While the air conditioning system in your Lakewood, Texas, home is a source of comfort for you and your family, it can also pose some risks for anyone with a compromised immune system. To keep your family safe and comfortable, you’ll want to control the humidity levels in your home, keep your ducts and vents clean from allergens, and seal potential air leaks in your ductwork.
Respiratory Disorders
Some types of harmful particulates gain access to the building through breaks or spaces in the ductwork of your HVAC system while others can grow after water leaks occur and cause excessive moisture in walls, floors, carpets, and ceilings. Indoor exposure to biological growth can cause a variety of adverse health effects. In addition, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are released by household cleaners and solvents can be distributed throughout your home by your HVAC system.
Respiratory symptoms, coughing, and wheezing in otherwise healthy people has been linked to indoor exposure to biological growth, dust, VOCs, and excessive pollen. There is also evidence that these harmful particulates are linked to respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children. These same particulates can cause extreme illness in those with compromised immune systems.
Development of Asthma
Early exposure to biological growth or allergens is linked to asthma and general shortness of breath in children, especially those with genetic susceptibility to develop asthma. If dust and pollen are being circulated throughout the house, asthma attacks can increase and your family members could have difficulty breathing. If a member of your family already has asthma, exposure to these particulates could cause additional attacks and a need for stronger medication.
Allergens and Increased Reactions
Babies and elderly family members are more susceptible to allergic reactions due to dust, pollen, and other harmful particles being circulated by the air conditioning system. If the condensation drain line for the indoor air handler of your AC system is clogged, the water can pool and allow biological growth to occur. This biological growth can also cause increased allergy sensitivity in family members with allergies.
Preventative Measures
In an effort to protect yourself and your family from these and more potential illnesses, you should schedule regular maintenance on your air conditioning system and watch for potential air leaks or pooling water around any indoor units.
Watch for wet spots near the indoor unit that could indicate a clog in the condensate drain line or pan. If you notice a clog, ask your HVAC technician to clear the line to prevent further issues.
Sealing the ducts and using air purifiers will also keep dust and pollen out of the inside air, relieving asthma and allergic reactions. Replacing the HVAC system’s air filter every 30 days will also provide added asthma and allergy relief.
Control humidity levels in your home by using dehumidifiers in spaces with a lot of moisture, such as the basement. Keep your home properly ventilated with exhaust fans, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms. Reseal air conditioning ducts quickly and thoroughly. Having a professional perform a duct sealing service will help improve your indoor air quality.
Biological growth, pollen, and dust can all contribute to respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies. You’ll want to take every precaution possible to ensure you and your family stay safe and healthy and your house is protected from potential damage. Updating your air conditioning system, maintaining the ductwork, and fast cleanup of any moisture issues will be your best bet in keeping your Forney home clear of allergens and these additional issues.
If you’ve found any of these situations in your home, be sure to contact our experts at Willard Cooling, Heating, Plumbing, & Electrical at (972) 564-9785. We will schedule the appointment and access any damage, recommending an appropriate fix for your needs. Our service professionals have a passion for HVAC and are the best in their field. We put your comfort first and keep current on all certifications and training in order to do so.
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