There can’t be too many places in the world that offer a better lifestyle than the Gulf Coast of Florida. From Bradenton to Naples, you’ll find people enjoying an outdoor lifestyle. This region also boasts some of the best outdoor air quality in Florida. Unfortunately, the air quality inside homes and businesses can become unhealthy, especially for those with respiratory problems.
Air Conditioning and Pathogens
The general public first realized that air conditioning ducts could transmit pathogens in the summer of 1976, during an American Legion convention in Philadelphia. During the convention, 182 people became ill with a pneumonia-like illness that became known as Legionnaires’ Disease; 29 died. Eventually, the source of the infection was traced to contamination in the hotel’s air conditioning system.
The Musty Smell of Mold
Fortunately, the problem that Floridians find in their air conditioning systems isn’t Legionnaires’ but mold. Black mold is what is seen most often in leaky air ducts or other moist areas. Under the right conditions, it releases harmful toxins.
A musty smell coming from the vents can be the first indication of mold in an air conditioning system. Mold requires three things in order to grow: a food source, air and moisture. One of those three must be removed in order to control mold and the only possibility is moisture. Even a very small leak can trigger the fast growth of mold. If toxic spores are circulated throughout the home or business in the air ducts, children, the elderly and those with asthma, allergies, COPD and other respiratory problems are most at risk.
Regular Air Conditioner Maintenance is Essential
Florida’s warm weather and high humidity cause air conditioning systems to really work hard. If the air conditioning system, including the ducts, is not regularly maintained, mold spores and other airborne contaminants will travel throughout the building. Regular maintenance and Air Conditioner Repair in Bradenton FL will increase everyone’s comfort.
Air purification systems remove almost 100% of the mold spores, dust, pollen and other contaminants from the air. Two excellent and affordable air purification systems are the Trane Clean Effects & trade; Clean Air System and the Lennox Pure Air & trade; Air Purification System.
Conditioned Air has been the Gulf Coast’s air conditioning expert since 1962. Whether you need Air Conditioner Repair in Bradenton FL, a whole house cleaning of the ducts or are considering a new air conditioning system, contact us for competitive prices and always the highest quality service.
