As nice as it is to have air conditioning on a hot day, it pays to be careful when trying to stay comfortable indoors. That’s because as good as air conditioning is for keeping serious problems like heat stroke at bay, there are other issues related to air conditioning that carry trouble with them.
Air conditioning can be a lifesaver for those with heart or lung disease or who can struggle to breathe when it’s hot and humid, but air conditioning repair Toronto can serve as a lifeline for those who rely on this. Further, air conditioners can cause health issues without proper service and maintenance, such as when mold and mildew grow inside.
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Watching for Mold and Mildew
By now, nearly everyone has heard the news about the serious, sometimes deadly problems caused by mold and mildew carried by air conditioning systems. These microorganisms often find their way to you and manifest themselves as wheezing, throat irritation, congestion, and more. If your baby is showing up with some allergic reactions and you have ruled out mold and mildew – have a look at their nutrition and make sure they get all the best nutrients.
Unfortunately, medical experts agree that living with an air conditioner with mold in it can increase your chances of a respiratory infection. What follows are some things to know if your air conditioner has mold inside.
You should also look for mold and mildew on the outsides of your home as well. For some helpful information about cleaning your home click here for more information.
Something Spotty
One of the first signs that mold has taken up residence in your air conditioner is when black spots show on any of the air ducts immediately inside the louvers. These spots show that there is probably more inside the system. Cleaning louvers is a good idea, but only a partial solution. A total replacement of the unit might be called for.
Be Regular with Inspections
Unfortunately, many people who have an HVAC system have it installed and pay little attention to it afterward. This is a mistake. Even after an HVAC system is installed, it should be inspected regularly to prevent the growth of mold and other dangerous microbes.
Drain and Dry
HVAC systems are cool, and as a result, they accumulate condensation. Condensation can create mold and mildew. It’s that easy. To prevent this, have an HVAC technician check your system regularly for problems.
Keep Bad Air Out
For the most part, HVAC systems use air that is already inside. Sometimes, however, air from the outside gets in, and homeowners should make sure that they are not in an area where there is a lot of pollution that could be brought inside.
The area where your air conditioner intake might operate is especially important when there are contaminants such as those commonly found near a power plant or where cars and buses are operating, which will lead to exhaust getting into your home.
Be Careful of Temperature Changes
As nice as coming into a cool room is after a while in the heat, a quick temperature change can be very difficult on your body, especially if you are older. Instead, if you have spent much time in the heat, then come inside, expose yourself to the air conditioning gradually. This is especially true if you have a respiratory condition and are going from very cold air to very hot air.
These are only very general suggestions. Anyone who is aware that they have a medical condition that might be acerbated by cool or hot air should consult with their physician before purchasing a system.
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