How to Improve Indoor Air Quality with AC
You spend a lot of time in your home. When you are working, sleeping and relaxing indoors, the air quality in your home is important. Some homeowners believe their AC keeps their home fresh and clean.
However, that is not always true. In fact, your AC can spread dust, allergens and pollutants around your house if you are not careful. The good news is that with a few simple steps, your AC will improve your home’s indoor air quality.
How Important Is Indoor Air Quality?
Contrary to popular belief, the air inside your home can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Dust, pet dander, mold spores, pollen, and chemical vapors all accumulate inside your home. When your indoor air quality is bad, you might experience headaches, allergies or asthma symptoms and fatigue. Children and elderly individuals are affected the most. Improving your indoor air quality is essential to your family’s health year-round.
Change Your Air Filters Frequently
Air filters trap dirt, pollen, pet dander and many other particles that are airborne in your home. Eventually, the filter becomes clogged and dirty. When this happens, your filter becomes less effective and may even blow pollutants back into your home.
Replace your air filter every 30 days minimum. If possible, change your filter every one to three months. If someone in your household has allergies or you have pets, consider changing it more frequently. When you are at the store buying a new filter, take note of the MERV rating. MERV is an acronym that stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. A higher MERV rating translates to better filtration.
For example, while a MERV 8 filter captures general dust and dirt, a MERV 13 filter can capture smaller particles such as bacteria and smoke. HEPA filters are even more powerful and can greatly improve your indoor air quality if you suffer from allergies. True HEPA filtration clocks in at a MERV rating of 17 or higher.
Upgrade Your Home’s Air Filter
When you shop for air filters, you will notice that not all filters are created equal. A basic air filter protects your HVAC equipment from large debris and not much else. A high-efficiency filter can protect you from unseen pollutants like pet dander and dust.
By upgrading your filter from a basic model to a MERV 13 filter, you can reduce the levels of particle matter floating around in your home. Not only will you breathe cleaner air, but your AC system will operate more efficiently.
Keep your Home’s AC Coils Clean
Your air conditioner has two coils that can greatly impact the air quality in your home. One is called the evaporator coil and the other is called the condenser coil. If these coils become dirty, they make it harder for your AC system to cool your home and filter your air.
Pollutants can build up inside a dirty coil. They can even become a host for bacteria and mold. You should have both coils cleaned yearly to prevent this from happening. Coil cleaning is typically done during your annual AC tune-up.
Use Your AC to Control Humidity Levels
Did you know that humidity has a huge impact on your home’s indoor air quality? High humidity allows mold and mildew to grow rapidly inside your home. Humidity also encourages dust mites and other allergens to become more active. Using your air conditioner helps manage humidity levels in your home. As your AC runs, it takes excess moisture from the air.
If you live in a very humid area like Houston, your AC might not be able to keep up on its own. Even if your AC is running, your home may still feel sticky. One way to reduce excess humidity is to add a whole-home dehumidifier to your HVAC system. The ideal humidity level for comfort and indoor air quality is between 30% and 50%.
Use Your Fan Setting Wisely
Depending on your thermostat, you may have the option of running your fan on “auto” or “on.” When you run your fan on “auto” your fan will only blow when your AC is turning on to cool your home. “On” means your fan will constantly blow, even when your AC is not cooling.
Leaving your fan on “on” will circulate air through your HVAC system more often. Not only will this remove more pollutants from your air, but it will eliminate hot and cold spots in your home. There are trade-offs to running your fan continuously. Your energy bills may be slightly higher, and you may need to change your filter more often. For allergy and asthma sufferers, the benefits of running your fan continuously are well worth it.
Consider Getting Your Air Ducts Cleaned
Your air ducts play a huge role in your indoor air quality. When air travels through your ducts, dirt and debris can attach to them. If your ducts are leaking, your indoor air can pick up unfiltered air from crawl spaces and attics.
You should have your air ducts inspected every few years. Signs that you need air duct cleaning include visible mold or dirt, or a musty smell when your AC runs. When your air ducts are cleaned, leaky ducts should be sealed to improve air quality and energy efficiency.
Install an Air Purifier
While your AC system can improve your home’s indoor air quality, there are limits to its filtration abilities. One way to eliminate those limits is by adding an air purifier to your HVAC system. Air cleaners/purifiers come with different strengths and functions. Some use UV technology to kill bacteria and viruses. Others use an ionizer to trap ultra-fine particles.
There are also portable air purifiers that you can place in rooms around your house. Air purifiers used in bedrooms are great since you spend several hours at a time sleeping indoors.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance Every Year
Although there are many things you can do to improve your indoor air quality, none are as important as maintenance. During your yearly AC tune-up, your technician will check and replace your air filter, clean your coils, inspect your drain pan, check refrigerant levels, and much more. Scheduling annual maintenance keeps your AC working efficiently and efficiently means cleaner air.
Take your AC unit as you would like another family member. Give it annual checkups and it will keep giving you cleaner air to breathe
Case Study: Enhancing IAQ Through Improved AC Maintenance
The Smith family struggled with allergies whenever they spent extended time indoors. Runny noses, irritated eyes, and dust accumulation were persistent problems that really bothered them during the spring and summer seasons.
A quick call to their HVAC company revealed their air filter was several months overdue for replacement, and annual AC maintenance was also past due. After installing a MERV 13 air filter and scheduling evaporator and condenser coil cleaning, the family also decided to set their system up for annual maintenance.
The family quickly saw results after cleaning and enhancing their home’s air conditioner. Dust seemed to accumulate less, allergy symptoms weren’t as bad, and everyone felt like the air was fresher. Using proper maintenance and equipment made their entire home more comfortable.
https://www.smithandcompanyhvac.com/hvac-upgrades-for-indoor-air-quality-during-allergy-season/
FAQ
1. Can my AC help me improve my indoor air quality?
Yes, your air conditioner can improve your IAQ if properly maintained. AC units help filter out particles in the air, keep humidity levels in check, and can generally keep your indoor air clean.
2. How often should I change the filter in my AC?
We recommend most families replace their AC filter every one to three months, depending on your usage, if you have pets, and if anyone suffers from allergies.
3. What kind of MERV rating filter is best for air quality?
If you want to improve your home’s air quality, we suggest a MERV 13 air filter. These filters can trap pollen, smoke, and even pet dander. They help improve air quality without restricting airflow.
4. Does air conditioning help with humidity?
Air conditioners help regulate indoor humidity levels by removing excess moisture from the air. We recommend keeping your home somewhere between 30%-50% humidity.
5. Should I have my HVAC maintenance yearly to help with air quality?
Yes! Maintaining your HVAC system is one of the best ways you can keep your indoor air clean. During their visit, your technician will clean your coils, change your air filter, and ensure everything is working as it should be.