Your air conditioner does a lot more than just cool your home. It also impacts the air quality inside.
When you neglect AC maintenance, it can lead to a number of indoor air quality problems that can cause a range of health problems, from headaches and fatigue to dizziness and difficulty breathing.
How does an AC negatively impact your indoor quality?
Let’s take a look.
1. Dirty AC Air Filters
One of the most important things you can do to improve your indoor air quality is to regularly change the air filter in your AC unit.
A dirty air filter will cause your AC unit to work harder, which wastes energy and circulates more dust and pollutants around your home.
To keep your air clean, check your air filter monthly and replace it as needed.
Experts at Year Round Heating & Air services note that opting for the latest HEPA air filters can also help to improve your indoor air quality.
While a regular air filter also works well, a HEPA filter will remove up to 99.97% of particles that are 0.03 microns or larger.
If you have pets or someone in your home suffers from allergies, investing in a HEPA filter is a good idea.
2. Foul Odors From the AC Drain Pan
Another common problem that can arise from neglecting your AC unit is a foul smell coming from the drain pan.
Over time, the drain pan can fill up with mold, mildew, and bacteria, which then get circulated around your home every time you turn on your AC.
When this is left unchecked, it’s likely to cause a musty smell in your home.
To prevent this from happening, it’s important to clean the drain pan and AC coils regularly.
This will help remove any mold, mildew, or bacteria and improve air quality in your home.
During regular AC maintenance, a technician will be able to identify any areas that need to be cleaned and take care of the problem for you.
3. Clogged AC Condensate Drain Lines
As your AC unit runs, it produces condensation that collects in the drain pan. This water then drains out through the AC condensate drain line.
However, over time these pipes can become clogged with dirt, debris, and even mold.
If this happens, the water will back up into your home, causing water damage and creating the perfect environment for mold to grow.
How does this affect indoor air quality?
Well, as the mold grows, it will start to circulate around your home every time you turn on your AC unit.
This can cause a range of health problems, from respiratory infections to skin rashes.
To prevent this from happening, it’s important to have your condensate drain line regularly cleaned by a technician.
4. Leaking Refrigerant
Your AC unit contains a refrigerant that helps to cool the air as it’s circulated around your home. However, over time this refrigerant can start to leak.
If your AC is leaking refrigerant, it will not be able to cool your home effectively, and the air quality will suffer as a result.
Exposure to AC refrigerant can be harmful to your health, causing a range of symptoms from nausea and dizziness to skin irritation.
If you think your AC unit may be leaking refrigerant, it’s important to have it checked by a technician as soon as possible.
They will be able to identify the problem and repair any leaks, ensuring that your AC unit is running efficiently and your indoor air quality is improved.
Don’t Ignore AC Maintenance
Your air conditioner is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your home, and it can have a significant impact on your indoor air quality.
That’s why it’s important to keep up with regular AC maintenance.
A well-maintained AC unit will run more efficiently and last longer, saving you money in the long run while creating a healthier environment for you and your family.