If you have been suffering from coughs, colds, and other illnesses, you may have wondered if your air conditioning is making you sick. This is a common complaint, but generally, it is not the air conditioning itself that it responsible for the illnesses. There is usually an underlying cause, and it is important to investigate the matter to achieve a resolution.
The Myth of A/C Refrigerant:
When homeowners ask about whether their air conditioning is making them sick, their first complaint is usually about refrigerant. Many consumers believe that the refrigerant in their air conditioning system is like the gas used for cars. Unlike car air conditioning, domestic A/C does not need for the refrigerant to be constantly refilled. The refrigerant is sealed in a system of copper pipes and is reused for each air conditioning cycle. Unless one of the copper pipes has developed a leak, it is unlikely that the refrigerant is the underlying cause of illness in your home.
Poor Air Quality = Poor Health:
The more likely cause of illness in your household is poor air quality. Your duct system can actually contaminate your air, compromising its quality. The ducts run all over your house including in unoccupied areas such as attics or crawlspaces. Unfortunately, if a leak or hole develops in the ducts, it can allow contaminants to be introduced into the system. These contaminants include dust, bacteria, mold and other allergens, which can contribute to feeling unwell or trigger existing medical conditions such as asthma or respiratory illness.
Air filters are designed to eliminate or minimize airborne contaminants, but they are only effective if they are regularly cleaned or replaced. The air filter is your first line of defense for removing airborne particles, pathogens, and irritants that can compromise your indoor air quality. Unfortunately, when a filter becomes dirty, it is no longer able to accumulate dust and debris, allowing these particles to gather in and around the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil is a vital component in air conditioning equipment as it is needed for heat transfer. Should the coils become blocked, it stunts the cooling process; rather than conditioning the airflow, the air collects dust and dirt from the coils. This not only compromises the air quality, but increases energy consumption and can reduce the lifespan of your appliance.
Improving Indoor Air Quality:
If you have a sensitive respiratory response such as an allergy or existing medical condition, you may wish to consider additional air car innovations. It may be possible to upgrade your existing HVAC air filters to a more effective product. Additionally, performance air cleaners and power filters can eliminate 99.9 percent of pathogens and airborne particles from your air. This technology has been developed from NASA innovations and requires very little maintenance for optimum performance.
If you are concerned that your HVAC system may be making you sick, the best course of action is to have the system checked by a trained and experienced professional. A professional technician will be able to thoroughly inspect your system to ensure that it is working at peak efficiency and safety. They can also recommend additional filtration products to ensure that your air is as clean as possible.