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30.10.2024
Brooke Kirshne
As temperatures rise and summer is coming, the need to rely on air conditioning becomes essential for staying comfortable indoors. But for some people, when they turn on an air conditioner, this might lead to what's called an "air conditioner allergy." This type of allergy occurs when the airborne particles present in the air, such as dust, mold, pollen, and pet dander, spread in the air. Although this type of allergy is not caused by the air conditioner, For some people, turning on the air conditioner brings on sneezing and coughing. This often happens when an AC unit has been unused for a long period of time, allowing dust and dirt to be collected within the AC.
Once you switch on the AC, the collected dust starts spreading into the entire room, causing allergy-like symptoms. Improper maintenance, such as not cleaning the coils, ducts, and filters, can lead to poor indoor air quality. The AC allergen load increases with time as moisture and dust build-up, which promotes the growth of bacteria and mold. To avoid these allergens from growing and to maintain a healthy indoor environment, regular cleaning, filter replacement, and expert inspections are important. In this blog, you will come to know about the major and preventive measures that you should take to avoid air conditioner allergies.
What Is An Air Conditioner Allergy?
The allergy-like symptoms that some people experience when they are in an air-conditioned room are referred to as air conditioner allergies. Although it isn't an acknowledged medical term, some people face issues such as coughing, runny noses, itchy eyes, or sneezing when an air conditioner is turned on. These symptoms are not caused by the air conditioner itself but by dust, mold, and pollen that get collected inside the AC unit. The AC may release these particles into the air while it is running, which might cause reactions in those who are particularly affected by it.
Common Symptoms Of Air Conditioner Allergy
When we talk about the symptoms of air conditioner allergies, then different people can have many types of symptoms since each human body reacts differently to the allergies. Here are some of the symptoms of an air conditioner allergy:
1. Sneezing
One of the most common signs of allergies related to air conditioning is sneezing or having a runny nose. This usually happens when the dust and dirt spread in the indoor environment, which leads to irritation to your nose and then causes it to swell. This results in discomfort from breathing through your nose and leads to frequent sneezing.
2. Itchy Or Watery Eyes
Your eyes may become watery, red, and irritated due to allergens. This occurs when particles in the air irritate your eyes' sensitive tissues. You may touch your eyes when you feel itching or irritation in your eyes, and by doing this, you may worsen the condition or even cause an infection.
3. Coughing And Throat Irritation
When you breathe in an environment where dust particles are present, it can lead to a dry cough, which will make your throat feel irritated. Dust or mold particles that enter into your throat and cause a cough are a source of this discomfort. You may notice that the cough gets bad mostly during the night, making you uncomfortable to breathe and relax.
4. Lack Of breathing Or Snoring
For some people who are facing asthma or breathing issues, air with pollutants can make it hard for them to breathe. Many people have snoring issues, which means there is a whistling sound when you breathe, so in such a case you may face the problem of breathing. You could also experience discomfort as it is difficult for your body to breathe, which makes your chest feel tightened.
5. Skin Reactions
When there are allergens present in the air, then this can cause multiple skin problems such as rashes, itchiness, hives, or general irritation. This occurs when pollutants react to your immune system, causing swelling, itching, and redness. There can be minor or severe skin problems, which can be uncomfortable and lead you to look for treatment with lotions or allergy medications.
Causes Of Air Conditioner Allergies
Some of the common causes of air conditioner allergies are:
1. Pollen
During certain seasons, pollen that comes from trees, grass, and flowers can enter your home through open windows and doors. Air conditioners may pull in outside air that contains pollen and spread it throughout your indoor spaces. This can be an issue for those who are sensitive to pollen, as many people face symptoms including sneezing, itchy eyes, and a stuffy nose.
2. Dust And Dust Mites
With time there are dust particles that get collected in air conditioners and ducts giving dust mites the ideal place to live. These dust mites or microscopic organisms usually grow in warm, humid environments. Sensitive people may experience sneezing and other allergy symptoms when the air conditioner is running because it may carry dust and dust mite particles into your house.
3. Bacteria And Viruses
If you don't clean your air conditioner frequently, viruses and bacteria may begin to grow inside it. These bacteria may be spread around your house through the air conditioner while it is functioning, which could lead to allergies or even illness. Cleaning the air conditioner and its filters on a regular basis keeps the air cleaner and lowers the chance of allergies which helps in preventing the accumulation of germs and viruses.
4. Mold And Mildew
If air conditioning systems aren't properly maintained, moisture may gather inside of them as well. This moisture promotes the growth of mold and mildew. When the air conditioner runs, bacteria from mold may be released into the air. This may cause symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose, which may lead to difficulty in breathing for those who are allergic to mold.
5. Pet Dander
If you have pets at home, there are chances that their dander, such as tiny bits of skin, fur, and saliva, can get collected in your air conditioning system. When the AC is running, it can spread this dander throughout your home, causing allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms may include sneezing, itchy eyes, and skin irritations, especially for those allergic to pets.
6. Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a type of chemical that are found in items like paint, furniture, and cleaning supplies. These chemicals are not reactive, but some people may experience allergy problems as a result of these VOCs being circulated throughout the indoor spaces when the air conditioner is running. Reducing indoor VOC levels and improving indoor air quality can be achieved by installing an air purifier and using enough ventilation.
7. Improper Maintenance
Maintaining your air conditioner properly is important for avoiding the collection of allergens. The collection of dust, mold, and other irritants can occur if filters, coils, and ducts are not cleaned regularly. This may result in worse air quality and increased symptoms of allergies. Maintaining the system's freshness and enhancing the quality of the air in the house may be achieved with routine cleaning and filter changes.
Read More: Why Does My AC Filter Get Dirty So Quickly
How To Prevent Air Conditioner Allergies
Regular maintenance, enhancing indoor air quality, and taking preventative action are efforts done to avoid air conditioner allergies. Here are some of the ways through which you can prevent air conditioner allergies.
1. Control Humidity Levels
Maintaining the proper humidity level in your house is important for preventing the growth of mold, which may cause allergies. A humidity level of 30% to 50% is ideal, but above this, the humidity level can cause health issues. Mold and dust mites are grown in high humidity and can cause an allergic reaction. A dehumidifier can be used to help regulate moisture in wet spaces, such as bathrooms and basements. Maintaining low humidity levels in your house also lowers the risk of allergies and improves indoor air quality.
2. Clean Ducts And Vents
Regularly cleaning your vents and air ducts is important for maintaining the air quality of your indoor spaces. You will see that as time passes near these areas, dust, dirt, and other allergies accumulate, causing allergies to many people. You may get rid of these particles by having your ducts cleaned by a professional every few years. To stop dust from accumulating, you can clean your vents regularly. You may enhance airflow and create a healthier atmosphere by maintaining clean ducts and vents, which reduces the chance of allergy symptoms caused by airborne pollutants.
Read More: Air Duct Maintenance: Benefits Of Cleaning & Sanitizing
3. Regular Maintenance
Maintaining your air conditioning system properly is essential for avoiding allergies. You can get your system checked properly by a professional at least once a year to make sure it functions properly. If you use it frequently, you should also inspect and replace the filters every one to three months. Dust, pollen, and other allergens can be pushed into the air and spread throughout your house by dirty filters. By keeping your system in good working condition, you can lower allergens and increase airflow, making your home healthier for your family.
4. Limit Outdoor Allergens
You may minimize external allergens in your house. You should keep the doors and windows closed, especially during pollen seasons. By doing this, dust and pollen are kept out of the house. Use your air conditioner instead, since it can help filter out some allergens. Air quality inside may be further enhanced by using air purifiers with HEPA filters. Showering and changing after being outside can also help prevent pollen and allergens from entering the house, which is especially helpful for those who have allergies.
5. Get An Air Purifier
Think about installing an air purifier to help prevent allergies caused by your air conditioner. Dust, pollen, pet hair, and other allergens are captured by air purifiers, which prevents them from moving throughout your house. An air purifier with a HEPA filter is excellent at capturing small particles and is the most effective option for the best results. Put the purifier in ideal places, such as your living room or bedroom, to maintain clean air and lower the risk of allergies. By doing this you are going to breathe cleaner air and be less likely to have allergy problems indoors.
Conclusion
If you are an individual who has an allergy to dust, pollen, or mold, then there are higher chances that you can easily get affected by the allergies that are caused by the air conditioner. For effective treatment of these allergies, it's important to understand their causes. You can make your home healthier by taking simple steps such as using HEPA filters, keeping your air conditioner maintained on a regular basis, managing humidity levels, and keeping your house clean.
In addition to lowering allergies, these steps also enhance the general quality of the air in your living space. You can take the necessary measures to enjoy the cool pleasure of air conditioning without having to worry about allergy issues. If you're searching for an air filter, then you can check out Custom Filters Direct. We provide plenty of choices to help you choose the best air filter as per your requirements.
