First off, let’s explain, the title is not to scare you! If you and/or members of your family are experiencing certain symptoms it could be that your HVAC system is playing a part. And … let’s make it a little clearer. It’s not exactly your system that is making you sick but what is flowing through the air ducts. The purpose of HVAC is to heat and cool your home and provide you with clean, fresh air. The problem is that the air might not be as fresh as you imagine because dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, and even mold spores can flow through the interconnecting air ducts. Unless you keep your ducts clean you may begin to experience certain symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the following you should call for AC repair in Burbank for a system checkup and cleaning.
The three most common signs your AC is making you sick are:
- Breathing problems
- Regular headaches
- Itchy, watery eyes
But let’s look at the issues in greater detail.
Severe Allergies
Sadly, outdoor air quality is often better than indoor air quality. In our tightly sealed homes, the indoor air can be polluted by chemical cleaning products and pets. This means that allergies like hay fever can be exacerbated if pollen is flowing freely around your home. Also, asthma symptoms can be made worse by indoor air pollution.
Respiratory Issues
Because an HVAC system acts like the lungs of a home, if it is pumping out poor-quality air, it can make it more difficult for the home’s occupants to breathe. Microorganisms like mold, fungi, and bacteria breed in the ducts and can cause coughing, fevers, muscle aches, and more. They can contribute to infections and in the most extreme cases, the development of certain types of cancers.
Mold-related Conditions
Mold can grow and spread rapidly in warm, damp conditions such as HVAC air ducts, and as it grows spores are released. Consistent exposure to mold can cause all sorts of allergic symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, runny nose, wheezing, coughing, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, fatigue, and headaches. Any combination of these symptoms can point to aspergillosis (an infection caused by mold).
Headaches
Many people put headaches down to the stress of modern life but they are also a sign of poor air quality. Frequent or long-lasting headaches can occur due to elevated levels of air pollution, mold, and chemicals.
We’d also just like to mention that these are the physical symptoms to watch for but you also should consider that if your HVAC is causing any of these symptoms it is more than likely not operating at its most efficient. Clogged and dirty air ducts will also impact your utility bill.
The Solution
Your HVAC is meant to maintain or improve your health so if it is doing the opposite, you need to get it sorted. You can undertake your own regular maintenance such as changing air filters and clearing debris from vents but it is a better option to arrange for a regular check-up and annual clean from a professional company offering AC repair in Burbank. ACAH AC Repair Burbank will undertake one-off calls or enter into a schedule of maintenance visits.
