Is Your Air Conditioner Making You Sick? - Frontier A/C

You know the feeling, you turn on the air conditioning on a hot spring or summer day and suddenly, you find yourself coughing or sneezing. You wonder to yourself, “Is my air conditioner making me sick?” Truth is, air conditioners don’t make us sick. However, we can get sick or be allergic to the quality of air circulating the house. Here are some common symptoms to look out for and how to prevent them.

Breathing Issues

While your Air Conditioner blasts cold air in your home, it can also blast allergens too. That, combined with things like not changing the filters often can be a major problem that you want to avoid. Many microorganisms are living in the AC unit and they can lead to respiratory issues. That’s why it’s important to clean the filters regularly, as you can avoid many problems like this.

Cold Symptoms

If you like keeping temperatures as low as possible in your home, especially when it’s time for bed, it’s possible to catch frequent colds if you (or someone else in the home) has a weakened immune system. The ideal temperature to set your thermostat for optimal sleep, a healthier you, and energy savings are between 72-75 degrees.

Allergies

Remember, the root cause of allergy symptoms or attacks in your home is due to circulating contaminants (pollen, dust, mold, pet dander, bacteria, viruses) that build up in filters and live in your ventilation system. This happens by not replacing air filters frequently and if the AC unit is old and worn down. If you notice you start to feel unwell when you enter your home or turn on the air conditioning, we suggest you first start by changing your filter. If you notice your symptoms persist, it’s best to call an AC contractor to help diagnose the problem.

Air Pollution

Did you know that air pollution is not only found outside? It can be found inside your home too! It can agitate asthma, induce coughing, and decrease lung function A quick way to solve this issue is by considering an air purifier or air-purifying plants to reduce indoor air pollution.

Conclusion

While your air conditioner isn’t making you sick, but rather, the quality of the air circulating your home is. It’s best to first treat your home rather than your symptoms. Here’s what you can do:

• Replace your air filters.
• Always have your air conditioning ducts professionally cleaned.
• Clean dust and debris, including around the AC unit outside.
• Keep an eye out for mold, especially in the restrooms, and remove it immediately.
• Get an air purifier or use air-purifying plants.
• Control the humidity in your home (use vent fans, seal air and ducts leaks, use a dehumidifier) to block the growth of biological organisms.
• Clean the ductwork below or above your home.
• Remove any standing water, dry wet towels and clothes, and clean wet surfaces to prevent the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria, and dust mites.