AC/ Air Conditioner

Air conditioning is the best thing to have when the temperatures rise and the heat sets in, but the AC can cause you some health issues.  Your allergies or headaches may not be due to the outdoor seasonal weather but could be a result of your indoor HVAC system.

A well-maintained and clean HVAC system is necessary not only to keep you cool in the summer (and warm in the winter) but also to keep you from feeling poorly.

These are 3 of the top negative health concerns that could be related you’re your HVAC system and what to do to avoid feeling ill.

1.    Breathing Issues

When the air conditioner is not cleaned and/or the filter is not changed the system can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.  Moisture can also build up in the coils and ducts and can cause black mold.  This can result in fevers, coughing, and even muscle aches.

Solution:  Keep your AC cleaned and maintained with an annual system check and regularly change the furnace filter.

2.    Frequent Headaches

IF your thermostat is set too cold your body can be constantly chilled and this can result in getting sick and having headaches and/or fatigue.

Solution:  Make sure your thermostat is set to a temperature that keeps you cool and comfortable, but not cold.  The general recommendation for temperature setting in the summer is 78 degrees.

3.    Respiratory Infections & Allergies

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that indoor pollutants may be more prevalent than outdoor pollutants due to the circulation of indoor air.  Any mold, dust, pet dander or the presence of other ill people contribute to the indoor pollution.

Solution:  Keep the HVAC system clean with a professional cleaning and a professional duct cleaning can help cut down on the indoor pollution.  In addition to the annual maintenance of the HVAC system and a duct cleaning, consider  an air cleaner, air filtration system, or a UV system.

Avoid feeling bad and keep cool this summer, schedule your annual AC system check today!

Author

  • brian sloan headshot

    Brian Sloan is the President of TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, one of the western Chicago suburbs' leading family owned home service companies, serving homeowners across more than 80 communities throughout Will, Kendall, DuPage, Kane, and Cook counties.

    TR Miller is more than a business to Brian, it's a family legacy. The company was founded by his father, Tim Miller, and Brian and his brother Jim have played an important role in growing the business from a small local operation into a full service residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical company serving homeowners throughout the greater Chicagoland area.

    Brian's perspective on the home services industry comes from firsthand experience. Before taking on leadership responsibilities, he worked in the field as an HVAC Service Technician and Fabrication Technician, diagnosing heating and cooling systems, assembling custom HVAC components, and supporting residential installations throughout the western suburbs.

    That hands on foundation continues to influence the way Brian leads TR Miller today. He understands both the work taking place inside a customer's home and the systems, training, and support required behind the scenes to consistently deliver a great customer experience.

    Over the course of his career at TR Miller, Brian has worked across nearly every major area of the business, including operations, marketing, sales, job coordination, customer service, finance, and leadership. Today, as President, he is responsible for the overall strategy, growth, culture, and performance of the organization.

    That breadth of experience across both the technical and business sides of home services has helped shape how TR Miller operates: combining the systems and accountability of a professionally run organization with the care, responsiveness, and personal connection of a family business.
    Brian's philosophy is straightforward, make home services convenient and reliable while giving homeowners the information they need to make the best decisions for their homes and families. That means educating customers, providing clear options and upfront pricing, and making sure homeowners understand both what was found and why a repair or replacement may be recommended.

    Under Brian's leadership, TR Miller has expanded beyond HVAC into plumbing and electrical services, grown across multiple locations, invested heavily in technical and leadership development, and been recognized seven times on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest growing privately held companies.

    Credentials & Affiliations:
    - President, TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical
    - Membership Officer, YPO Chicagoland
    - Board Member, Nexstar Network
    - Former Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce
    - Associate's Degree, Waubonsee Community College
    - Former HVAC Service Technician & Fabrication Technician, TR Miller
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