Could Your Air Conditioner Be Making Your Allergies Worse?

During the spring and summer months, allergies can throw you off and make you feel like you’re stuck in a fog. But what if something inside your home is making them worse? Your air conditioner can be a lifesaver, but it can also increase the irritation you feel from allergies.

Have Your AC Serviced Often

To keep your AC from making your allergies worse, have it serviced often to make sure it’s working correctly and that the filter is clean. If you find that your allergies irritate you more during the summer while your AC is on, you can even change your air filter more often to keep the irritation at bay.

Use Better Air Filters

Not only can you replace your filter often, you can use certain air filters that will keep the air clean and prevent your allergies from being worse than they already are. HEPA filters, or High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters, are the only filters that are manufactured fine enough to trap allergens inside your home. Using these specific air filters will help trap all of those annoying and irritating allergens that circulate through your home while your windows are closed.

Open Your Windows

This may seem counterproductive, however, opening your windows on days when the pollen count is low can help circulate the air through your home and get fresh air into your home. This will provide ventilation and help prevent the build-up of allergens inside your home, which leads to less annoying bouts of irritating allergies.

Use Your AC Sparingly

If you’re really suffering from allergies coming from your AC, try using it less and less often. This will lessen the effects it can have on your allergies, along with lower your energy bill costs and is even better for the environment.

If you’re looking to have your AC serviced but don’t know who to turn to, think of Wheeler’s Heating and Air Conditioning. We have a staff of licensed professionals that can assess the problem and find a solution that best fits you and your family’s lifestyle. Not only can we service your AC, but we carry products that help improve your home's air quality. Contact us today at 417-839-9240, or visit our website to read more about the services we offer.

---

References

http://blog.unitedallergyservices.com/air-conditioning-causing-allergies

http://www.pureroom.com/Pure_living_blog/air-conditioning-bad-allergies/

Indoor Air Pollution & What You Can Do About It

Did you know indoor air pollution levels are two to five times higher than outdoor air pollution levels? Since we spend a good deal of our time inside, the air quality we breathe indoors should be of the utmost importance. Common indoor air pollutants include:

• Secondhand smoke: A serious indoor air pollutant which can worsen symptoms for asthma sufferers, increase risks of ear infections in children and increase risks for SIDS in babies.
• Radon: A dangerous gas pollutant identified as the second leading cause of lung cancer, Radon enters homes through cracks and other improperly sealed openings.
• Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide: These gases come from burning materials or improperly vented fuel-burning appliances such as space heaters, wood stoves, gas stoves, water heaters, dryers and fireplaces.
• Allergens: Pollen, dust, pet dander, and mold are among several indoor pollutants that can trigger allergy symptoms and asthma.

Regular maintenance of your HVAC system can improve indoor air quality and reduce allergens throughout the home. Here’s what you can do:

• Replace filters. Use high-quality filters or permanent HEPA filters, which remove more than 90% of microscopic particles, drastically reducing indoor allergens. For replaceable filters, consider changing them every three months. For permanent HEPA filters, clean them or have them cleaned regularly.
• Keep your HVAC unit clean. Check your outdoor AC unit and indoor unit to make sure they are free of dust and debris. If your unit is left dusty or dirty, that debris will be sucked into the HVAC system and circulated throughout your home. Keeping your units clean will reduce allergens.
• Check for mold. Mold is one of the most dangerous indoor pollutants that can be in your home. You should be checking your air ducts, drip pan and drain, evaporator coils, and air handler every few weeks to make sure there is no mold growth. Mold spores cause allergies and in some cases if left unchecked, they cause serious illness and even death.
• Dust regularly. When dusting your home, you should dust your air registers and return vents first. If your registers and vents are dusty, then they will circulate dust to the rest of your home. Cleaning them with a damp cloth instead of a feather duster will pick up the dust rather than just redistributing it elsewhere.
• Schedule HVAC maintenance. Spring is a great time to schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment. Regular professional maintenance is important to keep your system healthy and free of dust and blockage.

If you’re in need of HVAC system maintenance, repair, or replacement, contact Wheeler’s Heating & Air Conditioning. We also offer different products to help with your home’s air quality. Contact us for more information!