A central air conditioning unit not only helps keep your home cool in hot weather, it can also help improve your allergy symptoms. Homes can become infested with dust mites, which is one of the most common allergens.

A dust mite allergy can cause sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, severe itching, and hives, and may even trigger severe wheezing. Here are some ways central air conditioning can help you and your family stay symptom-free if you have allergies.

Decreased Dust

While frequent vacuuming helps eliminate some dust in your air, furniture, carpeting, and drapes, it may dredge up other airborne allergens. A central air conditioning unit cools your air and helps reduce humidity.

Some air conditioning units have built-in dehumidifiers, which helps get rid of dust mites by slowing their ability to reproduce. It also helps reduce the amount of waste that the dust mites produce.

Dust mite waste is what people are typically allergic to, as opposed to the dust mite itself. Central air conditioning units also have filters that trap dust, pet dander, and airborne particulate before it gets blown into the air of your home.

Reduced Mold Spore Production

Because a central air conditioning unit helps reduce moisture from the air, mold spore production is inhibited. Mold thrives in warm and humid environments, and because a central air conditioning unit helps keep your home's air cool and dry, mold growth is slowed or halted.

In addition to exacerbating allergy symptoms, mold growth can be dangerous to people who have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular problems. If you see evidence of mold in your bathroom, or other areas of your home, make an appointment with an ac system installation professional.

While the "garden variety" type of mold is typically harmless, another type of mold known as "black mold," or Stachybotrys chartarum, may be dangerous or even toxic to people with certain preexisting medical conditions. In addition to providing you with central air conditioning, your ac system installation professional can inspect your ductwork for signs of mold infestation, and if found, can recommend options to remove it.

If you or any of your family members have allergies, contact an ac system installation technician to learn more about how central air conditioning can enhance your air quality. A new central air conditioning system will provide your home with the proper air filtration qualities so that your indoor air stays cleaner and healthier. Contact companies like Chrismon Heating & Cooling to learn more.