3x" class="mb-4 img-fluid h-auto position-relative z-index-9" alt="ribbon image" width="333" height="89">
Relieve Indoor Air Allergies
Many people who suffer from seasonal allergies stay indoors during the times of the year (and day) when their allergies are most likely to flare up. But they’re confused when they still suffer from their allergies, even when cooped up indoors. That’s because they might have some severe air pollution indoors, including the type of allergens that run rampant outdoors. In fact, indoor air quality can be worse than outdoor air quality, because these allergens have nowhere else to go, other than into everything you come in contact with from room to room. Allergens find their way into your home thanks to your pets, ventilation system, and even you (on your shoes, on your clothes). Running indoors when your allergies wreak havoc isn’t always going to give you the respite you’re looking for.
One of the solutions many people flock to when they think their indoor air is polluted with allergens is to open up their windows. But that’s not always an ideal choice because:
Your Seasonal Allergy Relief Can Be Found With Air Conditioners
Believe it or not, but your air conditioner is a bit of a wonder invention. It already gives you respite from hot and muggy days, but it can also give you relief from your seasonal allergies. That’s because many pollutants and allergens are water soluble. Air conditioners remove water from the atmosphere (that’s why they keep you cool), which, as a result, removes these pollutants, pollen and particle matter.
Yes, believe it or not, a natural byproduct of the cooling process (removal of water from air) is the removal of allergens from the air you breathe indoors.
Add Even More Protection With the Right Filter
The natural cooling process of a highly efficient air conditioner does provide you a considerable level of relief from allergies. However, anyone who suffers from severe allergies likely doesn’t want to take any chances with their indoor air quality. In these cases we recommend the installation of a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. These filters will make your air conditioner even more effective at protecting you against allergens and pollutants.
The Opposite Is True as Well, Unfortunately
For all the benefits of an air conditioner in preventing your allergies from flaring up, the inverse can be true as well, when you have an outdated or poorly operational unit. Window units, for example, are far more likely to encourage mold, unlike their central system counterparts. That’s because many of these window units aren’t advanced enough to properly dispel the humidity that’s drawn from your room. In these systems, the humidity is deposited on the cooling coils in the unit. The moisture, plus dust, can encourage mold-growing spores, which can then be redeposited into your home.
The best way to combat this, and seasonal allergies in general, is to work with an air conditioning specialist who can offer you the best solution for your specific needs. Discuss with your cooling expert your concerns about seasonal allergies, so that he can offer you an AC unit that will keep you breathing easy.
What Helps With Indoor Allergies?
There are a few steps you can take to help control potential allergens that might be aggravating to indoor allergies:
- Use a dehumidifier in damp areas to help reduce mold spores.
- Consider giving up wall-to-wall carpet for hardwood to control dust mites.
- Use cockroach baits and traps to reduce pest activity and droppings.
- Vacuum one to two times per week and wear a mask when cleaning.
It may be hard to pinpoint what exactly you are allergic to within your home. Therefore, a catch-all solution is going to be your best bet for indoor allergy relief. Look no further than your air conditioning unit! The act of cooling removes particles from the air, and a high efficiency air filter can be extremely helpful as well.
Interested in a newer AC system that can help with your indoor allergies? Or maintenance to keep your existing one effective? Just contact us at Comfort First today.
Can My Central Air Conditioning System Help Allergies?
Yes, your central air conditioning system can definitely help alleviate allergy symptoms. It does this in a couple of different ways:
- Absorbs Moisture – Many pollutants and allergens are water soluble, and your air conditioner cools by removing water from the air. This means your unit is removing allergens every single day that you are cooling your home!
- Filters Air – Air that flows through your AC must be filtered first, or else dust and other particles could damage your system. A basic air filter can help, but if you’re looking for something a little more effective, consider a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. Filters also ensure particles get trapped and never make it into your airways.
Comfort First addresses all aspects of your comfort with your HVAC. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
How Do You Get Rid Of Allergens In A Room?
There are two types of allergens that may end up in a room in your home: those that originate from indoors and those that make their way inside from the outdoors.
You can help reduce the amount of outdoor allergens coming in by keeping windows closed, removing your shoes before walking around your home and bathing indoor/outdoor pets regularly.
To reduce indoor allergens, you may need to tackle many of the issues at the source. If roaches are a problem in your home, set bait and traps to reduce droppings that may irritate your lungs. If your bathrooms or other area of your house is humid, place a dehumidifier in the space to reduce mold spores. Reduce dust mites by vacuuming 1 – 2 times a week.
To reduce indoor allergens, you may need to tackle many of the issues at the source. If roaches are a problem in your home, set bait and traps to reduce droppings that may irritate your lungs. If your bathrooms or other area of your house is humid, place a dehumidifier in the space to reduce mold spores. Reduce dust mites by vacuuming 1 – 2 times a week.
