Air conditioners, or AC, are standard in many homes, offices, and commercial spaces. Their function is valued during the hot summer months as they help to regulate indoor temperature and keep the room comfortable. Thus, it is necessary for many people and spaces, especially when the temperature becomes brutally hot.
But did you know they can also promote various health issues, particularly respiratory health conditions? Regular AC maintenance or tune-ups are a must to maintain indoor air quality. If you don’t do this, this appliance can promote the circulation of harmful allergens and mold into the air.
How Often Should You Conduct AC Maintenance?
HVAC experts usually recommend undergoing AC maintenance once every 12 months. In addition, your AC unit must undergo a comprehensive tune-up to ensure all components work efficiently.
However, various factors can affect the performance and ability of the AC unit to deliver clean indoor air. Therefore, you must assess these factors to help you decide on the ideal frequency of undergoing AC cleaning.
Some locations require homeowners and commercial spaces to use their air conditioners more often. For this, you need to conduct more frequent maintenance and checkups. In addition, the extent of use can contribute to the degradation of the AC parts, which means you have to take extra care of them.
How Does AC Maintenance Improve Indoor Air Quality?
An AC technician will perform various checks and repairs as part of the AC maintenance. The goal is to keep the components in good condition to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
But how does AC maintenance contribute to improving the quality of indoor air?
1. Regulate Humidity Level
During AC maintenance, the technician checks the evaporator coil, which eliminates humid air inside the home. Without humid air, the indoor temperature is more comfortable.
Humidity plays a vital role in the overall air quality. In Florida, humidity is prevalent. Therefore, homeowners depend on their AC units to combat humidity and keep indoor air cool and clean. The Relative Humidity rating measures the amount of humid air inside your home.
The RH rating of your indoor air is essential not just for comfort but also for health reasons. According to the EPA, the ideal humidity level in a home should be less than 50% but not lower than 30%. Too much humidity can worsen allergy symptoms and cause inflammation. Therefore, cleaning your AC unit regularly is essential to avoid too much humid air and its potential risks.
2. Reduce Mold Growth
In certain conditions, mold can thrive in your home. And when it does, it is hazardous to your health.
Regular AC maintenance can help combat or prevent mold growth. Certain parts of the AC unit can retain excess moisture, which makes it at risk of promoting mold growth. You can easily avoid this with regular inspections and checkups of your AC unit.
Regular cleanup can eliminate clogs in the air filters, impeding airflow. When airflow is lacking, mold is more likely to grow and spread.
3. Prevent the Risk of Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leaks are another serious possibility from a lack of regular AC maintenance. Routine cleaning and maintenance are even more critical if you have an old AC model. Refrigerant leaks can cause various health issues, such as skin irritation and headaches. In addition, they can also cause permanent damage to the entire cooling system.
Annual AC check ups can prevent refrigerant leaks from happening. In addition, this will enable your HVAC technician to assess the condition of the unit to avoid potential leaks.
4. Access to Fresh and Clean Air
If all AC unit components are working correctly and in good condition, homeowners can enjoy more effective cooling. It is a huge benefit when dealing with the hot Florida summers.
In addition, you have peace of mind knowing that your AC unit introduces clean and fresh air into the room. As a result, the overall indoor air quality is improved.
Final Thoughts
Regular AC maintenance is a simple but effective step toward promoting indoor air quality at home or in commercial spaces. It ensures that every part and component is thoroughly cleaned and is working correctly. You will also notice a marked difference in indoor air quality, especially when a professional and expert technician does the cleaning.
Aside from promoting better indoor air quality, getting ahead of potential repairs and issues is better. An annual tune-up is a safe bet if you want to extend the lifespan of your AC unit.