Protect Your Family From Your Air Conditioner

Air conditioners are such a wonderful invention. They allow us to be cooled in the heat of the summer months by chilly air being distributed right within our homes. While there is a monthly price for this wonderful service, the cost could be a bit higher than you know. 

If you or anyone in your family has had frequent upper respiratory infections, your air conditioner may be to blame. During especially sweltering summer months, it is possible for mold to grow in air conditioners which can then be unwittingly blown through one's home with a flip of the thermostat. If you live in a busy city, you may also be blowing dirty air through your home, increasing the likelihood of your family members getting sick.

In order to help you and your family combat these problems and stay healthy, here are a few practical tips.

Clean Air Filters Frequently. A simple air filter can serve as a wonderful shield between the outside environment and your family's lungs. That being said, they should not be ignored for years on end. Clean or replace your air filter often. If you do not have any pets, your filter should be replaced every three to six months. If you do have pets whose hair and dander can clog air filters quickly, a replacement every two months is advised.

Location, Location, Location. If you are installing a window air conditioning unit, make sure to investigate the outside area thoroughly. Take great care as to the location of the unit. Do not, for example, place your air conditioner (with its intake and all) near any output vents from other homes or businesses. Make sure it is not near driveways of neighbors where exhaust could bleed into your home. Find an area where it is not likely to fall on anything of great value and has a direct path to clean air.

Clean Window Units Often. Along with regularly cleaning any air vents or filters that your air conditioner may have, it is also very important to empty out the water reservoir regularly. This is where condensation can often build up, attracting any mold that may try to permeate your walls. Visually inspect your air conditioner regularly. If you begin to see any black, green, or yellow spots, clean them immediately. These are likely mold spores that can grow quickly, infecting the respiratory tracts of your precious family members.