How Air Conditioning Improves Indoor Air Quality

Is the air in your home or workplace clean? Do you suffer from allergies, asthma, a stuffy nose, or frequent respiratory issues? While most of us don’t think about air quality day-to-day, it significantly impacts our health. Air can be filled with dust, dander, pollen, mold, smoke, and other pollutants that can aggravate allergies, cause respiratory issues, and contribute to poor air quality.

Air conditioners improve indoor air quality and provide a healthier and more comfortable living environment. Professional AC installation in Oakville is one of the best ways to filter out pollutants, regulate humidity levels, and circulate clean, cool air.

Why is Indoor Air Quality Important?

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is important because it impacts our well-being. Most of us spend a significant portion of time indoors, whether relaxing at home or going to work. Breathing cleaner air reduces illness risk, creating a healthier living and working environment.

Air quality can affect our comfort, productivity, and long-term health. Research has linked poor indoor air quality with health problems, including headaches, fatigue, respiratory issues, and eye and nose irritation. For anyone with asthma and allergies, poor air quality will often exacerbate symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, itchy or watery eyes, and a sore throat.

What Affects Indoor Air Quality?

The air we breathe is affected by various factors, including poor ventilation, inadequate HVAC maintenance, humidity, mold, and other pollutants.

 Common indoor pollutants at home:

•  Dust
• Cooking, cleaning products
• Paint stripping, painting, sanding
• Wood burning stoves
• Candles
• Mold
• Radon

 Common contaminants inside schools, offices, and workplaces:

•  Dust, particulate matter
• Mold, mildew
• Pollen
• Formaldehyde
• Radon
• Cleaning Agents

How Can I Tell How Good or Bad My Indoor Air Quality Is?

You can start by using an air quality monitor. These low-cost devices are the easiest way to check air quality. Air quality monitors test for pollen, dust, chemical pollution, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, humidity, and other contaminants. You can also use your senses. Common signs of poor air quality include persistent odors, mold growth, and frequent respiratory issues.

How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Modern AC units with quality filtration systems help “clean” indoor air by removing dust, pollen, odors, cigarette smoke, and other common pollutants. Old, dirty, or broken air conditioners circulate pollutants and allergens, like dust and pollen, rather than remove them.

Your HVAC system can also:

• Maintain safe humidity levels.
• Provide constant and adequate ventilation.
• Maintain a desired temperature.
• Remove unpleasant odors from indoor spaces.
• Reduce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) levels caused by household products like paints, cleaning supplies, and furnishings.

At ACM Mechanical, we offer a range of advanced air conditioning units designed to improve indoor air quality. Whether you’re looking for a system that removes bacteria and viruses from the air or a unit that helps maintain safe humidity levels, we have the solution for you.

Contact ACM Mechanical to learn more about different kinds of air conditioners or book an AC installation in Oakville. We specialize in commercial, industrial, and residential HVAC/R services in Oakville and the GTA.

Servicing Your Air Conditioning System

Regular AC maintenance ensures your unit operates efficiently, especially during peak seasons. If your HVAC system isn’t properly cleaned and maintained, it can affect indoor air quality.

Annual air conditioner maintenance in Oakville with ACM includes:

• Cleaning and replacing filters
• Testing for moisture-related problems
• Checking refrigerant levels
• Coil cleaning
• Lubricating moving parts
• Inspecting and tightening electrical connections
• Testing system controls
• Checking the thermostat

More Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Your air conditioner keeps your home or business cool during Oakville’s hot, sticky months. AC units remove humidity (like a dehumidifier) and pollutants (like an air purifier) in one system. You can invest in a whole-house air purifier, which works with your HVAC system to filter out contaminants.

Here are a few more simple ideas to try:

• Vacuum regularly to help remove dust, pollen, and pet hair that can cause allergies.
• Avoid using harsh cleaning products. Opt for natural or eco-friendly cleaning products instead.
• Open the windows when the weather permits.
• Use exhaust fans to improve air circulation.
• Replace HVAC filters every 1-3 months.
• Indoor plants like spider plants, peace lilies, and Boston ferns naturally purify air by absorbing toxins.

 Contact ACM Mechanical –  Your Local Oakville HVAC Contractor

Are you worried about your home or business’s indoor air quality? Our GTA HVAC technicians can help. At ACM, our certified technicians specialize in overall HVAC health and maintenance.

Reach out to us today for services from your local Oakville HVAC contractor.