Allergies and Portable AC

One subject that invariably arises at the mention of Portable Air Conditioners is the effect that a portable cooling system might have on a person’s allergies. The concern is understandable, given that many allergy sufferers can find relief only in the privacy of their own homes. Why compromise that rare level of comfort by using an appliance that might only make your allergies worse?

The good news is that portable air conditioning systems, when properly used and maintained, can be very helpful at helping you avoid the scourge of allergies.

For one thing, portable AC reduces humidity levels, while also keeping any room in your house cool – both provide allergy relief. Here’s how:

Two of the more pernicious allergens are mold spores and dust mites. These tend to do very well in areas where humidity levels are high: Dust mites congregate in humid environs, while mold spores develop there.

It makes sense, therefore, to try to control and reduce humidity and temperature levels to influence how mold grows and dust mites breed. Portable AC units are ideal for controlling temperature and humidity levels, which in turn helps to cut down on the amount of dust and mold that can exacerbate allergies.

Many medical experts recommend that allergy sufferers remain indoors, with the windows closed and an air conditioner running, maintaining a room temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity levels are recommended to be no greater than 50%.

Even if your home already has central air conditioning, you can still benefit from running a portable unit. Even though central air systems have filters that can be replaced or in some cases cleaned, it can pay to have a backup system that keeps at least one room in the house especially free of mold and dust.

And because portable AC units work with filters that can be easily removed and washed, you can ensure that the unit will continue to collect as many allergens as possible by cleaning the filter as often as you’d like. This can also be especially helpful if you live in an apartment building where maintaining the central AC is out of your control.

More questions about allergies and portable AC? Contact one of our climate control experts today!