How Does My AC Affect My Allergies
Here in Washington, we get to enjoy mild and pleasant weather through August. Still, it’s hard to relax when your allergies are acting up.
Simply put, seasonal allergies are a nuisance—and not just because of the sniffles. Treating your allergies can get expensive. Every year, Americans spend more than $3 billion on medical expenses related to pollen allergies, according to the CDC.
Fortunately, your air conditioner plays a critical role in improving indoor air quality (IAQ). It balances humidity and filters out airborne allergens like pollen and dander. A clean and functioning central air system can reduce respiratory symptoms for people with allergies and asthma.
Resicon HVAC & Electric is committed to keeping our Tacoma neighbors safe and comfortable this summer. From our team, here’s what you should know about AC and allergies:
How AC Improves Your Indoor Air Quality
Air conditioners improve your IAQ in two key ways: filtration and humidity balance.
When your AC circulates air throughout your home, it passes through an air filter. The filter catches dust, debris, and other particles. This ensures the air you breathe is clean and fresh.
The cooling process removes humidity from the air, converting it to water that exits through the condensate drain. This process balances the humidity in your air, making it easier to breathe. Excessively humid homes can become breeding grounds for allergens like mildew and mold. The humidity balancing feature, coupled with circulation, protects your home from these growths.
How Poor AC Maintenance Hurts Indoor Air Quality
Your air conditioner can only work its magic if you keep it well-maintained. That means you should replace the air filter once a month. A clogged air filter is bad news for your air quality—you’ll end up circulating excess dust and debris. Additionally, your equipment will be overworked, driving up cooling costs.
You should also remember to schedule a maintenance visit before turning on your system for the summer. Your HVAC specialist will check for hidden factors that could impact your air quality. Examples include refrigerant leaks and pest infestations in your vents.
How to Protect Your Indoor Air Quality
In addition to maintenance, here are a few simple ways you can improve indoor air quality:
Try setting your thermostat to “On,” instead of “Auto.” This will create more circulation, which can be helpful if you have issues with excessive dampness. The trade-off is that you may need to replace your air filter more frequently.
Consider an air purification system. Air purifiers like the SecureAire Whole Home Air Purification System are used in hospitals to protect from the spread of germs. They go deeper than filters, catching the tiniest particles. In addition to cleaner air, you will notice cleaner surfaces.
Only run your AC when all windows are closed. In addition to saving you money, this also protects from humidity buildup on your windows.
Purchase a dehumidifier. Even when you take all the right steps, some homes are still vulnerable to humidity. Whole-home dehumidifiers work in tandem with your heating and cooling system, perfectly balancing the levels. In addition to improving IAQ, you will protect wood surfaces and take the burden off your HVAC equipment.
Looking for Service?
Resicon HVAC & Electric is the premier hub for home services in Tacoma, WA. Call us today at 253-625-7952 or request service online.