A Multi-City Guide for Peachtree City, Newnan & Senoia Homeowners Worried About Indoor Air Quality, Mold, and AC-Related Health Symptoms
5 Signs Your Air Conditioner Could Be Making You Sick in Peachtree City, Newnan & Senoia (Plus a Bonus Reason Most Homeowners Miss)”
Air conditioning is non-negotiable during Georgia’s long, humid summers. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that a poorly maintained AC system can do more than cool your home — it can actually impact your health. Across Peachtree City, Newnan, Senoia, and neighboring communities like Sharpsburg and Fayetteville, we regularly find mold, bacteria, allergens, and moisture problems inside AC units that homeowners never knew existed. These issues often lead to headaches, respiratory irritation, allergy flare-ups, and even chronic fatigue. If you’ve been feeling “off” while spending time indoors but feel better once you leave, your air conditioner may be part of the problem.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common signs.
1. Breathing Problems & Respiratory Irritation
Dirty AC systems trap moisture inside the coils and ductwork, creating the perfect environment for mold, mildew, bacteria, and fungi to grow. Georgia’s humidity — especially in areas like Senoia and Newnan — makes this even worse.
Symptoms often include:
- Wheezing
- Tight chest
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden allergy flare-ups
- Coughing or throat irritation
In severe cases, buildup inside the system can lead to black mold or even harmful bacteria like Legionella, which causes Legionnaires’ disease.
Solution:
Change your filters regularly and schedule routine cleaning. If you’re in Peachtree City or Newnan, you can book AC repair and air quality inspection here:
2. Mold Growing in the Vents or Around the AC Unit
In cities surrounded by trees and moisture, such as Peachtree City and Senoia, mold problems are extremely common. If your AC vents smell musty or you notice throat irritation or sinus issues, mold may be growing inside your system.
Signs include:
- Musty odors
- Black or green spots inside vents
- Filter discoloration
- Increased allergy symptoms indoors
Solution:
Small patches can be cleaned with 1 quart of water + ½ cup bleach, but deeper mold requires professional cleaning. If mold spreads into insulation or ductwork, replacement is necessary.
3. Headaches, Fatigue & “Sick Home Syndrome”
Many homeowners in Newnan & Peachtree City report feeling tired, foggy, or headache-prone while indoors — but fine once they step outside. This is often a sign of stagnant, poorly circulated air. Central AC recirculates the same air over and over, especially if:
- The system is older
- Ducts are dirty
- Air leaks exist
- Humidity levels are unbalanced
A study in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that people in air-conditioned buildings reported more symptoms than those in naturally ventilated spaces.
Solution:
Increase ventilation, raise your thermostat a few degrees, and give your AC system a break when you can. If the problem persists, it may be time for a tune-up or repair.
4. Circulating Pollution, Germs & Allergens
Indoor air can be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the EPA, and your AC system plays a major role in that.
- Georgia homeowners often deal with:
- High pollen counts
- Dust buildup
- Dander from pets
- Mold spores
- Bacteria & viruses in recirculated air
Neighborhoods near wooded areas, such as Senoia, Kedron Hills, and Planterra Ridge, see this even more often.
Solution:
Crack a window occasionally to introduce fresh air, upgrade your filters, and schedule a full system cleaning. If your AC unit is struggling, repairs may be needed.
5. Dry Skin, Irritated Eyes & Dehydration Indoors
Air conditioning naturally lowers humidity — but an unbalanced system can drop humidity too low, causing:
- Dry, flaky skin
- Dry or itchy eyes
- Sinus irritation
- Dehydrated feeling indoors
- Scalp dryness
Homeowners in Peachtree City and Newnan, where units run almost nonstop in summer, notice this more.
Solution:
Moisturize regularly, stay hydrated, and avoid setting your thermostat too low. Proper AC maintenance helps naturally balance humidity levels.
🔥 BONUS REASON #6: More Doctor Visits Than Usual
This is the one homeowners NEVER think about — but it’s one of the most important. Studies show people who spend more time in AC-heavy environments experience:
- More ENT (ear, nose, throat) issues
- More respiratory infections
- More dermatological problems
- More fatigue & sinus pressure
If you’ve suddenly been visiting doctors more often — and especially if symptoms improve when you leave your home — your AC system may be contributing.
👉 Still see your doctor — that’s always the right choice.
But if symptoms line up with mold exposure, poor air quality, or stagnant air, an HVAC inspection may solve the problem.
How to Safely Remove Mold from Your AC System
If you're seeing (or smelling) mold:
- Confirm it’s mold — black mold needs specific treatment.
- Find the moisture source — condensation, leaks, or damp ducts.
- Check insulation — contaminated insulation must be replaced.
- Hire a NADCA-certified professional to clean the deep interior of ducts.
DIY cleaning only works for surface-level mold.
Serving Peachtree City, Newnan, Senoia & All Surrounding Areas
If you’re worried about mold, air quality, or unusual indoor health symptoms, our team can help — fast.
We keep families comfortable, healthy, and breathing cleaner air across Peachtree City, Newnan, Senoia, Sharpsburg, Fayetteville, Tyrone, and surrounding communities.
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❄️ Does Freon Wear Out? The Complete Guide to AC Refrigerant Myths & Leaks For more than 28 years, John’s Heating, Cooling, and Appliance Repair has been the trusted choice for homeowners and businesses across Fayetteville, Peachtree City , Newnan , Griffin , Sharpsburg , Senoia , Tyrone , Zebulon , and South Metro Atlanta . One of the most common questions we hear is: 👉 “Does Freon wear out in my air conditioner like motor oil in a car?” The short answer: No. Refrigerant doesn’t wear out — it leaks. In this guide, we’ll bust the myths, explain the science, and show you why leaks are the real problem — plus how our team fixes them the right way. 🔍 Part 1: Why People Think Freon “Wears Out” When an air conditioner stops cooling, it’s easy to assume the refrigerant (often called Freon) just “ran out.” The logic makes sense — cars need oil changes and fluid top-offs. But refrigerant doesn’t work that way. How Refrigerant Really Works Closed-Loop System – Refrigerant runs in a sealed cycle, absorbing and releasing heat. It isn’t consumed. No Combustion – Unlike fuel or oil, refrigerant doesn’t burn or break down. Constant Cycle – The same refrigerant circulates through compression and expansion, year after year. 👉 If your AC is low on refrigerant, it’s not because it wore out — it’s because it escaped through a leak. ❄️ Part 2: Why Leaks, Not Wear, Cause Problems Refrigerant leaks are the real issue. Once refrigerant escapes, your AC loses efficiency and struggles to keep up with the summer heat in Georgia. Common Signs of a Refrigerant Leak Warm air blowing from vents Ice buildup on coils or refrigerant lines Hissing or bubbling noises near the unit Higher electric bills despite poor cooling The Cost of Ignoring a Leak Burned-out compressor – one of the most expensive AC repairs Energy bills up 30–50% – wasted money every month Poor indoor air quality – sticky, uncomfortable air System breakdowns – failure right when you need it most 👉 Just “topping off” Freon doesn’t solve the problem. It’s a temporary band-aid that guarantees you’ll be calling again. 🔬 Part 3: The Science of Refrigerant Refrigerant is designed to last the entire lifespan of your AC system. It circulates through indoor and outdoor coils, absorbing and releasing heat. It doesn’t get used up or burned. It simply changes state — liquid to gas and back again. If levels are low, the system is leaking. Period. 👉 Learn more about our Air Conditioning Repair in Peachtree City page. ❄️ Part 4: Why Honest Repairs Beat “Top-Offs” Unfortunately, some HVAC companies keep homeowners stuck in the Freon myth. They’ll top off refrigerant year after year without fixing the actual leak. The Wrong Way: Refrigerant Top-Offs Quick cooling, but only temporary Repeated service calls = higher costs Worsening leaks that damage your compressor The Right Way: Leak Detection & Permanent Repair At John’s Heating, Cooling, and Appliance Repair, we: Use advanced tools to locate leaks. Repair the source of the problem. Recharge your system correctly. ✅ Results: Better cooling, lower bills, longer system life, and peace of mind. 👉 Check out our Air Conditioning Repair Fayetteville page to see how we do it right. 🌟 Why Experience Matters With over 28 years of hands-on HVAC and refrigeration expertise, John has solved every issue imaginable — from frozen coils and failed compressors to cracked heat exchangers and ductless installations. That’s why homeowners and businesses across South Metro Atlanta keep calling us back. We don’t believe in shortcuts. We believe in education, honesty, and lasting solutions. 👉 Explore more on our Air Conditioning Repair Newnan page. 📞 Call the Local Experts for Honest AC Repair Don’t let refrigerant myths drain your wallet or leave you sweating through another Georgia summer. Trust the team that’s been keeping families and businesses comfortable for nearly three decades. 📍 Serving Fayetteville , Peachtree City , Newnan , Sharpsburg , Senoia , Griffin , Tyrone , Zebulon, and South Metro Atlanta 📞 Call (678) 603-7775 today or schedule service online. ❓ FAQ: Freon, Leaks & AC Repair Does Freon wear out? No. If refrigerant levels are low, it means there’s a leak. How long does refrigerant last? The entire life of your system — unless it escapes. Can I add more refrigerant? Not without sealing the leak. Otherwise, it will just leak out again. What happens if I ignore a leak? Expect higher bills, poor cooling, and eventual compressor failure. ✅ Final Takeaway Refrigerant doesn’t wear out. If your AC is low, it’s leaking — and leaks require professional repair. At John’s Heating, Cooling, and Appliance Repair, we offer honest, long-lasting solutions that keep your system running efficiently and your family comfortable. 📞 Call (678) 603-7775 today — and put an end to the Freon myth once and for all.
Why Your Furnace Keeps Turning Off in Fayetteville or Peachtree City (and How to Fix It)
