Common mistakes when turning the air conditioner back on in the hot season.

VTV.vn - Air conditioners that have not been used for a long time can accumulate dust, mold, and bacteria if they are not cleaned before being turned back on.

(Illustrative image)

Air conditioners are often used again by many families when the weather turns hot. However, a common mistake is turning on the machine immediately after months of disuse without checking and cleaning the filter and internal components.

Experts say that air conditioners left unused for extended periods can accumulate dust, bacteria, and mold. When the unit is restarted, these contaminants can be blown into the room, affecting air quality, especially in households with young children, the elderly, or those with respiratory illnesses. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also warns that mold can cause nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, wheezing, eye irritation, or rashes; people with asthma, chronic lung disease, or weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe reactions.

Besides affecting health, dirty filters also cause air conditioners to operate less efficiently. Daikin states that clogged filters can reduce system performance; replacing or cleaning dirty filters can help reduce air conditioner power consumption by 5-15%.

Users can perform basic filter cleaning themselves, but should call a technician if the air conditioner has a strange odor, reduced cooling capacity, unusual noises, or leaks water. For components such as the indoor unit, fan, drip tray, and drain pipe, in-depth cleaning requires appropriate tools and techniques to avoid damaging the equipment.

During the hot season, air conditioners are not just cooling devices but also directly affect health in enclosed spaces. Therefore, checking and cleaning them before use is essential, helping the device operate stably, save electricity, and reduce the risk of indoor air pollution.

Source: https://vtv.vn/sai-lam-de-gap-khi-bat-lai-may-lanh-mua-nong-100260527164614698.htm