Can Air Conditioning Cause Sinus Problems?
In the summer, you depend on your air conditioner to keep your Somerset home cool and comfortable. However, could the same equipment that keeps you comfortable also be making you and your family sick? Since it’s important to keep your home both comfortable and healthy, you should understand how to take care of your air conditioner so that it doesn’t cause sinus problems or any other health issues.
Blowing Dust
Your air conditioner is primarily responsible for moving air around your home, and since there is always going to be some level of dust in the air, the dust is getting blown around too. If there’s too much dust present, this can lead to sinus problems for sensitive family members. Therefore, it’s important to remove as much dust as possible from the air before it is distributed around your home so that you can rest easy knowing the air that you’re breathing is healthy.
One easy way to do this is to keep a clean air filter in your system at all times. The clean pores of a fresh filter will be far more effective at trapping dust than the clogged pores of a dirty filter. Typically, you should plan to replace your filter about once a month. You may need to change it slightly more often if you know you have an excessive amount of dust and pet dander in the air.
Another way to clean the air in your home is to install an air purifier in-line with your air conditioner from Jeffries Heating & Air + Plumbing. This component can remove large amounts of dust and other contaminants, leaving you with clean, fresh air.
Mildew Growth
While breathing in mildew spores typically doesn’t cause serious health problems, it can cause chronic sinus issues if the mildew has a chance to take hold. There are two main areas in your air conditioner that mildew can grow if left alone. These two areas are the evaporator coil and the ductwork.
The evaporator coil is the component that’s responsible for removing humidity from the air. Since water condenses on the cold metal in the coil, the coil is often moist. If dust is present in the air as it flows over the coil, the dust is likely to stick to the damp metal. Although some dust is common on most evaporator coils, it can become a problem if the dust isn’t removed during annual maintenance checks. As the dust builds up, it can become damp, making a fertile breeding ground for mildew growth. Plus, an excess of dust can make your air conditioner less efficient.
Similarly, a small amount of dust in your ductwork is quite normal and to be expected. If the dust is allowed to remain for many years, though, it can build-up to the point that it traps moisture in the air as the air blows past. If the dust becomes saturated, mildew can begin to grow, which can then be spread throughout your home whenever you run your air conditioner.
Low Humidity
Although your air conditioner is designed to remove humidity, you can definitely have too much of a good thing. If humidity levels become too low, it can cause sinus problems because dry air can irritate the nasal passageways or lead to the increased production of mucus. This irritation can lead to infections and increased mucus production can be problematic for those with asthma.
Dry air occurs most often in newer homes that are more tightly sealed, which prevents the typical small influx of humid air through small cracks that are present in older homes. To remedy this problem, you can use a humidifier to release small amounts of water vapor into the air to increase your home’s humidity. Just be sure to use a humidity monitor, called a hygrometer, to ensure you don’t make the air too humid.
Regular AC Maintenance Is Key
An HVAC system that gets regular tune-ups shouldn’t cause any sinus issues. It’s when a system isn’t properly maintained that problems begin to occur. Luckily, Jeffries Heating & Air + Plumbing can take care of all your repair and maintenance needs for both furnaces and air conditioners. We can also install new systems if your current unit isn’t meeting your needs.
Contact Us for Information
Since maintenance is so vital to the proper operation of your HVAC system, we offer a maintenance membership. For one flat fee, we’ll come to your home to perform annual maintenance on both your air conditioner and furnace to help them last longer.
Our commitment to excellence in HVAC service has resulted in an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We’re also screened and approved by HomeAdvisor, meaning you can trust us to serve you with integrity and professionalism at all times. If your air conditioner is causing sinus issues, feel free to give us a call at Jeffries Heating & Air + Plumbing in Somerset today.
