When you suffer from allergies, maintaining good indoor air quality at home is important for keeping your symptoms under control. Pollutants can quickly accumulate inside, especially if you have household pets that are constantly shedding fur and dander. While air conditioner systems are designed to help remove allergens from the environment, they could end up making conditions worse if they aren’t operating properly. Here are a few ways your AC could trigger allergic reactions. 

How Can Air Conditioners Contribute to Allergies?

1. Clogged Filters 

As your air conditioner runs, the system pulls in outside air, which contains a variety of pollutants. The unit’s filter is meant to trap these contaminants and keep them from entering your home, but if the filter becomes clogged, it won’t be able to capture all the particles. Instead, they’ll be circulated through each room, where they’re likely to settle on surfaces and cause allergy flare-ups. Change your filters regularly to prevent this. For those with pets and allergies, a new one should be installed every month.

2. Moldy Ductwork

With central air conditioning systems, cool air must pass through ductwork before it’s pushed out into the home. If it meets any warm air along the way, condensation is produced. This creates the ideal environment for mold to develop. Your air conditioner can end up spreading these mold spores throughout your home whenever it’s in use. Mold is unhealthy for anyone to breathe in but is especially dangerous for people with allergies. Having your air ducts professionally cleaned at least once a year is recommended to help minimize the impact of mold growth.

3. High Humidity

Excessive moisture in the air can also create a breeding ground for mold and other allergens. This often occurs when clogged condensation lines and leaking drain pans cause damp air to circulate through air conditioning vents. Preventative AC maintenance is essential for keeping your home’s humidity level from getting too high, which can exacerbate allergies. During each service call, your HVAC technician will inspect the system, clean all components, and identify any repairs that need to be made.

If you are concerned that your air conditioner could be contributing to your allergies, reach out to Windward Air Conditioning. Backed by more than 35 years of experience, this family owned and operated business is proud to provide Maui, HI, residents with reliable AC maintenance and repairs. They can assess your system to find the most effective solution for optimizing its performance and improving your indoor air quality. Call (808) 242-1144 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.