AC Units & Indoor Allergies: A Bad Combination
With spring finally here, it’s almost time to turn on that AC unit. It’s also time to get ready for allergy season, since, as you may already know, the bloom of springtime always means increased allergy symptoms. However, what many allergy-sufferers have also observed overtime is that the more you use your AC unit, the worse your allergies often feel.
In this blog, we’ll examine the link between air conditioning and allergies, as well as ways to prevent AC usage from making your allergies worse this Spring.
Can You Be Allergic to Air Conditioning?
Obviously, when you feel your AC making your allergies worse, it’s not because you are allergic to the AC unit itself. In sort, it’s because you are having a reaction to indoor allergens.
According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, common indoor allergens in U.S. households include dust mites, pet dander, mold, and cockroaches. When these things are common in your home, they can have a huge impact on indoor air quality, causing short and long-term health issues, such as sneezing, coughing, and even breathing and respiratory problems. In the spring months, these allergens are made worse by the presence of increased pollen, which is one of the biggest exacerbators for allergy symptoms.
When your HVAC system does not undergo routine maintenance, it has no way of filtering allergens out. This leads to dust, debris, and dander being circulated by your AC unit throughout the household, ultimately inflaming your allergies in exchange for cool air.
How Can I Stop Allergens from Affecting My AC Unit?
The good news here is that with regular HVAC maintenance and a few simple tricks, you can seriously reduce the affect your AC unit has on your allergies.
To prevent your AC unit from making your allergies worse, you should:
- Replace air filters: The air filter is your AC unit’s main defense against indoor allergens. By regularly replacing the filter, you can cut down on the amount of dust, dirt, dander, and other pollutants in your ducts. If your allergies are feeling worse this spring, make sure to schedule maintenance with a skilled technician who can provide high-efficiency filters that last longer and filter out more contaminants.
- Have your HVAC system cleaned: By having your HVAC system professionally cleaned inside and out, you will be able to eliminate, dust, debris, and other tiny microbes that your AC unit may be swirling around your house.
- Check for mold: Mold can affect both your HVAC system and other parts of your house where moisture accumulates. While you will likely be able to deal with small amounts of mold on your own, it is better to call for professional service if you are dealing with a large amount, since mold can be a nasty health hazard in addition to a serious allergen. You may also want to consider purchasing a de-humidifer, if the mold in your house is concentrated to one area specifically.
- Vacuum regularly: Carpets and furniture are common hubs for pet dander, dirt, and other loose particles which make your allergens worse. No matter how recently you have had your air filter replaced, you will want to vacuum regularly to reduce the chance of your AC unit circulating allergens.
- Wipe down surfaces: You may not even realize how much dust has accumulated on the surfaces in your home overtime. For this reason, it is important to clean off countertops, appliances, and other areas where dust accumulates in your home about as often as you vacuum.
- Make sure all windows and doors are sealed: To keep out pollen, bugs, and other outdoor allergens this spring, it is essential that you seal all entrances and exits to your home as best you can. Not only will this help your allergies, it will also let your AC system function better.
- Clean up food or other messes: Insects like cockroaches are drawn to food and other messes. In addition to sealing off your home, you should always clean up after yourself too, in order to help keep bugs away from you and your AC system.
Moe Plumbing Systems Is Looking Our For You
Here at Moe Plumbing Systems, the last thing we want is for our customers to have to deal with increased allergy symptoms. Our Los Angeles HVAC experts want you to be able to enjoy your air conditioning in peace this spring, without having to worry about sneezing or coughing. For AC service designed to rid your system of allergens and help you breathe a little easier over the next few months, give Moe Plumbing Services a call today.
We are available by phone at (818) 396-8002, or you can contact us online to learn more about our range of HVAC and plumbing offers.