Climate Control And COPD

Posted on: 6 August 2016

Share

While many people find that living without AC in the summer and proper heating in the winter to be extremely uncomfortable, others truly cannot survive without adequate climate control. This fact is particularly true to those people suffering from COPD. If you or a family member have this condition, you must work with your HVAC professional to keep your system working properly.

COPD Triggers

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease means that sufferers cannot properly inhale or exhale oxygen. As a result, many are dependent on oxygen tanks and cannot leave home without portable models. No cure exists for this disease, so patients must carefully manage their environment to avoid triggers that can make the condition worse. Extreme temperatures are harmful to COPD sufferers. Temperatures above 90 degrees and below freezing are dangerous, particularly when combined with humidity and windy conditions. Experts warn patients that during hot summer days the only safe place to be is inside with the air conditioning running. 

Poor environmental factors can also exacerbate COPD. Smog and high ozone levels are hard on patients, so, once again, the only safe place is inside with the AC. COPD requires that you have a fully functioning AC unit that can keep your home cool during warm weather. Otherwise, you or anyone with COPD will suffer during the summer months and possibly end up in the hospital.

HVAC Experts

If your HVAC system is not performing well, you need to call in your HVAC team or A -1 Cooling & Refrigeration Inc for an evaluation. Heating and cooling systems usually last between 16 and 25 years, so if your unit falls into that age range, you may need a new system. If not, the HVAC team should be able to repair your system so that it is safe for COPD sufferers. To prevent future problems, schedule a system checkup every year, either in the spring or the fall. If the COPD is advanced, you may want to have your system checked twice a year to head off potential health issues. 

Your entire family will benefit from a properly running heating and air system. For someone with COPD, having a good system in place is necessary for maintaining their health. A temperate environment is so important to COPD sufferers that some in the more advanced state move to moderate climates to extend their lives. Properly cooled and warm air is not a luxury for these sufferers, so have your system routinely checked and replace it if necessary.