Allergies? It May Be Time for Air Conditioner Service

The joys of summer: cottonwood, pollen, ragweed, grasses… In other words, allergies!

Seasonal allergies can make enjoying outdoor activities and Denver’s lovely summer weather a challenge. If you are suffering inside your home, however, it could be a problem with your air conditioner.

The majority of indoor allergies are due to conditions found within your home. In fact, indoor air quality can be significantly worse than outdoor quality, particularly if your air conditioner and furnace are not well maintained. While outdoor irritants can find their way inside (particularly if you have pets that go in and out), indoor discomfort is generally caused by dust that collects in your air ducts. (Your air handler or furnace blower mower could also contain dust and allergens.) The dust is then distributed and redistributed throughout your home every time your air conditioner cycles on. That dust may contain pet dander, insects, and irritating microbes.

Routine air conditioner service can help ease allergies and make a noticeable improvement in your comfort. A clean air conditioner circulates clean air throughout your home. Scheduling your service before the start of the cooling season will ensure that your system is ready to go when you need it. (Then schedule a furnace check-up before the heating season to be sure your entire system is clean and functioning properly.)

Simple maintenance: replace your air filter

Clean air filters are an important part of keeping indoor allergies at bay. If you or your children suffer from allergies, make sure to change your air filter regularly. Choosing a high efficiency air filter – one with a MERV rating greater than 14 – will make a noticeable improvement in your indoor air quality as well.

Poor indoor air quality can be a serious problem. Beyond the discomfort of seasonal allergies, poor air quality can have significant health consequences, particularly for children whose less developed lungs are more quickly irritated by breathing contaminated air, and for anyone with a compromised respiratory system.

Don’t risk your family’s comfort or health. If you haven’t had your air conditioner inspected and serviced this year, or if changing the filter doesn’t bring improvement, contact your Denver-area HVAC service professional at IAQ today! Our trained technicians will diagnose the problem and ensure that it is resolved.