
From pollen and pet dander to mildew and mold, the list of indoor pollutants that can contaminate your home environment and affect the health of its inhabitants is extensive.
Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can lead to a range of health issues including respiratory problems such as asthma, allergies, and bronchitis, as well as headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. It can also worsen pre-existing conditions and cause the development of new health issues such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
According to the U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA), Americans are spending an average of 90% of their time indoors, where the concentrations of some pollutants are often two to five times higher than typical outdoor concentrations. This shows the issue of maintaining good levels of IAQ has never been more relevant. This article will outline the benefits your air conditioning unit can offer when it comes to improving the IAQ of your home.
Benefits of Air Conditioning
Air conditioning systems can play a key role in improving IAQ providing a healthier home environment. By regulating the temperature inside a building, air conditioning units can help to remove excess humidity from the air, which can prevent mould growth and reduce the risk of allergies and respiratory problems such as asthma.
Air conditioning systems are also equipped with filters that can help to clean the air by removing allergens and pollutants such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, further reducing the risk of allergies and the development of health conditions.
Ventilation is another important aspect of air conditioning systems that can help to improve IAQ. By bringing in air from outside and diluting indoor pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other airborne contaminants, air conditioners can help to remove stale air, improving the overall air quality inside a house.
Some air conditioning systems are also equipped with UV light enabling them to purify the air by killing airborne microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and mould spores by destroying their DNA so they can no longer reproduce and spread. If you are looking to upgrade or replace your air conditioning unit a reputable, EPA- certified service such as Sierra Air Conditioning can help.
Importance of Servicing
Proper maintenance of your air conditioning unit is essential to ensure it performs optimally, helping to improve IAQ. Regularly replacing your air filters will ensure pollutants and allergens, such as mold spores, dust, dander and pollen do not accumulate. When the air filter becomes clogged with these particles, it can no longer effectively remove them from the air leading to a decrease in the overall air quality which can exacerbate allergies and respiratory conditions.
Inadequate maintenance of your air conditioning unit can also lead to mold growth and other moisture-related issues, as well as the release of toxic chemicals from refrigerant leaks which all contribute to reducing the air quality in your home.
There are clearly benefits to be gained from installing an air conditioner when it comes to improving the IAQ of your home as well as the health of you and your family members.