Does Your A/C System Make You Sneeze?

Posted: July 19, 2021

Do you ever begin sneezing up a storm when your central air conditioner starts operating? If you have allergies, your air conditioner could be making the situation worse. That’s because the fan is moving air through your home that probably contain contaminants. Here are some common allergens and other contaminants that are likely floating around your indoor air, and what you can do about them.

• Pollen – Pollen comes from plants and can get inside through open doors and windows and on shoes or other clothing. To decrease indoor levels of pollen, keep windows and doors closed, especially on high pollen days, and remove outer layers of clothing and shoes upon entering your living space.
• Dust mites – These microscopic creatures nest in places where dead skin cells accumulate, such as on bedding, furniture, and carpeting. They like to reproduce in warm, damp conditions, like what you’ll find in your HVAC ducts.
• Pet dander – The proteins in pet dander cause strong allergic reactions in some people. Once dander is airborne, your AC unit can circulate it throughout your home. Minimize dander by washing and grooming your pets regularly, and by changing your HVAC filters often.
• Mold and mildew – Your air conditioning unit may be a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which thrive in damp environments. A damp cooling coil, humidifier, or condensate pan can turn into a hub for mold or mildew problem, so pay attention to those trouble spots.
• Bacteria and viruses – People, animals, and plants and plant debris can carry bacteria or viruses into the home, and as we know all too well now, some viruses can be transmitted through the air. Airborne bacteria and viruses include influenza, measles, chickenpox, legionella, and staphylococcus. Air purifiers, including UV lamps, can be effective against these microorganisms.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – VOCs are the result of chemical off-gassing from a range of products, including household cleaning and construction supplies and furniture and décor items. Your air conditioning unit can circulate these toxic gasses, so make good choices on your cleaning and construction materials, selecting low-VOC versions whenever possible.

Improving Your Indoor Air: We Can Help

As an industry leader in the installation and service of indoor air quality products, you can trust the people at Wilson Oil and Propane to keep the air in your home clean and healthy. Here are just some of the products we offer that can help you breathe easier in your home.

HEPA Filters

High-efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filters are super-efficient filters that remove up to 99.97% of the particles passing through them. A whole-house HEPA filter will rid your home’s air of particulate contaminants that measure 0.3 microns or larger.

Ultraviolet-Light Air Purifiers

Even if you install one of the most advanced air cleaners on the market, disease-causing organisms such as germs and bacteria may still compromise the quality of your home’s air. An ultraviolet (UV) light air-treatment system is an effective solution. UV light is deadly to mold, bacteria and other organisms.

UV germicidal lights can be invaluable if you or family members suffer from respiratory allergies and asthma, frequent colds and flu, headaches and ailments like runny nose; itchy, watery eyes; sore throat; and fatigue.

New! REME HALO® in-duct air purifier

Our newest indoor air quality product is the REME HALO in-duct air purifier. This purifies every cubic inch of air in your home, using its proprietary reflective electromagnetic technology to create hydro-peroxide plasma. That plasma is sent throughout your living space through your HVAC ductwork to purify pollutants at the source. It also makes pollutants coagulate, making them larger and easier to be trapped by your HVAC filter.

This helps you reduce common allergy triggers from particulates such as pollen, mold spores, dander and dust. This system has been thoroughly tested and proven effective on eliminating airborne and surface bacteria and viruses, such as MRSA, e-coli, and Norwalk, to name a few. You can also rid your home of odors from cooking, pets, diaper pails, and musty rooms.

The REME HALO in-duct air purifier is easily connected to your home’s existing HVAC system by our trained, experienced service technicians. Learn more.

One More Solution

Another great solution to indoor air quality problems is our award-winning Aeroseal duct-sealing service. This not only improves air quality in your home, it also increases your comfort and saves you money. Read more about Aeroseal duct sealing and learn what a big difference it can make in your comfort and energy savings.

To improve your home’s comfort and air quality, contact us today to learn more about our variety of indoor air quality products, which also include ventilators and humidifiers. If you have a problem, we have a solution.