As we approach the warm summer months in Colorado Springs, more and more residents will turn on their air conditioning units in hopes of cooling down their homes. Though the AC provides a welcomed relief from the heat, it can impact the quality of air in the home. As the area’s leading central air conditioning repair and maintenance service technicians, we want to help you understand some of these air quality concerns and provide you with information on how to prevent them.
How Air Conditioning Can Impact Indoor Air Quality
Your air conditioner doesn’t necessarily cause poor air quality, but it can be worsened when the wrong pollutants are distributed through the air ducts and vents. The most common types of pollutants include:
Particulate Matter
Small particles like dust, pollen, dirt, and even mites become airborne and circulate through the home.
Mold or Mildew
Mold or mildew is highly toxic and develops due to excess water or moisture in the home. Mold can lead to adverse respiratory problems like asthma, allergies, and other lung complications.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOCs are most likely present in your home if you recently had your home renovated or cleaned with certain cleaning supplies. These compounds are extremely irritating to the body and can lead to eye, nose, and throat irritations.
Tobacco Smoke
Secondhand smoke affects everyone in the home as it travels through the vents, causing respiratory issues such as asthma.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that is highly poisonous when inhaled. It usually comes from faulty gas stoves, furnaces, or boilers.
Formaldehyde
This colorless gas comes from building materials like wood products and insulation. Too much exposure to this substance can cause painful headaches and dizziness.
All these pollutants can be harmful to your health. If you want to know which pollutants are present in your home, ask a central air conditioning repair and maintenance services company about testing your home’s air quality.
Air Conditioning Problems That Hurt the Home’s Atmosphere
As we already mentioned, the AC isn’t necessarily the culprit for poor indoor air quality. However, if any of the above-mentioned pollutants are present in the home, the AC will help distribute them throughout the house. Additionally, delaying the following AC repairs will also impact your air quality at home:
Dirty Air Filters
If your air filters are not cleaned regularly, all the pollutants they trap will infiltrate your home. As a result, you could experience poor indoor air quality, increased allergy symptoms, and even asthma.
Dirty Evaporator Coils
Clogged evaporator coils prevent the air conditioning from properly removing moisture and heat from the home. This can create the perfect environment for mold and bacteria to grow, leading to poor health outcomes.
Inadequate Ventilation
Improperly sized units often cause poor ventilation. If your AC is too small for the home, it won’t be able to remove air properly, causing a stuffy and muggy atmosphere. This can cause dizziness and headaches.
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant fluid is very toxic and can be very poisonous. When you notice puddles of water around your unit or a strong chemical smell, contact your local central air conditioning repair and maintenance services for a prompt resolution.
Strategies for Improving Air Quality While Using Air Conditioning
The impact of the AC on indoor air quality can cause you to change your mind about running it all together. However, there are strategies that you can use to improve your air quality without having to turn off the AC.
Regular Maintenance and Cleaning
First, make sure that you keep up with regular maintenance and cleaning services for your air conditioning unit. Schedule a visit for air conditioning repair and maintenance services before the summer hits to ensure that your AC runs optimally.
Choosing and Using Air Filters Effectively
When it comes to air filters, try to follow these simple tips:
- Choose an air filter with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 8 or higher
- Change air filters every 4-6 weeks throughout the summer
- Consider adding air filtration systems to your AC that have air purifiers or UV lights
Optimize Ventilation and Air Flow
Lastly, using exhaust fans, opening windows and doors, and cleaning your air ducts can help you do small things around your home to keep your home’s air as clean and fresh as possible.
Central Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Services
Are you concerned about the condition of your AC and its impact on your air quality? If so, contact One Source Home Service for repairs and maintenance services that will ensure that your AC runs smoothly and efficiently all summer long.
