We can all appreciate the comfort and relief that an air conditioning unit offers, especially on hot summer days. Have you ever considered whether your cooling system has been contributing to your allergy symptoms or discomfort? Surprisingly, the answer is yes – air conditioning can cause allergies!

As your dependable heating and cooling professionals, we’re here to shed light on this less commonly recognized facet of indoor air quality and how it may be affecting the way you feel and function in your home. At Wardlaw Heating and Air Conditioning, we’ve got you covered on everything from common allergens lurking in your HVAC system to signs that your AC may be causing your symptoms.

Therefore, if you want to learn more from the Wardlaw Heating and Air Conditioning team about how your air conditioning system may be contributing to your allergies, keep reading!

What are the symptoms of being allergic to air conditioning?

Being allergic to your cooling system is often a response to various issues related to your indoor air quality and how the system works rather than a direct allergic response to the appliance itself. For example, when the air conditioning unit in your home fails to be correctly serviced or when specific contaminants and allergens circulate through the HVAC system, some individuals may experience adverse symptoms. As such, here are some typical manifestations that people who are sensitive to their home’s air conditioning system may experience:

Allergy or cold-like symptoms: Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or dry eyes, and sore throat. These signs can be exacerbated when the air conditioner circulates contaminants such as dust, pollen, mould spores, or pet dander.
Respiratory problems: When the air conditioner is turned on, some people’s asthma symptoms or other respiratory issues may worsen. This can occur if the AC system is not correctly filtering or disinfecting the air, causing indoor air pollutants to circulate.
Irritation and dryness: Air conditioning may, at times, dry out the air in a room, resulting in dry skin, eyes, and throats. This can be especially aggravating for people who have sensitive skin or existing breathing issues.
Headaches or fatigue: When the cooling system is not working correctly or the air inside is poor, people may experience headaches or fatigue. It is possible that this is due to an absence of fresh air circulation or an accumulation of contaminants.

It’s essential to note that these symptoms do not affect everyone, and those who do may be more susceptible to specific indoor air quality issues. If you or someone in your household suspects that they are experiencing symptoms associated with your air conditioning, you should have your HVAC system examined and serviced by an experienced technician.

Can air conditioning trigger allergies?

Yes, for some people, air conditioning can cause allergies or allergy-like symptoms. However, as we mentioned before, it is critical to recognize that the air conditioning system is not the primary cause of allergies. Instead, the way the air conditioning system works and interacts with the indoor air quality can have an integral part in causing allergic reactions.

Ultimately, to minimize the possibility of air conditioning causing allergies, it’s critical to keep the HVAC system in good working order, which includes cleaning or replacing air filters, ensuring that it drains properly to prevent mould growth, and setting up routine maintenance and inspections by professionally trained technicians.

How do you get rid of an AC allergy?

You can take several steps to improve the quality of your indoor air and make sure your HVAC system works efficiently to eliminate AC allergies or minimize the risk of developing allergy-like symptoms related to air conditioning. Here are a few steps you can take:

Book a yearly maintenance appointment: Schedule periodic service with a qualified HVAC technician for your air conditioner system. Cleaning or replacing air filters, inspecting for mould growth, and guaranteeing all of the parts are in good working order are all part of the process.
Keep your home clean: Keep your home clean on a frequent basis to reduce the accumulation of dust and other contaminants. Vacuum and dust regularly to prevent these pollutants from circulating.
Control humidity levels: In damp areas, use a dehumidifier to prevent mould growth and keep humidity low. This reduces the risk of mould and mites, both of which can be contaminants.
Ventilate your home: During the summertime, leave doors and windows cracked to allow fresh air flow while lowering indoor air pollution.
Install an air purifier: To further clarify the air within your home, consider installing an air purifier to eliminate the risk of contaminants circulating.
Control pet allergens: If you have pets, wash them on a regular basis and keep them away from furniture to reduce pet dander in the home.

Why did my air conditioner make me sick?

There could be a number of reasons why your air conditioner made you sick or made you uncomfortable. Here are some further possible explanations beyond the ones listed above:

Temperature Changes: Rapid fluctuations in temperature caused by air conditioning can cause allergy-like symptoms such as sniffling and running nose.
Chemical sensitivities: Some people may be hypersensitive to chemicals or VOCs, known as volatile organic compounds, released by certain air conditioning parts or cleaning solutions used to keep the system running.

Are you experiencing allergy-like symptoms in your home each time you use your air conditioning unit? If the answer is yes, there may be something going wrong internally that needs to be checked out by a professional HVAC technician. Luckily, at Wardlaw Heating and Air Conditioning, we’re experts in all things home comfort and are able to get your cooling system back up and running optimally for you in no time!

Reach out to us at any time! We’re pleased to service Aweres Township, Echo Bay, Hilton Beach, Thessalon, Sault Ste. Marie, Bruce Mines, Searchmont, and the surrounding areas 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!

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