As we spend more time staying indoors at home, the quality of the air that we breathe needs to be of the highest possible standard. After all, it’s essential to our health and well-being.
One question homeowners regularly ask us is, does air conditioning improve air quality? And it’s certainly a fair question, given how frequently we use our aircons to cool our homes in summer and heat them in winter.
The global pandemic of 2020-2021 saw many of us become more hyper-aware of our home air quality. This was reflected in a marked increase in purchases of air purifiers and HEPA filters. While the humble and dependable air conditioner won’t typically filter out airborne viruses, it did play a key role in improving air quality and continues to do so. Let’s find out how.
So … How Does Your Aircon Affect Air Quality?
An air conditioning system does more than merely provide cool air to your home in summer. It also improves indoor air quality in a big way.
Air conditioners reduce allergens and other irritants in the air by filtering out unwanted pollutants like dust, pollen, and mould spores. They also improve indoor air quality by helping to control humidity levels. This is an instrumental function that prevents excess moisture and eventual mould growth. Air conditioners also improve ventilation, which helps to facilitate proper air circulation and reduce the build-up of poor indoor air quality.
By managing both temperature and good air quality, air conditioning units go a long way towards building a healthier indoor environment.
Common Indoor Contaminants Your Air Con Removes
As we know, various contaminants can fill the air inside your home that affect your health and well-being. Luckily, your air conditioning unit helps you enjoy better indoor air quality by removing these harmful fine particles. Here are some common indoor pollutants that air conditioning systems can tackle:
- Dust and pollen that can trigger respiratory issues and other allergy symptoms.
- Mould spores, which thrive in damp environments and can cause serious health problems.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household products like paint and cleaning supplies.
- Smoke and other airborne pollutants that reduce air quality inside your home.
By filtering out these contaminants, your air con provides fresher, cleaner air for a healthier living environment.
Air Filters: The Key to Better Indoor Air
Air filters are essential in improving air quality indoors.
Located in every air conditioning system, aircon filters trap all the previously-mentioned airborne pollutants and stop them from circulating through your home. High-efficiency filters can even capture fine, potentially harmful particles like mould spores and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
As part of your air conditioning unit service duties, it’s important to regularly clean and change your air filters so your system keeps running effectively and efficiently. It’s the best way to guarantee cleaner, fresher indoor air and a healthier living environment for your family.
Air Quality and the Role of Humidity and Ventilation
It’s important to remember that good indoor air quality is about more than the presence (or lack thereof) of allergens and pollutants. It’s also about controlling humidity and maximising ventilation.
Your air conditioning system helps regulate humidity levels throughout your home. It prevents the excess moisture that leads to issues like mould and dust mites, both of which contribute to poor indoor air quality. By controlling the air’s volume of moisture, air conditioners create a more comfortable and healthier environment.
Air conditioning improves ventilation by circulating fresh air and removing polluted air from inside your home. This balance of humidity control and ventilation ensures cleaner, fresher air for overall better health.
Does Air Conditioning Affect Outdoor Air Quality?
So far the burning question has been around whether air conditioning improves indoor air quality. But it’s worth considering its possible effect on the outside air too.
As it happens, they actually can have a minor impact on outdoor air quality. Air conditioners draw in some outdoor air, filter it, and remove pollutants before circulating the fresher air indoors. However, older or less efficient systems may release warm air and contribute to higher energy use, which can indirectly affect the environment and increase air pollution.
With a properly maintained, energy-efficient air conditioner, you can reduce any adverse impact on outdoor air quality. And you can do so while still enjoying the benefits of cleaner air inside your home.
Tips for Improving Indoor Air Quality with Your Air Con
Your air conditioning system can do wonders for improving indoor air quality, but it requires proper maintenance for the best results. Here are some simple tips to follow:
- Clean or replace your aircon filters regularly to keep your system running efficiently and remove unwanted airborne pollutants.
- Keep optimal humidity levels to restrict dust mites and mould growth.
- Ensure good ventilation by keeping air ducts clean and unblocked.
- Consider using an air purifier alongside your AC unit for added protection from airborne pollutants.
Following these tips will help you create a healthier, cleaner environment inside your home.
Say Goodbye to Poor Indoor Air Quality
Incorporating your air conditioning system into your plan for improving indoor air quality can make a noticeable difference in your home’s comfort. They’re a key player in helping create a cleaner and healthier living environment. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning or replacing air filters, is vital to keeping your system running efficiently.
With a well-maintained air conditioner, you can enjoy fresher, cleaner air and a more comfortable home for you and your loved ones.
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