When most people consider air quality, they assume that indoor air is healthier to breathe than outdoor air. After all, indoor air doesn’t contain pollution, wildfire smoke and all those pesky Texas allergens, right? Not exactly. It may shock you to learn that indoor air can actually be more polluted than outdoor air for a variety of reasons, including chemicals found in household products, cleaning supplies and building materials.
However, indoor air has the potential to be very clean with the right air conditioning and filtration systems. When an HVAC system is working as it should, it provides homeowners with many health benefits; when it’s not, the HVAC system can end up spreading pollutants throughout the home. Keep reading to learn about air conditioning health problems and benefits, as well as how to breathe the cleanest air possible.
Searching for the best AC service Grand Prairie, TX, has to offer? Look no further than Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating, your one-stop shop to fulfill every plumbing and HVAC need. Call us today at 972-291-0740 to schedule service.
Air Conditioning Health Benefits
In Texas, going without an air conditioner isn’t really an option, at least not if you want to stay reasonably comfortable during the summer months. Beyond comfort, there are many good reasons to have a high-functioning AC, including distinct health benefits.
Protection from Heat stroke
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke pose a real threat to Texans who don’t have AC. Even people who have air conditioners in their homes are at risk for deadly heat strokes if they work outside during the brutal summer months. Air conditioned environments provide people with a reprieve from dangerously high temperatures, preventing countless deaths each year.
Less Indoor Humidity
Have you ever walked into a home and felt like you were covered in a wet blanket? What you were feeling was humidity, and it can be very dangerous to indoor air quality. An overly humid indoor space can cause a variety of issues, including the following:
- Mold growth, which can lead to dangerous respiratory issues
- Musty odors and mildew smell
- Peeling walls and water stains
Luckily, air conditioners that are functioning properly remove indoor humidity. The refrigerant inside an AC’s coils absorbs moisture and heat from indoor air, allowing condensation to drain from the unit to outside.
Better Indoor Air Quality
Whenever a home’s windows or doors open, dust, allergens and other pollutants can drift inside. However, due to the airtight nature of many newly constructed homes, pollutants that drift inside have nowhere to escape. As a result, they accumulate and spread throughout the house, eventually breathed in by the home’s occupants.
Air conditioners improve indoor air quality by providing a filtration system for the air. While basic HVAC filters only trap dust and debris, special filters can also capture bacteria, mold, allergens and other pollutants. This improves the respiratory health of the home’s occupants and can lessen the severity of asthma and allergies.
At Dial One Johnson, we’re committed to improving indoor air quality. That’s why we offer advanced air cleaning systems, UV lights and dehumidifiers to improve a home’s air. Want to learn more? Give us a call at 972-291-0740.
Air Conditioning Health Problems
When an air conditioner isn’t functioning properly, it can contribute to health problems. If you’re concerned about your HVAC, Grand Prairie, TX, experts from Dial One Johnson can come assess the situation. Even if everything is functioning properly, you should still be aware of at least two common AC-related health problems.
Low Humidity Levels
High levels of indoor humidity can be dangerous to health, but so can low levels of indoor humidity. When an HVAC system removes too much humidity from indoor air, the dry air can cause dry skin and hair. Dry air can also dry out a person’s sinuses, making them more vulnerable to respiratory infections. Additionally, some viruses thrive in low humidity conditions. If you suspect your indoor humidity levels are too low, it’s important to call a trusted AC repair service to adjust your air conditioner.
Refrigerant Exposure
Refrigerant is the chemical that makes air conditioning possible. It absorbs heat and moisture and cools the air. However, it is a toxic chemical, and exposure to it through inhalation or touch can cause refrigerant poisoning. Severe refrigerant poisoning can cause seizures, irregular heartbeat and loss of consciousness. If you suspect you’ve been exposed to refrigerant, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
Luckily, refrigerant poisoning is rare. These chemicals are normally completely contained and reused, and (contrary to popular belief) should not need to be “topped off.” The only times that refrigerant gets low is when there is a serious leak or the AC has been damaged. In these cases, you should call a professional AC service rather than attempting to fix it yourself. Trained HVAC technicians know how to work safely with refrigerant and avoid sickness.
HVAC: Grand Prairie, TX
The best way to avoid AC-related health issues while maximizing AC health benefits is to schedule regular HVAC maintenance. Not sure where to turn? The best HVAC Grand Prairie, TX, has to offer is right around the corner at Dial One Johnson. Our experienced HVAC technicians can assess your air conditioner, make any necessary repairs and explain the benefits of our comprehensive maintenance package, the Advantage Plan.
When you sign up for our Advantage Plan, you’ll start receiving deep discounts on HVAC and plumbing maintenance and repairs, as well as front-of-the-line service. Concerned you won’t be able to afford our services even after those discounts? Don’t worry — Dial One Johnson offers multiple financing options so that Grand Prairie residents can get the services they need with no out-of-pocket expenses. So what are you waiting for? Visit us online to schedule service, or give us a call at 972-291-0740.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.