The WoW Style

Well, it’s a hot summer day, and you turn on your AC for some comfort. And inevitably, you start coughing, sneezing, and sniffling. This might make you wonder if you are allergic to air conditioning.

Well, there’s nothing like being allergic to AC. Rather, you are allergic to dust or pollen, which your AC has been circulating indoors. Maybe you have missed changing the air filters or skipped the routine maintenance.

Breathing contaminated indoor air would be the last thing you want. By reaching out to reputed HVAC professionals like Direct Air Conditioning, you can schedule the much-needed maintenance at the earliest. Visit https://www.directac123.com/air-quality/air-duct-cleaning/ to learn more about these services.

What causes conditioning sickness?

There’s nothing wrong with running your AC in summer as long as you maintain it properly. Neglecting the system leads to the accumulation of dust, pollen, or other contaminants in the air filter. When you run the AC, it circulates these contaminants indoors, triggering dust allergy in individuals.

So, if you are coughing and sneezing soon after you put on your AC, it’s time to schedule a maintenance service. Dirty air conditioning units also spread viruses and bacteria. Due to biological contamination, you can experience allergic reactions. Under severe conditions, this can lead to asthma, allergic rhinitis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

In larger buildings, microorganisms in the HVAC system can also release toxins that affect the inhabitants. Here are some of the common reactions to inhaling contaminated air.

• Coughing
• Sniffling
• Sneezing
• Tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Dizziness
• Digestive problems
• Watery eyes

Kids and older people are more susceptible to these issues as a result of inhaling contaminated air. Besides, if you have someone experiencing respiratory issues at home, get your AC serviced without further delay.

How important is it to have clean air filters?

A clean and well-maintained air filter in your AC can significantly reduce the chances of experiencing dust allergies indoors. With a properly serviced system, you won’t have the risk of contaminated air circulation. This explains why HVAC experts recommend replacing the air filters every two to three months. Clean filters can easily trap spores and dust as the air goes through the system. On the other hand, a dirty filter spreads accumulated mould, mildew, dust, and pollen.

Here’s a list of the common contaminants that might circulate in your indoor air.

Pollen: Pollen from plants can easily make their way indoors through the windows and doors. They can lead to sinus-related allergies and hay fever. Sometimes, pollen can also be present in clothes and shoes. These are large particles that can settle on surfaces. They tend to remain suspended in the air for a long time.

Pet dander: In case you have a pet but ignore grooming it, the dander can get into your AC and become airborne. Pet dander also contains some traces of protein, which can trigger allergies in certain people. At times, the impact is not immediate but can result in allergies later on.

Mould and mildew: If your cooling system has a damp condensate pan, humidifier, or cooling coil, it can breed mould and mildew

Viruses and bacteria: Bacteria, when airborne, can trigger several types of illnesses. Among severe conditions, you might experience legionella, measles, influenza, and chickenpox.

Dust mites: At times, dust mites can be hidden inside dirty air conditioning systems. These pesky creatures feed on human skin particles.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): VOCs originate from off-gassing chemicals generated from household cleaning materials and other products. When your AC circulates these toxins, it can lead to illnesses or allergic conditions.

How can you keep your indoor air clean?

Have a look at the recommended measures that should help you enhance indoor air quality.

• Get new HEPA in place of the existing ones. These filters are capable of removing 99% of the contaminants.
• During routine maintenance services, ensure that the HVAC experts clean the return vents and registers.
• In case there’s ductwork above or below your home, keep the place clean regularly.
• Get rid of the dust and debris around indoor and outdoor AC units.
• In case you detect mould around your AC, remove it instantly.
• Also, try to install an air purifier indoors to enhance the air quality.
• By controlling the relative humidity indoors, you can prevent biological organisms from growing.
• Most importantly, schedule a routine service with the HVAC professionals every three to four months.

Preventing allergic reactions to air conditioners

No single effective strategy can prevent air conditioners’ allergic reactions. Therefore, your approach should involve treating common factors leading to indoor air contamination.

First, you can combat indoor air contamination through ACs by installing proper air filters in these systems. Also, don’t miss out on replacing them during the routine services. Experts have recommended certain precautionary measures that would help you prevent dust allergies from ACs.

• Get a branded pre-filter and secondary filter: With both pre-filter and secondary filters installed in your AC, the number of pollutants would be significantly lower. High-quality filters are capable of trapping minute spores and allergens.
• Keep the ventilators closed: Make sure not to expose your interiors to external pollution. Limit the period during which the doors and windows remain open to the polluted air outside.
• Sign up for an annual AC maintenance plan: Well, it often turns out to be stressful to remember when you cleaned your AC the last time. On signing up for an annual maintenance plan for your AC, you simply need to follow up on the schedule. The professionals will remind you in advance regarding the upcoming service dates.

Endnote

While replacing your air filters and maintaining your AC wouldn’t cost you much, long-term allergies and illnesses can break your bank. Moreover, you would love to maintain the aesthetics of your home or workplace. This explains the necessity of your AC and following up with the scheduled maintenance. Reach out to an established HVAC contractor like Direct Air Conditioning for reliable AC cleaning and maintenance services.