Which AC system is best for Bronchiectasis & MAC?

For years now I have been very much concerned with how we heat and cool most of our homes. Central units with ductwork, filters and the unit itself to make it all work. Reality is there are so many different heating and air conditioning systems and units that have been used through the years that could be the cause of illnesses and infections .

Things can happen regarding central systems. Years ago I came down with Legionella and Mycoplasma Pneumonias with both at the same time. I finally figured out the possible reasons …. a dirty central heating system filter caused by a contractors negligence and then a water based heating system where I worked …a long story but the important thing is that I obviously survived.

Glad to have read the post that coffcoff posted. I will be calling my reliable AC/HAVC system service person and discussing what coffcoff posted to know what we can do and what company is the most reliable to use to clean the many feet of the central system ductwork. I have put off having the ductwork cleaned for fear the tech’s would accidently undo a joint connection and not inform me…all ductwork is in the attic. I’ll just have to have my AC/HAVC service person come back afterwards and have him check all.

Also, for me, and as I understand it is somewhat common, I found out I was sleeping with my mouth open after a while of falling off to sleep. I would wake up with dry mouth. I still find myself doing that via dry mouth in the mornings but don’t know how to control it or correct it. I believe, however I may be wrong, sleeping with one’s mouth open would dry you out all the way down to the air ways and could possibly cause bacteria from the heating system into one’s own system. Possibly??? I have wondered about that for some time as ONE of the possible reasons of why my MAI. I hope to discuss this with my BE pulmonologist on my next visit.

All posts on this thread are great and sure brings up much to think about for all of us.
Barbara

Many thanks to everyone for these super helpful comments! So much to think about! I was able to connect with my HVAC guy, and he said he would recommend the Reme Halo UV light and a media air cleaner. (I've attached the pdf on the UV light in case anyone is interested. He quoted me a price of $850 for the light.) He also said the filter is very easy to change, and I could indeed do it myself, but he highly recommends I stay on a service contract to make sure everything is well maintained. I trust him very much. I recently had him install a Navien all-in-one on-demand tankless hot water heater and furnace, and it's given me such peace of mind to know that the water is not sitting in a big tank possibly collecting bacteria. I never did learn how to flush the water heater tank and it's weighed heavily on my mind since my diagnosis.

Sometimes it feels like there is a never-ending list of items to learn about and process! I'm super grateful to everyone on this forum for so generously sharing their questions, thoughts and guidance. I'm a firmer believer in the "collective intelligence" - we are all much smarter together than any one of us is alone.

May 2025 be a year in which we all experience an abundance of joy and peace even as we struggle with our ongoing health concerns.

Kind regards,
Jill