Can air conditioning cause allergies, or does it only exacerbate existing ones? Some people report that their allergies are more severe when the air conditioning or HVAC system is on but could this be a misconception? The experts at SM Mechanical Services, Glastonbury’s reliable air conditioning experts, discuss these concerns below, including whether indoor air quality has anything to do with it.
What Causes Allergies?
The term ‘allergies’ is thrown around for everything from a sneeze to a bad case of the hives, but by basic definition, allergies are sensitivities. Allergens are any substance in the environment that result in allergic reactions, including food items, dust, insect stings, and much more.
An allergic reaction results in abnormal, uncomfortable symptoms in or on the body, such as:
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Sneezing
- Watery Eyes and more
Types of Allergies
There are generally two types of allergies: seasonal and non-seasonal.
- Seasonal allergies: Pollutants such as dust, pollen, or pet shedding spike allergies during seasonal transitions. In the Northern Hemisphere, allergy season typically takes place from early February to late June. Pollutants increase at this time of year, but people also open doors and windows with the improved weather.
- Non-seasonal allergies: Everyday pollutants such as dust mites, mold, and dander do not depend on the seasons. For example, allergies to pet hair or certain materials can affect allergy sufferers upon contact throughout the year.
In air conditioning, both of these allergy types can manifest, but there are solutions.
Can Air Conditioning Cause Allergies Year-Round?
The short answer is no, an air conditioner might receive some blame during the high season, but it does not cause allergies. The common misconception comes about because most people coincidentally use air conditioners far more during the seasonal changes, alongside a natural spike in allergens.
Some people also have reactions similar to allergy symptoms due to prolonged exposure to air conditioning after a long season without it. Many call it ”air conditioning sickness,” but this has nothing to do with naturally occurring allergies.
Could the Air Conditioner Spread Allergens?
Running the air conditioner does not cause allergies, but it is important to have professionals like SM Mechanical Services check it regularly. The air conditioner may be facilitating the spread of airborne allergens through water issues, filtration, or unseen mold growth, so frequent indoor quality checks are crucial.
Air conditioners force external air through the building to introduce cleaner, fresher air and regulate temperature. An effective air conditioner circulates air five to seven times a day, which also means circulating debris and pollutants without proper filtration. These contaminants may include:
- Bacteria
- Dust mites
- Mold spores or mildew
- Pet dander
- Pollen and more
The air conditioner carries air into and around the home or office, whereas the air filter parses out the unwanted debris or airborne particles.
The Importance of a High-Quality Air Filter
So, air filters become the first line of defense between indoor air quality and the outside world, and proper filtration ensures a pollutant-free system. However, not all air filters are the same. The right air filter can make a huge difference in air quality and how well an air conditioner continues to operate between professional service visits.
A Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating identifies how effectively the filter captures airborne particles. Filters receive MERV ratings between 1 and 20, with 1 being the lowest and 20 the best:
- Filters with a MERV rating of 1 are porous and designed for increased airflow. More airflow is good for energy efficiency but not filtering.
- Filters with a MERV rating closer to 20 filter both large and small particles from the air. They are less porous, restricting airflow and decreasing energy efficiency because the system has to work harder.
The rating on the cooling system matters more than you might imagine due to these significant differences and using a filter with a higher MERV rating than specified for your unit risks overworking or freezing it. If you want to avoid breaking the unit, it is best to know the optimal MERV rating recommendation from your unit’s manufacturer.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends filters with a MERV rating of at least 8 for average residential properties. Can air conditioning cause allergies with a lower rating? No, but feel free to ask SM Mechanical Services for more information about how to prevent circulating these allergens unnecessarily.
Frequently Replacing Filters
An important word on filters is that they play a critical role in curbing the spread of allergens. A filter needs to adequately prevent pollutants and allergens from entering the air being forced out of the system. If not, the building’s air quality is at risk, especially during seasonal spikes.
Most filters require replacement every month, with higher quality products lasting a little longer. Professionals like SM Mechanical Services can offer advice and service options for replacing filters and ridding the system of trapped debris that restricts airflow and overworks the unit. A lack of circulating clean air results in stagnant particle-filled air and poor air quality, which is why clogged filters need urgent replacement.
With an efficiently running cooling unit and proper air filter in place, it is possible to keep out most allergy-causing debris and pollutants year-round. Why not look into SM Mechanical Services’ packages to maintain heating and cooling systems with yearly inspections and filter replacements? Better air quality benefits everyone.
More About SM Mechanical Services
At SM Mechanical Services, the local heating and cooling experts are ready to assist with HVAC installation, repair, and various affordable maintenance plans to keep the system working throughout the year.
These visits ensure the air conditioning is in top form for seasonal changes, thanks to a fully licensed and insured family-owned business. We also provide emergency and same-day services for:
- plumbing,
- heating,
- ventilation and air conditioning services.
Be sure to ask us about our flexible financing options.
So, can air conditioning cause allergies? Yes, but keeping AC units clean and well-maintained is an easy solution. Contact SM Mechanical Services at 860-296-5100 today to learn more.