How Your Air Conditioner Affects Indoor Allergies
Air conditioning is an essential component in many homes during summer. Because of the high energy bills associated with air conditioning, people often try to keep their units operating as efficiently as possible. One way that people do this is by having sealed buildings and homes.
However, the fact that all the doors and windows are kept shut means that no fresh air is coming into the home. This means that quality of air indoors is significantly lowered, and this is not good news for people with allergies.
How Can an AC System Worsen Allergies?
If your house is completely sealed off from the outside, the air conditioning system can only recycle the air that is inside your house. Each time the air passes through the AC system, it becomes drier than before. Allergens find it easier to float up when the air is dry. Once these allergens become airborne, it's quite easy for them to be inhaled.
For people with allergies, this means stuffy noses, watery and itchy eyes and other issues associated with allergens.
Using Filters to Limit Circulation of Allergens by AC Systems
The most important step that you can make to prevent the circulation of allergens in your home is to ensure our AC filters are clean. AC filters are supposed to filter the air and disinfect it. When functioning properly, filters should remove:
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Pet dander
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Dust
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Mold spores
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Dust mites
The filters are said to be the first line of defense. Therefore, you need to ensure that your filter is always in good condition. You can do this by having a calendar where you can schedule inspections and replacements. A properly functioning filter isn't just good for your health, it will also keep your energy bill low and increase your air conditioning systems lifespan.
When to Bring in a Professional
Sometimes, it's not enough to change your filter. In case your filters are still new yet you're experiencing respiratory problems and other signs of allergies, you should consider bringing in a cooling installations expert.
The problem might be caused by worn out parts in your system or it might be due to the accumulation of allergens in your air ducts. These will need to be cleaned by a professional. You'll also want to ensure that the source of the allergens isn't your carpets or your curtains. You might also want to install an air purification system.