AC and Allergies

Summertime is the season for rest and relaxation—except when pollen decides to crash your party.

If you’re afflicted with seasonal allergies, you’re not alone. As many as 60 million Americans have allergic rhinitis part-time or year-round, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Luckily, a perfect antidote is already installed in your Florida home. A well-maintained air conditioner can boost your indoor air quality (IAQ), reducing symptoms. Your AC has a filter that catches airborne irritants like dust, pollen, dander. It also balances humidity and provides ventilation, reducing the likelihood of mold growth.

Looking for additional methods to stop allergens from inhabiting your home? Lightning Mechanical has a team of home comfort experts ready to find the perfect solution for your lifestyle. Make your home a sanctuary—spend less time restocking your tissues and more time doing what you love. Call us for a free consultation today.

How Your AC Protects From Allergens

Wherever the wind blows —indoor allergens seem to follow. Fortunately, your AC has a built-in air filter. When air passes through, tiny particles stick to the filter’s microfibers. You can determine a filter’s effectiveness using its minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). The higher the MERV, the more particles it catches.

Running your central air system also helps discourage mold and mildew growth. On a sticky Florida day, high humidity levels create damp surfaces for mold to feast on. Your AC cools by extracting moisture from the air. The vapors get converted to water, which exits down the condensate drain. The ventilation from your ductwork also makes surfaces dry quicker, giving mold fewer chances to multiply.

Why AC Maintenance Is Important For Allergies

For clean air, you must stay on top of maintenance. That means changing or cleaning your air filter once a month. Once your air filter becomes clogged, it can’t do its job any longer. Additionally, the stifled airflow can cause a long list of serious mechanical problems.

Seasonal maintenance visits are also a must. There could be a number of hidden issues impacting your air quality. Your Lightning Mechanical specialist will perform a thorough sweep to check for them. For instance, your condensate drain could be clogged, creating standing water and mold growth. Duct problems like leaks, obstructions or pest infestations can also reduce IAQ. Your specialist will also monitor refrigerant levels to make sure no chemical fumes are escaping into your home.

Concerned About Your IAQ? Here’s How To Keep It A-OK.

• Arrange seasonal maintenance visits for your AC and heater (furnace, heat pump, or boiler). This allows your HVAC specialist to perform vital cleaning, restoration, and inspection that ensures your home is circulating healthy air.

• Replace your air filter at least once monthly. Or, clean it once per month if you have a reusable filter.

• Pay attention to any noticeable mold growth or unusual smells around your ducts. If you suspect your ducts have a mold growth problem, schedule a cleaning immediately.

• Make sure to close all windows before you run the AC. Operating with the windows open can cause moisture buildup.

• Boost your IAQ with an air purifier, air scrubber, or UV light. These high-tech options catch even tinier particles and break down harmful viruses, bacteria, and mold.

• Replace older technology. AC systems have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years and tend to produce patchier ventilation as they age. If you’ve had yours for a decade or longer and it’s showing signs of deterioration, consider upgrading.

Call Lightning Mechanical For Quick and Reliable AC Service

Need help with home heating or cooling? Our team of certified HVAC experts is close by in New Tampa, FL, ready to perform an installation, repair, or maintenance inspection. Call us today at 813-492-5575 or set up your visit online.