Spring Into Action: Why Deep Cleaning Your PTAC Unit Is Essential for Conquering Allergy Season

As spring 2024 blooms across New York City and the tri-state area, millions of allergy sufferers are bracing for what experts predict will be an “intense and prolonged” pollen season. While many focus on outdoor precautions, the battle against seasonal allergies often begins indoors—specifically with your PTAC (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioning) unit. These self-contained heating and cooling systems, commonly found in apartments, hotels, and condominiums throughout NYC, can either be your greatest ally or your worst enemy in the fight against spring allergens.

The Hidden Culprit in Your Wall

PTAC units are particularly susceptible to accumulating allergens because of their unique design. Pressure washing and coil cleaning rids your unit of harmful contaminants such as dust spores, pollen and mold that can build up over time in units that haven’t been properly maintained. Unlike central air systems, PTACs draw air directly from outside through wall-mounted units, making them prime collectors for flowering trees and other pollutants that are especially prevalent during spring months.

If you have been sneezing more or dealing with itchy eyes lately, dust, pollen, and other allergens trapped in your PTAC unit might be circulating in your space, aggravating allergy symptoms. The problem compounds when you consider that pollen seasons became longer by an average of 20 days between 1990 and 2018, meaning your PTAC unit is exposed to allergens for extended periods.

The Spring 2024 Allergy Forecast

This year presents unique challenges for allergy sufferers in the Northeast. “This year will start off much earlier than most years in the East,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alan Reppert said. “We could look at things to be a full month ahead of normal with tree pollen and still ahead with when grass pollen starts.” Historically, spring allergy season and tree pollen starts in mid-March in the Northeast region. But warmer winters can cause plant life to grow and bloom earlier.

For New York residents, this means PTAC units have been working overtime, potentially accumulating months of additional pollen and allergens that need professional attention.

Why Professional PTAC Deep Cleaning Matters

Regular maintenance goes beyond simple filter changes. A clean and well-maintained PTAC unit can help improve indoor air quality by reducing the amount of dust, pollen, and other airborne particles that enter the air. This can help reduce the presence of allergens, bacteria, and other contaminants in the air, which can improve air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses.

Professional ptac cleaning involves comprehensive procedures that homeowners simply cannot replicate. Coils are cleaned with 180-200 ̊ F water and environmentally safe, non-acidic cleaner, as recommended by leading manufacturers, followed by hospital-grade disinfectant is used in conjunction with 180-200 ̊ F water.

The Lion Enterprises Advantage

For over 50 years, Lion Enterprises has served as “King of the New York PTAC Market”, providing comprehensive PTAC services throughout NYC, Queens, and the surrounding tri-state area. Lion Enterprises is the proud parent company of three leaders in the PTAC market: Accumtemp, Lion-Aire and Spectrum. Together, our business units specialize in the service, repair and replacement of PTAC units and thru-wall equipment.

What sets Lion Enterprises apart is their commitment to results over profit. They value the result more than the money. I’m a life time customer now, notes one satisfied customer. The company’s reputation is built on highly skilled expert technicians, laser focus on customer service and experience, rapid response installations and service 24/7/365, fully licensed and insured, all work guaranteed for one year, meeting and exceeding environmental standards.

The Health and Economic Benefits

The investment in professional PTAC cleaning pays dividends beyond health benefits. A clean machine operates more efficiently so you can save on your electric bill and, more importantly, improve your indoor air quality. Studies show that under-maintained PTAC units consume approximately twice as much energy to provide guests’ a comfortable environment.

From a health perspective, “Allergy season can last all year for those who deal with indoor allergens, but it can be worse in spring when pollen becomes a factor. Getting rid of all types of allergens helps you cut down on symptoms”, according to allergist James Tracy, DO, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Timing Your PTAC Deep Clean

Every PTAC manufacturer recommends a complete cleaning at least once a year or more, but spring presents the optimal window for comprehensive cleaning. Lion Enterprises offers an annual Clean-N-Check service program to get your A/C units ready to run before temperatures heat up.

Given that tree pollen typically peaks at the end of April or early May, which means people who have allergic reactions to this group of pollen may start to see their symptoms subside around Memorial Day. Unfortunately, those who are allergic to grass and plant pollen may continue to have some allergy symptoms throughout the summer, early spring cleaning becomes even more critical.

Take Action Now

Don’t let your PTAC unit become a reservoir for spring allergens. Enhanced Indoor Air Quality: Routine cleaning removes dust, allergens, and other pollutants, contributing to a healthier indoor environment. With professional deep cleaning, you’re not just preparing for this allergy season—you’re investing in year-round comfort and health.

As pollen counts soar and allergy seasons extend, ensuring your PTAC unit is professionally cleaned and maintained becomes not just a luxury, but a necessity for comfortable, healthy indoor living. Contact the experts who understand both the unique challenges of New York’s environment and the specific needs of PTAC systems to breathe easier this spring and beyond.