are three potential consequences.

Respiratory Problems

One of the most significant health concerns associated with a dirty air conditioner is the development or worsening of respiratory problems. Without regular aircon cleaning, your air conditioning units will accumulate dust, pollen, mould, and other allergens over time. These contaminants are eventually dispersed into the room through the air circulated by the dirty air conditioner. 

Root Causes

Dust and Allergen Buildup: As the air conditioner draws in air, it also pulls in dust, pollen, and other particles present in the environment.

Mould Growth: The moist and dark environment inside the air conditioner is conducive to mould growth, which then releases spores into the air.

Impact on Health

Allergies: If you’re prone to allergies, the increased presence of allergens can trigger symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and watery eyes.

Asthma: Those with asthma may also experience an increase in the frequency and severity of attacks due to the inhalation of airborne irritants.

Fatigue

There is a correlation between the quality of the air you breathe in and your fatigue and energy levels, and the dirty air produced by an air conditioner that hasn’t had aircon servicing in Singapore in a long time could directly contribute to fatigue and a general feeling of unwellness.

Root Causes

Inadequate Air Circulation: A dirty air conditioner may struggle to circulate air efficiently, increasing the amount of stale air lingering in the surrounding environment.

Decreased Oxygen Levels: As the aircon filters become clogged, the inflow of fresh air is restricted, resulting in reduced oxygen levels.

Impact on Health

Fatigue: In an environment with insufficient ventilation, you may experience a drop in energy levels and an overall feeling of lethargy, disrupting your day and preventing you from completing your tasks at hand.

Difficulty Concentrating: Reduced oxygen levels can impair cognitive function, making it challenging to concentrate and perform mental tasks effectively. This is highly detrimental to places where higher order thinking is required on a constant basis, like classrooms and offices.

Skin Irritation

The condition of your skin is closely tied to the quality of the air you breathe. Normally, you’d want to avoid letting dirt touch your skin as it could cause irritation or worse, breakouts. Just because tainted air from a dirty air conditioner can’t be seen, that doesn’t make it less harmful for your skin. In fact, it could even contribute to skin irritation and various dermatological issues.

Root Causes

Bacterial Growth: In the presence of moisture, bacteria can thrive in the aircon's cooling coils and drip pans. This is worsened if you have a leak in your air conditioner, so if you’re currently dealing with a similar issue, we recommend seeking professional aircon repair in Singapore right away.

Contaminated Air: Bacteria and other pollutants latch on to the air that is circulated by the air conditioner and attach themselves to your skin.

Impact on Health

Skin Rashes: Exposure to bacteria and other contaminants in the air can lead to skin rashes and irritation.

Aggravation of Skin Conditions: Individuals with pre-existing skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, may find that a dirty aircon exacerbates their symptoms. Additionally, if you’re prone to acne breakouts, you may even find the frequency of these breakouts increasing. 

Learn More: A Guide to Using and Servicing Your Air Conditioner

Preventive Measures

Regular Aircon Cleaning

As mentioned above, regular aircon cleaning is necessary to keep your air conditioner in pristine condition so it will continue to circulate clean air. With that in mind, we recommend engaging in professional aircon servicing in Singapore to maximise the efficacy of the procedure. This typically  involves the removal of dust, dirt, and mould.

Aircon Maintenance

Routine aircon maintenance in Singapore ensures that the unit is in good condition. Doing so regularly allows you to spot future issues and have them fixed right away, like inspecting internal components and replacing filters. All these serve to prevent the buildup of contaminants.

Timely Repairs

Address any issues promptly. Strange noises, reduced airflow, or water leakage are signs that your aircon needs attention. Should you notice any of these issues, be sure to get aircon repair in Singapore as soon as possible.

The harmful effects of a dirty air conditioner on your health should not be taken lightly. Let professional aircon servicing companies like Coldway keep your home cool, fresh, and clean today! To learn more about our services, please contact us.