If you have bad allergies, you probably watch the pollen counts and plan your day accordingly. You may shut yourself away from anything that remotely resembles nature but it’s not always the pollen that’s causing you aggravation. Sometimes it’s the very place you’re seeking shelter -- your home -- that’s causing the largest problems for you.
Allergies and Your Air Conditioner
A properly maintained air conditioner is a great help for allergy sufferers, but there are a number of things that can go wrong in your system that will aggravate your condition. Here’s what you need to keep an eye out for:
Dirty Air Filters
Air filters trap dust and other airborne particles. If you’re not changing your filter regularly, that filter becomes overloaded and your air will be filled with the particles it once trapped. To avoid this, change your air filters regularly (about every 30 days) or according to manufacturer specifications.
Poor Air Filters
Air filters come in a variety of levels to help screen airborne particles. Advanced filter systems can eliminate mold, pet dander, pollen and more. These ultra-strong filters place a drag on your AC system, however.
Older air conditioners are not equipped to handle this type of filter. Before you select a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, make sure your air conditioner can handle the reduced airflow.
On the other end of the spectrum, lower quality air filters contain fiberglass threads that can come loose. These small airborne items can further affect air quality.
Another option for air filters that could be causing problems for those of you with allergies are reusable or electrostatic filters. These filters do a great job at attracting airborne particles and catching them. They’re also reusable and can be washed with tap water. However, if you don’t take care in drying them completely, they can become the ideal place for bacteria to grow.
Poorly Maintained Air Ducts
With air conditioners, cool air is transported through air ducts. When the cooled air meets the warm air in the ducts, condensation occurs. Where there’s water, there’s often mold. If ducts are not cleaned properly each year, you run the risk of mold being present without your knowledge. This is bad news for allergy sufferers.
These ducts should also be checked for leaks and other inefficiencies periodically. Any sort of injury to the system can create an ideal spot for mold and other bacteria to grow, especially here in Florida. A qualified air conditioner technician can ensure your ductwork is clean and less likely to cause allergy sufferers in your home any further aggravation.
If you, or a member(s) of your family, suffers from allergies, there are things you can do to safeguard your system from exacerbating the problem. The technicians at Easy A/C can properly clean your ducts and examine your ductwork for leaks and disconnects that could be compromising its efficiency and air quality. If your allergies are severe, you may want to consider an ultraviolet filter for your AC to cut back on molds and allergens.
Call us at Easy A/C today to find out more about your ideal air conditioner and how we can help you improve the air quality in your home.