How Air Conditioning Affects Indoor Air Quality

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Air conditioners and air purification – what’s the real story? You might wonder about this, especially since indoor air can be two to ten times more polluted than outside air. We use AC systems every day, and they account for about 10% of worldwide electricity use. Yet most of us rarely think about how they affect the air we breathe.

AC systems help cut down allergens by filtering out dust, pollen, and mould spores. But their relationship with indoor air quality isn’t straightforward. Recent studies show that 84% of people worry about indoor air pollution and want better ways to protect their family’s health. These concerns make sense. Poor indoor air quality can trigger serious health issues from breathing problems to heart disease, and it can even affect how well we think.

This article examines how your AC system affects the air in your home. We’ll clarify common myths about air purification and share practical tips for improving indoor air quality, while giving you an idea of whether you require an air conditioning service.

How Air Conditioners Really Work

Many people think air conditioners create cold air. They don’t. These machines actually work by moving heat from inside your home to the outside through a heat transfer process. A special fluid called refrigerant circulates through the system to absorb excess heat from indoor spaces and release it outside.

The cooling process starts as room air flows into the air conditioner through a return vent. This warm air moves across cold evaporator coils filled with refrigerant. The refrigerant changes from a cool liquid to a warm gas as it absorbs heat from the air. The system’s dehumidifier pulls out extra moisture, which explains the water you see dripping on humid days.

The heat-laden refrigerant flows to the compressor – a large electric pump that pressurises the gas. This hot, pressurised refrigerant then moves to the condenser coil in the outdoor unit. A fan blows outside air across the hot coil to transfer heat from the refrigerant into the atmosphere. The refrigerant cools down and becomes liquid again.

The cooled refrigerant passes through an expansion valve that controls its flow back to the evaporator coils. This cycle continues until your room reaches the temperature you want.

Air conditioners don’t bring in fresh outside air – they just recirculate the air inside your home. The system pulls in indoor air through return vents, treats it, and sends it back out. Air filters in the system catch dust and allergens during this process, which can make your indoor air cleaner.

Temperature control remains the main job of an air conditioner, though its filtering and dehumidifying features help create a more comfortable space. The simple filtration systems only catch larger particles and aren’t meant for complete air purification.

The Impact of Air Conditioning on Indoor Air Quality

Your AC system’s relationship with indoor air quality goes way beyond the reach and influence of temperature control. It serves a dual role as both a potential solution and possible contributor to your home’s air quality issues.

AC systems definitely help filter air, though they have limitations. Standard AC filters catch larger particles like dust and visible debris. Most filters can’t trap smaller contaminants such as viruses or bacteria. The filter type determines filtration efficiency – from simple fibreglass filters to advanced options like HEPA filters. HEPA filters can remove at least 99.97% of particulate matter as small as 0.3 microns.

Humidity control stands out as a major benefit of air conditioning. ACs help prevent mould and mildew growth by managing to keep optimal humidity levels between 30-50%. This dehumidifying function matters especially when you have excessive moisture. High moisture levels can make air stuffy and help allergens grow on indoor surfaces.

Air conditioners might worsen indoor air quality under certain conditions, despite their benefits. To cite an instance, research reveals CO2 levels in rooms with split ACs can be twice as high as naturally ventilated spaces. This happens because most systems recirculate existing indoor air without bringing in fresh air from outside. Such recirculation can lead to indoor pollutant buildup.

Systems that aren’t maintained well become problematic. Clogged filters reduce efficiency and can become breeding grounds for bacteria and mould. These contaminants might spread throughout your home, as the system circulates dust, dirt, and harmful microorganisms.

Stale air presents another challenge. Air becomes stale and often develops an unpleasant odour when it sits in a room with minimal circulation or ventilation. This matters since Australians spend about 90% of their time indoors.

Regular maintenance plays a vital role. You can improve your air-conditioned home’s air quality by cleaning filters every two to four weeks, getting professional servicing, and opening windows occasionally for ventilation.

Common Misconceptions About AC and Air Purification

Many homeowners believe their air conditioning systems work as complete air purifiers. Several myths have emerged about how ACs affect indoor air quality.

Myth: Air conditioners bring in fresh air from outside

Most people think standard air conditioners pull in fresh outside air. They don’t. ACs recirculate existing indoor air through a heat exchange process. Your AC takes the air inside your home, cools it down and sends it back into your living space. This explains why air-conditioned rooms feel stuffy without proper ventilation.

Myth: Air conditioners effectively purify the air

Air conditioners have simple filtration features, but they aren’t built to purify air. Standard AC filters only catch larger dust particles. These coarse filters barely affect smoke, mould spores, germs and fine particles. Their main job is to protect the AC’s internal parts rather than clean your air.

Myth: AC rooms don’t need air purifiers

This couldn’t be more wrong. Air conditioners control temperature but don’t remove smaller pollutants. You need a dedicated air purifier with HEPA filtration to clean allergens, smoke and other fine particles from your air.

Myth: All air conditioning filters are equally effective

AC filtration quality varies across different models. Simple filters catch only dust particles, while better-grade filters might trap smaller contaminants. But even the best AC filters can’t match dedicated air purifiers, especially when you have HEPA technology that removes particles as small as 0.3 microns.

Air conditioners help improve air quality by removing excess moisture. They maintain humidity between 40-60%, which stops mould from growing and makes your space more comfortable. You need to understand these limitations to maintain clean indoor air.

Conclusion

The relationship between air conditioning and indoor air quality is more complex than most people think. Air conditioners provide some filtration benefits but don’t work as complete air purifiers. Your standard AC system catches bigger particles but doesn’t trap smaller contaminants. The humidity control these systems provide is a vital part of stopping mould growth and makes your living space more comfortable.

Your AC system needs proper maintenance to keep indoor air healthy. Clean filters every two to four weeks, get professional servicing, and open windows occasionally to substantially improve your home’s air quality. Your AC works by recirculating existing indoor air instead of pulling fresh air from outside – that’s why air-conditioned rooms can feel stuffy sometimes.

The best way to tackle indoor air pollution is to use both an air conditioner and a dedicated air purifier. This setup helps you manage temperature and clean your air properly, especially when you need to remove allergens, smoke, and tiny particles that regular AC filters don’t catch.

Many Australians think their AC systems are complete air purification solutions – but that’s not the case. Your air conditioner’s main job is to cool your home, and any improvements to air quality are just bonus benefits with clear limits. While your AC makes you comfortable, you need an all-encompassing approach with extra strategies beyond what your AC can do by itself.