During the sweltering summer months, many of us turn to our trusty central air conditioning systems to keep us comfortable indoors. While these AC units are undoubtedly known for their capability to cool down our living spaces, one question remains: Does AC improve air quality? Or is it just good at providing cool air?
When it comes down to it, the answer isn’t straightforward. Air conditioners do improve indoor air quality — but only to a certain extent. Below, let’s dive further into the topic of whether central air conditioners actually help clean the air we breathe indoors.
What Is Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the quality of air inside buildings and structures, especially homes. Good IAQ helps keep people healthy and comfortable, while poor IAQ can lead to health problems like headaches, fatigue, and irritation of the nose, eyes, throat, and lungs.
The quality of your home’s indoor air can be improved by proper ventilation, air filtration, and the control of pollutants from indoor sources, such as dust, smoke, and chemicals.
How Does a Central Air Conditioner Work?
Before we answer the question of whether central air conditioners improve indoor air quality, let’s review how these systems work. They consist of three main parts: the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator. The compressor and condenser are located outside, while the evaporator is inside the house.
The compressor pumps refrigerant gas to the condenser, where it cools down and turns into a liquid, releasing heat. The liquid refrigerant then flows through pipes to the evaporator, where it expands and absorbs heat from the indoor air, cooling it down. Afterward, this cooled air is blown back into your living space through ducts and vents.
Does AC Improve Air Quality?
Now, coming back to the question at hand: do air conditioners improve indoor air quality? As we already mentioned, the answer to this question is not a straightforward one. Sure, AC does improve air quality — but not directly.
Firstly, central air conditioners can help reduce indoor air pollution by preventing outdoor pollutants from entering the house. The air filters in the HVAC system trap dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants, preventing them from circulating throughout your living spaces.
Moreover, a well-maintained air conditioning unit can also help prevent mold growth and moisture accumulation, which can cause health problems like allergies and asthma attacks. When the time comes to schedule AC maintenance in Kentucky, rest assured knowing the experts at Arlinghaus are here to help. We offer annual tune-ups to keep your cooling system running smoothly.
When it comes down to it, it’s important to understand that simply relying on a central air conditioning system to improve your home’s indoor air quality may not be enough. For instance, air filters need to be changed regularly to remain effective. It can also be helpful to know that whole-home air filtration systems can be used with central AC units to further improve IAQ.
What Are Whole-Home Air Filtration Systems?
If you’re concerned about your home’s IAQ and have been looking for an effective solution, you may have heard of “whole-house air filtration systems.” So, how do air conditioners improve air quality when they’re combined with one of these air filtration systems? The entire process is actually pretty easy to understand.
As the name suggests, whole-house air filtration systems are designed to clean the air in your entire home. Unlike portable air purifiers, which are limited to one room, these systems are more comprehensive and effective at removing pollutants from the air. They are installed directly into your home’s HVAC system, so the air is filtered and cleaned as it passes through the ductwork.
Schedule IAQ Services With the Happy House Guys
It’s no secret that air conditioning is a must when the hot summer weather rolls in. However, for many people, controlling airborne pollutants inside their homes is as much a concern as keeping cool. So, does AC improve air quality? As you can see, the answer doesn’t really have a “yes” or “no” answer. Central air conditioners do improve indoor air quality to some extent. However, it’s not a comprehensive solution to indoor air pollution.
If you want to enhance your home’s IAQ, it’s important to combine the use of your central air conditioner with other sources of air filtration or purification, such as air cleaners, regular HVAC system maintenance, proper ventilation, and the control of indoor pollutants. Fortunately, this is where Arlinghaus can help.
Our team of professionals can provide you with indoor air quality testing in Kentucky to help you find the perfect IAQ products for your specific needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!