Your window unit could make you sick. Before you install a window air conditioner in a room, consider some of the harmful effects it can have. Mold, for example, can be worse in a window unit than a central AC system. Other possible problems apply to air conditioning in general, not just window units. Respiratory Illness Window unit air conditioners work by drawing heat and humidity from the room to lower the ambient temperature. The dehumidifying effects can also cause some drying of the mucus-coated lining inside your nose and allow airborne viruses to enter your system. A study published by the International Epidemiological Association in 2004 found higher sickness rates attributed to upper respiratory illnesses in women working in air-conditioned offices as opposed to women working in offices without air conditioning, though results were considered preliminary, due to limitations of the study's data. Allergy Irritant The humidity the window air conditioner draws from the air doesn't magically disappear;

it deposits on the cooling coils inside the unit. This moisture plus dust creates an attractive environment for mold-growing spores. Failing to remove and clean or cover the window unit during the winter allows the accumulation of mold inside the cabinet. Neglecting to clean the filters inside the unit or installing inferior filters can allow dust and debris to pass through it. Breathing these mold spores can trigger allergy symptoms, such as coughing, watery eyes and a runny nose. Mold can also trigger breathing restrictions in asthma sufferers. Inspect and clean the coils as needed. Outdoor Air Infiltration A high-quality window air conditioner that's properly installed should not permit unfiltered outdoor air into the interior space. However, any breach in the seal between the air conditioner unit and the window can introduce outdoor air, along with allergens and other air pollutants. Additionally, a malfunctioning or poorly designed air conditioner may not filter outdoor air sufficiently, pulling outdoor air directly into the room.

To prevent these problems, make sure the air conditioner unit is fully sealed around the window opening and the unit is designed to filter all conditioned air. Also be sure to use a high-quality filter or supplemental disposable filter in addition to the unit's standard filter, to remove as many air pollutants as possible. Irritate Exiting Eye Conditions The allergens blown into the air by your window unit air conditioner can worsen allergic conjunctivitis, also known as Pink Eye. An inferior filter allows dust mites and animal dander to pass through the window unit’s blower and pollute the air. These allergens irritate the lining of the eye, turning it pink or red. Air conditioning can also increase the suffering of individuals diagnosed with blepharitis. The cold air blowing into the room can accelerate tear evaporation and aggravate sufferers’ dry eye symptoms. Environmental Hazards Both window unit air conditioners and central units use refrigerant to cool your room. Depending on the age of the unit, it could use chlorofluorocarbon cooling agents that could leak from the sealed system and damage the earth’s ozone.

Improper disposal of these older units could result in fines up to $25,000 issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. Even units using hydrochlorofluorocarbon cooling agents can harm the environment, although not as damaging as those units using chlorofluorocarbons. Check with your municipality for disposal facilities before you throw away your leaky unit. References The New York Times: Really? The Claim: Air-Conditioning Can Cause ColdsCardiff University: Summer ColdSharecare: How Does My Nose Protect Me from InfectionsIEA: Workplace Air-Conditioning and Health Services Attendance Among French Middle-Aged Women: A Prospective Cohort StudyCalifornia Energy Commission: Window Air ConditionersHello Daily News: Air Conditioning: Too Cool To Be Good For You?charging your own home ac unitExposure to mold in the home can cause serious health problems. price to install ac unit

One hidden place that mold can grow is within your air conditioner; with air constantly circulating through the unit into your home, mold spores are picked up and pushed into your living areas. Be watchful for signs that mold could be lurking in your AC, including a musty smell when the unit is running or visible mold on the exterior of the unit. If you notice these signs, the following steps will help you safely clean mold from your window air conditioner unit.how to disconnect an air conditioning unit Clean Mold from Your Window Air Conditioner: A Step By Step Guide Vacuum cleaner with attachments The following mold removal process should be performed in an area with good ventilation. Put on your safety gear (mask, eyewear, and gloves). Turn off the air conditioner and unplug the unit from its power source. Take off the front body grille of your unit. On most units, this can be done easily by pulling it forward and pushing down slightly.

If the grille is screwed in, use the screwdriver to remove the screws. Remove the filter that is located in the air conditioner’s front grille. (some of these filters are disposable, if – so, install a new one.) If your filter is washable, as most window unit’s filters are…place the filter in your sink and sprinkle it with laundry detergent. Fill the sink with enough hot water to cover the filter. Let the filter soak for 15 minutes. Next, use the scrub brush to clean both sides of the filter. Rinse out the filter with clean water and hang it to dry. Next, go back to your air conditioner unit and unscrew the metal cover located behind the front body grill and lift it directly upwards. Use the vacuum and attachments to clean out as much dirt and debris from the interior of the unit as possible. Wipe out any visible mold growth. In your bucket, mix a solution of ½ cup bleach, 1 tablespoon mild dish soap, and 3 gallons hot water. Using a cloth, brush, or sponge, soak up the solution and scrub the moldy areas of your air conditioner well.