Use Air Conditioning to Control Your Asthma

Air Conditioning and Asthma

Asthma is most commonly triggered by mold, pollen, and animal dander. For most of us, breathing in these particles is unavoidable, but the good news is that air conditioning units all contain filters that keep our particle intake to minimum. Air conditioning also helps eliminate humidity. Humidity feeds mold and algae to grow much more rapidly then it could if it were living in dry air.

Air conditioners work by:

1. pulling air into the unit
2. which gets forced through filters, blowers, compressors, condensers, coolers and evaporators
3. then blasted back at the temperature of your choice.

This cycle keeps the air circulating in your environment and eventually through your lungs. If the air is not pure, and still contains heavy mold, pollen, and animal dander then the problem lies in the upkeep of the unit,and you might be at risk of an asthma attack.

Ideal Air Conditioning Maintenance

Ideally you should have your air conditioner serviced at least once a year by a licensed Air Conditioning Contractor. The contractor will inspect the overall condition of the unit.

In addition to having a professional come to your home once a year there are things you should be doing in the meantime to better your breathing.

1. Your first personal responsibility will be to make sure you are changing your filter at least once a month. This is the most important step in keeping up with your A/C unit. This will drastically effect the air quality in your home. Once a month filter replacements prolongs the overall life of your air conditioning unit by stopping dirt from getting to the other major mechanical components that make up the unit.
2. Your second personal responsibility will be to clean your drain line as often as you are changing your filter. Mold and algae love to grow inside of drain lines and if there is an overgrowth then you might have to deal with a major backup.

Call a Professional To Get A Good Start On Your A/C Maintenance

If dirt is left sitting too long inside any part of your unit then the mechanical life of the system could greatly be impacted. Whether you have a new unit or an old one, it is probably time for you to call in a licensed professional to do a tune up. Feel free to ask him questions and learn how to take over the easy stuff. From there you can get yourself in the routine of replacing filters and cleaning drain lines.

Being active in the maintenance of your air conditioner could save you from experiencing a major asthma attack. It feels good knowing that you are safe breathing in quality air at home.