We’ve all had the experience of walking outside on a cold winter day and suddenly our nose becomes stuffy or starts running. It’s usually thought of as a seasonal symptom, but the summer season may cause a similar response because of air conditioning. The New York Times recently featured an article discussing how cold air triggers our nervous system to send a message to the glands in our nasal membranes – and those of us with allergies know this all too well.
People who suffer from allergies may be doubly affected by both the nervous system’s reflex to cold air and congestion caused by small particles of pollen, pollutants, mold spores, and dust mites that are trapped by filters in the air conditioner. Every time the unit is turned on, those irritants are released into the air aggravating nasal membranes and causing allergic reactions.
Suffice to say, when it comes to avoiding this struggle, a consistent filter replacement and maintenance plan are key for your air conditioning unit. Not only does a filter affect air quality and keep you from experiencing the annoying symptoms of sinus congestion and runny noses, but it prolongs the life of your unit, and keeps the cool air flowing during the warmer months.
If you have questions about ways in which you can affect air quality in your home with the right filter, get in touch!
