Nothing feels better on a hot summer day than the refreshing blast of cool air from your air conditioning. I’ve used it, too, for this routine. Whenever I return to my home or office, the first task I do after entering is to turn on the AC.
But what if turning on the AC leads to sniffling, coughing, and sneezing?
You might wonder if you’re allergic to your air conditioner. While the AC unit itself is not the culprit, the quality of air it’s circulating could be the problem.
This is especially true for those who live in hot and humid locations where the usage of air conditioning has grown. As a result, individuals are experiencing more adverse reactions. These range from seasonal allergies to airborne allergens like dust and pet dander that circulate through the system.
What is AC Allergy?
When you turn on your AC, you expect relief from the sweltering heat, a friend and companion during the summer. However, if you find your throat irritated, congestion, dry skin, and frequent nosebleeds. You know what it is? It’s a clear sign of an AC allergy.
Symptoms of AC Allergy
- Breathing difficulties
- Coughing
- Digestive issues
- Dizziness
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Itchy throat
- Low-grade fever
- Running nose
- Shortness of breath
- Sneezing
- Tiredness
- Watery eyes
What Can Cause Air Conditioning Allergy?
Not sure what’s the root cause of allergy? Below are some of the most common reasons:
1. Pollen and Its Perils
As spring rolls around, the pollen that has settled on surfaces or been brought in from outdoors on clothes and pets. Pollen, a common allergen, enters our homes through doors and windows, finding its way into the indoor environment. This circulates the particles repeatedly, significantly increasing your exposure to severe allergy symptoms.
2. Dust Mites in the AC
Dust mites find an ideal breeding ground in warm and damp conditions. These tiny organisms feed on human skin flakes and thrive at specific humidity levels in homes. According to Mncee, keeping relative humidity at 40 to 50 percent decreases their prevalence.
Note: If your AC’s filter becomes dirty, it can help these pests reproduce.
3. Problem with Pet Dander
Even if you don’t initially have an allergy to pet dander, there’s a chance it will develop later in life. The proteins found in pet dander become airborne easily. Over time, it spreads across your living space. That’s why washing pets can help minimize dander. Sometimes, additional medications or allergy shots are necessary to manage it clinically.
4. Mold: The Hidden Hazard
Mold and mildew often go unnoticed until they cause problems, thriving in damp environments. Do you know what their hidden place is where they grow? It’s the cooling coil, humidifier, or condensate pan.
If not properly maintained, these areas become problematic as mold spores mix. This can trigger allergy reactions or, worse, respiratory diseases. Thus, regularly cleaning your HVAC or mini-split components reduces mold growth and toxic releases.
5. Bacteria & Viruses Via Air Conditioning
Your air conditioner can act as a conduit for bacteria and viruses. As you read above, these are transmitted through the air from both people and animals, including soil and plant debris that silently enters your home or apartment via shoes or sandals. Pathogens like influenza, measles, chickenpox, legionella, and staphylococcus can be particularly troublesome when circulating at home.
6. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Invisible Enemies
Lastly, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are toxic gasses from off-gassing chemicals found in many household cleaning supplies. It can worsen those allergy symptoms. But how are these relevant to AC?
When cleaning your AC unit with such chemicals, air circulates through rooms, impacting lung function and leading to asthma or other respiratory issues.
Have you got it?
5 Tips for Treating Allergies from Air Conditioners
If you face any of these types of allergies, you can cure them by following these tips.
1. Start with Clean Air Filters
When it comes to managing allergies caused by your air conditioner, replacing the air filters is a quick fix. Opting for HEPA filters can be effective, as they trap up to 99.97 percent of particles, such as dust mites and spores.
2. Control Indoor Humidity
Controlling the relative humidity inside your home can block the growth of biological organisms. Maintaining moisture around 50% helps prevent the formation of mold. In especially humid areas, using a dehumidifier can help keep the air purified.
3. Eliminate Water-Related Issues
Addressing standing water, water-damaged materials, or wet surfaces is essential, as these are breeding grounds for mites, bacteria, and indoor pollutants.
4. Upgrade Filtration Systems
Adding additional layers like pre-filters and secondary filters can enhance your system’s ability to trap contaminants. I always recommend MERV filters for households sensitive to pollutants, as these are very effective at capturing the electrostatic fields and keeping the air clear from microparticles.
5. Proper Cleaning Techniques
Cleaning your home can also reduce allergies. I make it a point to vacuum the carpet at least once a week to remove allergens. Additionally, keep the doors and windows closed during high pollen seasons.
Consult a Specialist
Talking to an allergist can provide tailored advice if you’re still struggling. They can identify specific triggers and recommend strategies to keep your home allergen-free.
FAQs
Can air conditioning trigger skin allergies?
Air conditioners can exacerbate skin allergies by circulating airborne allergens like dust and mold spores. Dry air produced by AC units can also dry the skin, leading to irritation.
Can allergies be caused by sleeping with the air conditioner on?
Sleeping with the AC on can lead to allergies if the unit circulates dust, pollen, or other allergens.
What signs indicate an allergy to air conditioning?
Symptoms of an allergy to air conditioning can include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, skin rashes, and respiratory discomfort.
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