A well-maintained air conditioning system does more than keep your home cool and comfortable during the hot, humid summer months. It also keeps it free of particles that can aggravate asthma, allergies, and sinus problems. The Mayo Clinic website emphasizes the importance of air conditioning, both in your home and car, in avoiding exposure to allergens. Fortunately, in Orlando, air conditioning is standard in most new houses and vehicles.
The Importance of a Well-Maintained Air Conditioner for Allergies
The folks at the Mayo Clinic also recommend having high-efficiency filters in your air conditioning system and following a regular maintenance schedule. Filters should be changed regularly and air ducts cleaned annually.
Our Comfort Club program is a preventative maintenance program that does those things and much more. Our certified technicians perform a routine inspection of your central Florida air conditioning and heating equipment with each visit. There is no long term commitment. You can cancel at any time. Comfort Club members also receive a 10% discount on additional parts and labor and preferred scheduling. We are experts in air conditioning repair in Orlando, but we prefer to prevent the need for repairs. For more information on our Comfort Club maintenance service, and to join, visit http://www.gembecki.com/comfortclub/.
Common Allergens in the Home and How to Deal with Them
The following are several common allergens that can be found in your home and what you can do to minimize the sneezing, coughing, itchy and watery eyes, and other symptoms that can make you miserable
Dust Mites: These are microscopic microorganisms found in dust, as the name indicates. You can minimize contact with them by getting dust mite covers for your bedding. Hypoallergenic pillows are also available. Wash your sheets weekly in hot water.
Dust mites can also be found in carpeting and curtains, so it is wise to invest in a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and a carpet cleaner with antimicrobial protection. You may want to consider replacing your curtains with shutters.
Pollen: We think of pollen as an allergen that affects us when we are outside among the trees and flowers. Indeed, those bothered by pollen should try to stay inside on days when the air is dry and windy, or when the area has a high pollen count. However, pollen can easily get into the house through doors and windows. With air conditioning, you can close the windows and remain comfortable. Do not rely on fans. They only kick up dust and spread the allergens around the house. A portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, on the other hand, can help clear the air. Many people use them in their bedrooms while they are sleeping.
Pollen can also stick to fabric and shoes. When you come inside the house, be sure to take off your shoes and clothes as soon as possible, and put your clothes in the wash. Do not hang laundry, including bedding, outside. Pollen will stick to it.
Molds: These are parasitic fungi with spores that float around in the air just like pollen. They are most commonly found in damp areas in the home such as basements and bathrooms, as well as the garage. Make sure that your vents in those rooms are working properly. Have your home checked for mold if this becomes a particular problem. Mold can have even more serious health consequences than allergies. Molds also flourish in soil, so you may want to minimize indoor plants. Install dehumidifiers in basements and other areas of the house where molds tend to collect, and dehumidify weekly.
As one of the leaders in heating and air conditioning in central Florida, Gembecki will do whatever we can to minimize your exposure to allergens all year around. You can also call us at 407-695-6646 or e-mail us at service@gembecki.com to schedule an appointment.
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