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Can you get asthma from an air conditioner? Not exactly, but if the unit producing the air indoors is dirty or has a duct system that has not been cleaned it could be worsening any asthma symptoms for anyone susceptible to the illness.
Most of the time air-conditioned air is good for people with the disease because they are protected from outdoor allergens and irritants that can worsen their condition or trigger an attack. This article covers more about how clean indoor AC can help asthma and other respiratory issues rather than worsen them.
Most air conditioners do not filter the indoor air, but they do help keep the indoor air free of pollutants from the outside. When the air is running, doors and windows remain shut and this keeps allergens, dust, and pollutants out. This makes it easier to breathe indoor air freely.
Asthma itself is caused by allergen exposure or by an abrupt change in temperature. If you turn the AC on and someone in the building has asthma this sudden shift to cold air could cause them to experience an attack. But, it is not the quality of the air from the unit that causes the attack.
Different people with asthma have different triggers. Some cannot be around plants, dust mites or mold or mildew without experiencing attacks. Others find that being inside with cool air conditioning running keeps their attacks to a minimum.
While most AC units do not produce clean air, the filters on these systems help keep the air that they circulate as clean as can be. Air conditioners are also good for reducing the humidity in the air. Humidity can contribute to asthma because it provides a good environment for mold or mildew to grow in.
When air conditioners are running properly and have been maintained with clean filters, they help improve the quality of indoor air. When a system is dirty or has not had the ducts cleaned out regularly, it can cause problems for the air inside. Bacteria, dust, mold or mildew can grow inside the ducts of an AC system. The way to keep this from happening is to make sure your AC is maintained and cleaned regularly.
Here is quick info about asthma and air conditioner.
According to the aircon servicing Singapore expert, you should get on a routine maintenance service. They will arrive to your home and clean your AC by either opening it and giving it a chemical wash or by vacuuming the coils, replacing the filters and cleaning out the other components. You will notice a difference the moment you put the AC on after it has been cleaned. The air will feel cleaner and purer.
By keeping your air conditioner in good condition with regular cleanings, it will keep the air in your house cleaner. This will promote better health for everyone inside, even those who have asthma or allergies. Remember that most AC units do not cause asthma. If they are left to become dirty they will produce less-than-pure air and this can contribute to asthma attacks.
Cleaning and maintaining your air conditioner will keep it in great shape and ensure that the air it produces is clean. Getting your AC on a regular maintenance routine for about two cleanings a year will also keep the unit in good shape. It will last longer, break down less often if at all, and it will cost less to operate. A well-maintained AC unit is one that is energy efficient. If you need to have your AC unit professionally cleaned, contact your local aircon service for more information.