Allergies, Clean Air, and Your AC System

Household members with allergies and respiratory issues depend on clean, efficient air conditioning (AC) to avoid health-related problems. You can help your loved one and your AC system by developing a few important habits. Here's more information to inspire you to clear the air.

Types of Allergens Commonly Found in Homes

Food, fabric, and latex allergies are best managed by avoiding the offending ingredient or material. Your AC system can't help much with those allergens. Allergens that are found in the air, however, can be filtered.

Your AC system may be able to help with allergies to the following substances:

• Dust
  
• Insects and their droppings
  
• Mold and mildew
  
• Pet dander
  
• Smoke and toxins

HEPA filters and a well-sealed home can minimize problems with these types of airborne allergens. However, carpet, mold, and bedroom-dwelling pets are some of the worst allergens inside homes. Your AC system can't manage these problems alone.

Seasons and Types of Problematic Pollen

The pollen from trees, grasses, and other plants cause allergic reactions in many people in Utah. Pollen is released by the male parts in plants and contains plant gametes, which are intended to fertilize the female part of plants.

The peak pollen season for an allergy sufferer depends on the types of plants to which they're sensitive. Common plants in those categories are listed here.

Trees

Most tree-pollen-related air issues in Utah peak between February and May. Yellowish-green dust may appear on surfaces including vehicles and outdoor furnishings when pollen counts are high.

Allergy-inducing pollen comes from trees, including:

• Ash
  
• Birch
  
• Box Elder
  
• Cedar
  
• Cottonwood
  
• Cypress
  
• Elm
  
• Maple
  
• Poplar

Evergreens, including cedar and juniper, can cause allergic reactions too. Pollen is released from cones as well as flowers.

Grasses

Peak grass pollination happens during tree pollen's waning days. May is a tough month for people with allergies to both grass and tree pollen.

Grasses that are problematic include:

• Bermuda
  
• Brome
  
• Fescue
  
• Rye
  
• Timothy
  
• Wild oat

If you live close to pastures or meadows, grass pollen may be particularly heavy. Your landscape expert can recommend a lawn grass or other ground cover if your yard's grass is causing allergy problems.

Other Plants

Herbaceous plants, or plants that have non-woody stems, can cause allergies to flare up when plants send out pollen. Many herbaceous plants are weeds. Mid-summer to hard frost is the peak period for weed allergies in Utah.

The worst herbaceous offenders include:

• Lamb's Quarter
  
• Pigweed
  
• Ragweed
  
• Sagebrush
  
• Tumbleweed
  

Pollen from weeds and all other plants is generally released from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on breezy, sunny days. Pollen counts are often reduced on rainy days.

If you have problem trees, grasses, or other plants on your property, a tree service or landscaping crew can help you remove the pollinators.

Types of Breathing Irritants

Episodes of respiratory distress can be life-threatening experiences for children and adults. People with reactive airway disease, COPD, asthma, lung cancer, and other diseases can struggle when air is contaminated with irritants or toxins. Many of the allergens listed above can cause breathing difficulties in sensitive people.

Additional indoor airborne irritants include:

• Bug and scented sprays
  
• Cleaning products
  
• Cooking fumes
  
• Fireplace smoke
  
• Scented candles
  
• Tobacco smoke
  

Exterior air irritants can enter the home and cause respiratory distress for vulnerable household members. Smoke from wildfires, burning structures, and other fires can create problems if vapors enter your living space. Indoor air can also be contaminated by fumes from a lawnmower or car running in an attached garage.

Smog, vehicle exhaust, blowing dust, and manufacturing fumes can all enter indoor spaces and trigger asthma attacks and other breathing problems. If you live in an area where indoor air is affected by these contaminants, you need proper ventilation and filtration on your AC system.

Habits That Limit Exposure to Allergens and Irritants

Practice good air habits by regularly replacing the filter on your AC system, no matter what type of filter you use. Stock up on extra filters for more frequent filter changes during heavy pollen season. Your HVAC professionals know the best filters for your needs and situation. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations if you aren't sure about your filter choices.

You can also make effort to reduce the likelihood of allergens entering or staying in your home. Seal up cracks around windows and doors. Replace carpet with hardwood or tile flooring. Ensure that stove and oven vents are properly directing cooking fumes out of the interior space.

If mold and mildew are problems, a dehumidifier is one solution. Mold and mildew must have moisture in the air to grow and spread. Run your dehumidifier and exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to avoid allergy and breathing problems from moisture-related triggers.

Your AC system filters and cools the air that you and your household breathe. Have the system inspected before pollen season begins or if you’re noticing more allergy problems. If you're having issues with your AC system, the problem may only require a minor repair to be good as new. Don't let a small problem turn into a major deal by waiting to have AC issues fixed.

Contact the heating and cooling experts at Comfort Solutions to schedule maintenance, repair, or replacement of your AC system.