Your HVAC system is one of the most important systems in your home. It helps keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Unfortunately, many older HVAC units do not provide adequate heating or cooling when you need it most. As a result, you may find yourself without heat in the dead of winter or sweltering hot during the steamiest days of summer.

Not only are older, poorly performing systems inefficient and ineffective, but they can also pose a risk to your family’s health. Learn why some HVAC systems are a danger and what steps you can take to stay safe.

What Are the Risks of an Old HVAC System?

A properly maintained HVAC system can improve air quality and decrease allergens in the home. Old units, on the other hand, can cause more problems with mold and allergens. Dirty filters, contaminated ducts, inadequate drainage and poor ventilation are all issues often found in older systems, especially when they have not be well maintained. These can lead to potentially chronic allergy and cold symptoms as long as the system goes untreated.

Not only can a HVAC system in need of repair cause air quality issues, but it also can distribute fatal bacteria. Legionnaires' disease, a severe infection caused by the bacterium legionella, can be contracted as a result of breathing in air that's contaminated with the bacteria. This bacteria is more likely to be present in a poorly maintained HVAC system, according to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, and this disease can result in death for those who come down with the illness, according to the Mayo Clinic.

With a well-maintained, properly operating HVAC system, you can avoid this potential risk altogether. In order to ensure you're system is up-to-date and well maintained, simply follow the guidelines below.

  • Have your HVAC system regularly inspected and maintained by a professional

  • Replace your HVAC system if there are known problems with it or it is old—it's not worth the risk!

For more information about home AC repair or service, contact Coleman Mitchell Heating & Cooling in Cecil,PA.

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