If you’ve ever caught a summer cold, you know how surprisingly bad they can be. In fact, these nasty viruses often last longer than winter colds! Why? In many cases, the culprit is an air conditioner circulating less than pristine air. The reality is a poorly maintained air conditioner can cause a range of very unpleasant health problems.
Even if you keep your home pristinely clean, unseen pollutants can circulate through your HVAC system if it’s not clean. Often, these go under the radar because they’re not visible to the naked eye. And, their effects are usually associated with other conditions or causes.
Is Your Air Conditioner Making You Sick?
Of course, not every illness can be traced back to your HVAC system, but the following symptoms could indicate the possibility of an AC-related illness:
- Frequent colds
- Ear infections
- Chronic headaches
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Lingering cough
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Dry, itchy skin
- Irritated nasal passages
- Sore throat
- Dry or watery eyes
Mold, dust, dander, bacteria and viruses can all circulate through your HVAC system. Individuals living or working in an environment where these particulates are in the air frequently report health problems ranging from allergies to serious illnesses. For those with weakened immune systems, young children and the elderly, symptoms can often be more pronounced.
What You Can Do
Air conditioner filters are designed to clean inside air and prevent the circulation of symptom-causing particulates. However, as they collect pollutants, they become less effective. Not only does this decrease the air quality, it also causes an air conditioner to work less efficiently. An easy and simple way to prevent symptoms from occurring is to change filters on a monthly basis.
Professional HVAC System Maintenance
Although changing your filter is an important step in preventing illnesses, it’s not enough to eliminate all pollutants. HVAC systems require regular maintenance. This includes cleaning the system and, if necessary, using a chemical cleaner to kill fungi, bacteria and viruses.
Learn more now about preventing illness by maintaining your HVAC system. Call the experts at Cool Blew today!
