Air conditioning can be a real necessity during a hot New Jersey summer, bringing you comfort on scorching days when there’s no relief from the heat in sight. But sometimes your A/C can give you a little more than you bargained for.
You’ve probably noticed that sometimes when you’re running the A/C frequently, you could end up with a sore throat or even a nagging cough. Why does this happen, and what can we do about it?
If you tend to get coughs when you’re spending a lot of time in air-conditioned spaces, it’s usually due to one of two reasons: either your indoor is dirty, or it’s overly dry (or both!).
The good news is there are easy ways to fix each problem so you can be more comfortable in your space.
Solutions:
Indoor air can be full of dust, pet dander, and other allergens, which are often the underlying cause of respiratory issues. Whether you have a central A/C, a mini-split system, or window units, your air conditioner cleans your indoor air by pushing it through a filter before circulating in your home.
The problem is that over time, a filter will capture so much material that it gets clogged and stops doing its job – or worse, they’ll start pushing it back out into your home again!
The answer to this problem, of course, is to keep an eye on your air filters. A good rule of thumb is to check them every six weeks or so during the summer – especially if you have shedding pets. If your filter is clogged, clean or replace it (depending on the model – see your owner’s manual for instructions).
Another way to clean your air is to install a whole-house air purification system. These supplemental systems pick up where your air conditioning filters leave off, capturing the smallest of air purities and preventing allergens and microorganisms from growing in your home.
Solutions:
The summer air is more humid than winter air – but that difference disappears when you constantly run the A/C. Air conditioners dry your indoor air, which can create respiratory distress (including coughs).
One way to reduce dryness in your home air, of course, is to run your air conditioner less often – either by shutting it manually or using a programmable thermostat. Another way is to have it maintained by an air conditioning professional every year. An experienced technician will keep your equipment in top shape, helping maintain proper humidity levels and air quality so you’ll stay healthy.
A third way to combat over-dry air from your A/C is to install a whole-house humidifier. These units connect directly to your home HVAC system and pump just the right amount of water vapor into your air to keep you comfortable (you control humidity from your thermostat, just like you control the temperature).
Is your air conditioning making you cough? Schedule A/C maintenance or get a FREE, no obligation estimate on indoor air quality equipment installations in NJ. Contact Dixon Energy today to learn more.