Desert Dust, Asthma, Fall Allergies and Your Air Conditioner

This entry was posted in Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) on by .


As the Labor Day weekend approaches, Arizona school children have been attending classes for almost a month. Along with returning to school, comes inevitable sick days. Did you know, one of the leading causes of absenteeism due to illness is asthma? On average, almost ten percent of all school children experience asthma or some form of respiratory distress during their formative years. However, children are not the only ones affected by respiratory conditions.

Arizona is home to legions of retirees, many of whom escaped to Phoenix for warmer winters and the desert climate. Unfortunately, due to dust, pollution and plenty of pollen, the air quality in Phoenix is not the best. What does that have to do with your air conditioner? Plenty! Your air conditioner filters the air you breath. Indoor air quality is crucial. Given the fact that most people spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors, properly filtered air is vital for the care and comfort of your family. Homeowners are generally on alert for allergens in springtime, but autumn presents its own set of challenges.

Autumn Ragweed and Other Allergens

The University of Arizona Health Science Allergy Advisor states that pollen and particulates from Bermuda grass, ragweed, Russian thistle, pigweed and desert broom all are of concern in the fall. These tiny particulates can irritate respiratory passages and cause problems for those who suffer from asthma. Replacing your air conditioning filters on a monthly basis is advised, especially if you have someone with a respiratory condition living in your household.

Is Phoenix the Dustiest City in America?

There’s no doubt, Phoenix is the hottest city in America. It might also be the dustiest. If you’ve been outside during a dust storm or observed monsoon coverage on TV, you’ve seen the awe-inspiring dust clouds that extend for miles across the Phoenix metroplex and hundreds of feet into the air. Tons of wind whipped desert dust flies through the air, and some of that dust makes its way into your home. As your air conditioning filter fills up with dirt and dust, the quality of your indoor air goes down. If you’ve noticed your child wheezing or coughing more than usual, it might be time for a service checkup on your AC unit.

The Air We Breathe

Though most of us are guilty of taking oxygen for granted, the air we breathe is the most important factor to a healthy life. The Survival Rule of Threes states; you can go three weeks without food, three days without water but only three minutes without air. If you or a loved one has experienced shortness of breath due to asthma or a respiratory disorder, you know how precious air can be. Most air conditioners do a great job of cooling the indoor environment throughout the scorching Arizona summer and blazing temperatures in fall. However, regular AC service calls are essential to maintaining a high-quality, dust and particulate-free indoor environment.

Clean Air and Expert Service Is Just a Phone Call Away

At Cool Blew, our experienced air conditioning professionals are experts at spotting small problems before they turn into big breakdowns. Regular maintenance is the key to enjoying excellent air quality in your home environment. Why not call us today for a fall checkup?