A quality air conditioning system is key to your comfort in the spring and summer months. Unfortunately, a poorly maintained air conditioning system could actually make you sick, especially if you suffer from asthma or severe allergies. Follow our guide to learn about ways an AC system can lead to illness or allergy symptoms, and ways to correct or prevent the issue.
Potential Source #1: Mold in the indoor air handler
One off the main ways that an air conditioning system leads to health problems occurs in the condensate drainage system. Your air conditioner is meant to help dehumidify your home. Water vapor from the air collects on the indoor coil as condensation, and the water drips down into a tray where it should then drain out of your home.
The condensate drain, however, may become clogged, or water may not evacuate the system quickly enough, and this moisture buildup can lead to mold and mildew. The fan blows over the coil, which means that mold spores may blow directly into your home from the HVAC system. It’s a good idea to have HVAC system inspection every 1 – 2 years and call a mold remediation specialist if you suspect a problem.
Potential Source #2: Dirt gets through the filter
Another way that your air conditioner can make you sick is if your filter is not effective enough. A low-quality filter can allow dust to accumulate in your HVAC system quickly and blow out to the rooms in the house. We recommend that you purchase an air filter with a high MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating for better filtration, and schedule air duct cleaning if you’re worried about the buildup of debris in your ducts that could be making you sick.
Call the air duct cleaning and mold remediation specialists at Alpha Air Corporation for indoor air quality services in the Minneapolis, MN area.
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