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Running an air conditioner with mold is not safe because it can spread harmful mold spores throughout your home. Exposure to these spores can trigger various health problems, including respiratory issues, allergies, coughing, wheezing, sneezing, itchy eyes, and a sore throat. It may also aggravate asthma in household members. Continued exposure can increase the risk of more serious illnesses like sinus infections, pneumonia, and bronchitis. If you suspect mold in your air conditioner, you should stop using the system until it has been properly cleaned to avoid health risks and further contamination.

While most air conditioners can last between 10 and 20 years, they will only last this long (or longer) if properly taken care of. Routine maintenance and inspections help keep your AC unit running in tip-top shape but understanding what factors will decrease its lifespan will also help keep your unit running cool.

Some things that shorten your AC’s lifespan include:

• Extreme outdoor conditions, like high humidity or extensive salt spray 

• Improper installation

• Extended run times, either by the unit being too small or the thermostat setting too low

• Not performing required maintenance

Yes, scorpions can enter a home through AC vents, especially if the system is not well-sealed. As excellent climbers, they can scale a home's exterior and squeeze through gaps as small as 1/16 of an inch. Scorpions are often attracted to the moisture around air conditioning ducts or seek cooler areas during hot weather, using vents as a pathway inside. They may slip through small openings where the duct meets the vent cover and travel within walls before emerging. To prevent this, inspect your vents, seal any gaps, and consider installing fine mesh screens.

If you’ve spotted a skunk or know that one of these furry creatures sprayed one of your family members, your answer is fairly obvious. However, a skunky smell in your house that isn’t coming from these critters may be a sign of a dangerous gas leak. If you suspect this, leave your home immediately and call emergency services. It could also be a build-up of dangerous gas in your home’s septic system or plumbing. Call a professional plumber near you to make an assessment.