Indoor Allergens Filtered by Air Conditioners

It is not uncommon to hear of home occupants suffering from coughing and sneezing fits as soon as the air conditioner is turned on. Most people usually conclude that they must be allergic to air conditioners while there are those that assume that they suffer from seasonal allergies. Even though they might be wrong on both conclusions, there is a chance that they are right. Both seasonal allergies, as well as your air conditioner, might be a factor that playing up your allergies. The reason why it might seem like you are allergic to your air conditioner is that the HVAC unit is spreading contaminants that you are allergic to every single time it is switched ON. The contaminants might include nasty bacteria as well as seasonal allergens. Let’s take an in-depth look at what might be causing your allergies to act up.

Pollen

Pollen will normally enter your home through open windows and doors. It could also be dragged in via clothing and shoes. Pollen can easily be embedded in furniture and carpeting to contribute to seasonal allergies. Allergy experts recommend the use of air conditioners to filter out pollen from the air. However, if you live in an urban environment that does not have many plants to speak of, your allergies might be caused by some other allergens.

Dust Mites

Whether your home is located in suburbia or the city, it is almost impossible to keep your home free of dust termites no matter how thorough your cleaning regimen is. Just like some pollen particles, dust mites, are large particles that quickly settle on surfaces, making them a persistent nuisance.

Mold and Mildew

Mold is a fungus that thrives in humid conditions and might be the reason behind your allergic reactions. Different types of mold trigger a variety of reactions in various people. This is especially true for those that are prone to allergic reactions; the young and elderly. Mildew and mold thrive in damp conditions mainly caused by leaks that might happen due to a neglected air conditioning system.

Pet Dander

Findings revealed by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America show that as many as 30% of people who suffer from allergies in the United States, have an allergic reaction to dogs and cats.

Viruses and Bacteria

If viruses and bacteria have somehow managed to infiltrate your HVAC system, they will get spread throughout your home. When left unchecked, this infiltration leads to Sick Building Syndrome when your home’s occupants start complaining about varying health issues but do not have a specific illness such as the flu.

Pollution

If you work or live in a big city you are unprotected from outdoor pollutants such as smog even within your premises. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency has determined that air found indoors might be up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air.

Chemicals and Volatile Organic Compounds

Though your home might not be prone to allergies caused by chemicals or volatile organic compounds as say your workplace, many people have household products that result in air conditioner allergies. Volatile organic compounds, are gases that are produced by several household items. In its natural form, Ozone is a gaseous layer found in the earth’s upper atmosphere, however, it is harmful to air quality. Unfortunately, ozone is emitted by ordinary equipment found within our homes such as permanent markers, adhesives, and printers. Another similarly toxic volatile organic compound is formaldehyde that is mostly associated with lab experiments. However, things such as pesticides, paint, gasoline, cleaning supplies, carpets, and cigarette smoke produce formaldehyde as well as other VOCs.

Tips on Preventing Air Conditioner Allergy

One of the most efficient ways of avoiding allergies that are spread by air conditioners, is by regularly installing your AC filters. Even though most paper filters are designed to keep dust from circulating in your house, there are special filters that are designed to keep away small particles that cause allergies. High Energy Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters are designed trap smaller particles such as smaller strains of pollen, mold, and bacteria. These filters are made of dense layers of glass fibers and unlike paper filters block out up to 99% of those particles responsible for your air conditioner allergy. There are different quality grades of HEPA filters, it is pertinent that you pick the one with the highest quality. The quality of HEPA filters is determined by their efficiency trapping particles of various sizes. The MERV range (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) has a low of 1 and a high of 12. We recommend choosing HEPA filters that have a MERV rating of above 10. Picking the right HEPA filter is just the first step though, you need to regularly change your filters. We recommend at least once a month especially if you live in an urban setting.