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Hay fever. It sounds like such a benign phrase, but those of us who suffer with a delinquent sinus system understand the frustration that comes along with running noses, painfully itchy eyes and a wheezy chest. Our doctors tell us with a sad shake of their head that this is incurable, and they don’t actually know why our bodies respond to these triggers in the first place. But help is at hand in the form of the trusty aircon.
Yes, our aircon cools the office and keeps our home at a comfortable ambient temperature, (no matter what’s going on outside) but did you know that your faithful little unit has a hidden super-power?
Whether you suffer from asthma, pollen, dust or pet allergies your aircon can help.
Aircon versus pollen
Invisible enemies are the worst, don’t you agree? And those pesky little pollen particles may be doing a great job, but when they bombard our faces and we explode into a sneezing fit, we feel slightly less affection for them.
Buried deep inside their casing, aircon units have specialised filters which are able to extract the tiny particles of dust, pollen, mould spores and other irritants from the air as it passes through. When air is sucked into the system, it is forced through these filters which traps them within and allows clean, pure air back into the room.
Some aircons have the added functionality of eliminating the humidity in the air, halting the spread of mould and algae which thrive in warm, damp conditions.
Whether we work in a high-rise building or a small home-office, great air quality makes for a clear head and a clear nose.
Maintaining your aircon
To get the best out of your unit, you will need to maintain it. Air conditioners make use of refrigerant gases which require annual servicing, but in areas where there is a lot of dust or a high pollen count, the filters will need to be checked more frequently. Your unit will have to work extra hard to push clean air through clogged filters, so to optimise the system it’s best to clean and replace these trusty filters regularly.
It’s also a good idea to check that the external parts of the aircon are free from debris and plants so as not to clog the system.
We encourage you to engage the services of a qualified team to take care of your aircon. A good technician will check not only the filters but all the mechanical parts. He will also make sure that there is no corrosion, blockages, or mould developing inside your system, and that the coolant levels are correct.
Tips for reducing hay fever and asthma symptoms
If you suffer from allergies or asthma, then an aircon is an excellent choice in helping to manage your symptoms.
- To get the very best from this method, it’s best to close all the doors and windows in order to keep allergens outside. Your aircon can only clean the air it pulls in, so an open window with that fresh spring (pollen-laden) breeze isn’t going to do you any favours.
- Lower temperatures deter dust mites, so keep your space as cool as you can make it.
- Pets, especially if they are of the indoor variety, should be washed and groomed regularly to avoid fur and dander from settling into your carpets or furniture.
- Keep your space clean. Vacuuming regularly and wipe down surfaces in the bathroom or kitchen with antibacterial or anti-mould Wash your bedding and curtains often as these tend to catch and hold onto allergens.
- Invest in some air-cleaning plants such as Aloe Vera or peace lilies which work quietly to neutralise the air in your home.
There is much you can do to alleviate the symptoms of hay fever that don’t include the use of antihistamines which work brilliantly well but also tend to put you to sleep pretty quickly. Keeping your space clean and your air pure with a good aircon will go a long way toward an allergy free day.
