Indoor Air Quality: How Your AC Impacts the Air You Breathe

how ac impacts the air you breathe

As summer approaches, homeowners start relying more on their air conditioning units to keep their homes cool and comfortable. However, did you know that your AC can also impact the quality of air you breathe indoors? Poor indoor air quality can lead to health issues like allergies, asthma, and respiratory problems. In this blog post, we will discuss how your AC impacts indoor air quality and provide tips to improve the air in your home.

1. Change Your AC Filter Regularly

The air filter in your AC unit plays a vital role in trapping dust, dirt, and other pollutants. Over time, the filter can become clogged, reducing its ability to filter the air effectively. As a result, the air quality in your home can suffer. To prevent this, it's essential to change your AC filter regularly.

We recommend changing it every 1-3 months, depending on your usage. Regularly changing your filter ensures that your AC system can efficiently remove contaminants from the air, providing a cleaner and healthier indoor environment. Not only does this improve air quality, but it also enhances the performance and longevity of your AC unit.

2. Use a High-Efficiency Filter

Not all air filters are created equal. If you want to improve the air quality in your home, consider using a high-efficiency filter. These filters are designed to capture smaller particles like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites, which can trigger allergies and asthma.

Look for filters with a MERV rating of 11 or higher for the best results. High-efficiency filters are more effective at trapping microscopic particles that standard filters might miss, providing superior protection against allergens and pollutants. By upgrading to a high-efficiency filter, you can significantly reduce the number of airborne contaminants, resulting in cleaner, healthier air for you and your family.

3. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Regular AC maintenance is crucial to keep your unit running efficiently and effectively. During a maintenance visit, our HVAC technicians will clean and inspect your unit, identify any issues, and make necessary repairs. This can help improve your indoor air quality by ensuring that your AC is working correctly.

Maintenance visits typically include cleaning the coils, checking the refrigerant levels, and inspecting the ductwork for any signs of leaks or blockages. By addressing these issues, you can prevent contaminants from circulating in your home and ensure that your AC system is not spreading dust, mold, or other allergens.

In addition to improving air quality, regular maintenance can also enhance the overall performance of your AC unit, leading to better energy efficiency and lower utility bills. Well-maintained systems are less likely to break down and have a longer lifespan, saving you money on costly repairs and replacements.

Scheduling routine maintenance at least once a year is a proactive step to ensure your AC unit operates at its best, providing clean, cool air throughout your home.

4. Consider an Air Purifier

If you want to take your indoor air quality to the next level, consider investing in an air purifier. These devices work by removing pollutants from the air, including dust, pollen, and smoke. Air purifiers are especially beneficial for individuals with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions, as they can significantly reduce the number of airborne irritants. Some air purifiers also have HEPA filters, which can capture even smaller particles like bacteria and viruses, providing an extra layer of protection for your home.

Integrating an air purifier with your existing HVAC system can enhance its effectiveness in maintaining clean indoor air. While your AC unit filters out larger particles, an air purifier targets the finer contaminants that can slip through. This combination ensures a more comprehensive approach to air quality management. By considering an air purifier, you invest in a healthier living environment, ensuring that the air you and your family breathe is as clean and pure as possible.

5. Keep Your Home Clean

Finally, keeping your home clean can also help improve indoor air quality. Dust and dirt can accumulate quickly, especially in high-traffic areas like the living room and bedroom. Regularly dusting, vacuuming, and mopping can help reduce the number of pollutants in your home. Using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can be particularly effective at trapping dust mites, pet dander, and other small particles that standard vacuums might miss. Additionally, washing bedding and curtains regularly can help minimize the presence of allergens.

Maintaining a clean home not only contributes to better air quality but also enhances the overall health and comfort of your living space. Be mindful of using natural or non-toxic cleaning products, as some conventional cleaners can release harmful chemicals into the air.

Keeping clutter to a minimum can also reduce dust accumulation and make cleaning easier. By adopting a regular cleaning routine, you can significantly decrease the number of airborne pollutants, ensuring a fresher and healthier environment for you and your family.

Conclusion

Maintaining good indoor air quality is essential for your health and comfort, and your AC system plays a vital role in this. By changing your AC filter regularly, using a high-efficiency filter, scheduling regular maintenance, considering an air purifier, and keeping your home clean, you can significantly improve the air you breathe. These steps not only enhance your indoor air quality but also ensure your AC system operates efficiently and effectively.

Investing in these practices can lead to a healthier living environment, reduce allergens, and prevent respiratory issues. At Glover & Son Heating and Air Conditioning, we are committed to helping you achieve the best indoor air quality possible. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in maintaining a clean and healthy home environment.

Glover & Son Logo

About Glover & Son Heating and Air Conditioning

Glover & Son Heating and Air Conditioning, INC is your go-to solution for HVAC services in Fremont and the surrounding Bay Area. As a family-owned and locally operated business since 1998, we're here to help you with superior heating and cooling that's second to none.