The Dangers of Old HVAC Equipment

Dangers of Old Air Conditioners

Spread of Microorganisms Through Indoor Air

Bacteria and fungi can begin to build up inside the ducts and machinery of an old AC. This happens because cold refrigerant drops the temperature of the metal coil so that it can cool warm air passing over it. The process also strips humidity from the air. Although the moisture is drained away, the environment remains somewhat moist, which promotes the growth of mold or bacteria. Additionally, a blocked condensate drain can build up water and accelerate the growth of microorganisms.

The internal parts of the AC get hit by bacteria and mold spores from the circulating air. Filters are not sufficient to prevent all contact with microorganisms. Therefore, an aging system that has gotten dirty due to lack of maintenance can start to spread irritating microorganisms through your home.

The polluted indoor air is especially hard on people with respiratory illnesses. The microorganisms can trigger asthma attacks and foster chronic coughs.

Legionnaires’ disease is an extreme example of a bacterial lung disease spread by air conditioners. Although it mostly occurs in very large buildings with dirty commercial HVAC systems, it illustrates the potential harm of microorganisms spreading through your home’s ducts.

Refrigerant Leaks

New air conditioners use safer chemicals, but many old systems still contain toxic refrigerants. These substances pollute the air when they leak and damage the ozone layer of the planet.

Aside from broader environmental concerns, your exposure to old refrigerant leaks could impact your health. You might experience mild symptoms, like headaches or respiratory irritation. Heavy exposure could produce strong symptoms, such as vomiting and heart palpitations.

AC Fires

Air conditioners work hard. Over the years, wear and tear accumulate. Wiring connections might deteriorate, or other parts begin to malfunction. These conditions increase the possibility of an electrical fire erupting within the air conditioner.

Dangers of Old Furnaces

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Gas-burning furnaces must vent combustion fumes outside. The waste gases from combustion include carbon monoxide (CO). This odorless gas is impossible for you to smell. When it leaks into people’s homes, they get sick and sometimes die.

An old furnace has a heightened risk of malfunctioning and releasing harmful gases into the indoor air. A cracked heat exchanger presents a common example of how an old furnace could leak CO.

Fuel Gas Leaks

Operational wear and tear and corrosion inside a furnace can result in leaks of natural gas or propane. Although a furnace has sensors that monitor for this problem, a broken sensor could leave you unaware of a gas leak. Even slight gas leaks into your home will begin to affect your health.

Furnace Fires

Faulty wiring or leaking gas in a furnace invite fire. Corrosion and part failures gradually reduce a furnace’s ability to operate safely. For this reason, you should have your furnace regularly inspected by professional furnace technicians.

During a furnace tune-up performed by One Stop Heating and Air Conditioning in Sandy, UT, we check for loose wiring. We evaluate sensors, combustion quality, and venting of waste gases. We check to make sure that you have a clean filter and that the thermostat is performing properly. Regular maintenance by our team will prepare your furnace for another year of safe operation.