3 Ways An Air Conditioning Contractor Can Keep Your Air Quality Safe

If you have central air conditioning in your home, you may believe that it helps keep your indoor air quality cleaner than what it would be if you used window units. While central air conditioning units are beneficial to homeowners, they need to be maintained and routinely checked by an air conditioning services professional. Failure to do so may result in poor air quality and subsequent health problems for you and your family. Here are three ways air conditioning services can keep your air quality clean and how it can benefit your health.

Routine Filter Changes

Clean air filters are essential for optimal indoor air quality. Pet dander, dust, fungi, and mold spores can become trapped inside your air filters. While this is exactly what your air filters are supposed to do, unless they are periodically replaced with new ones, the buildup of particles will get blown into your living space when you turn on your air conditioning unit.

Not only can microorganisms pollute your air as a result of dirty air filters, but failing to replace them with new ones may cause your system to work harder. Because of this, your home may not effectively cool when your air conditioning is on, potentially causing a dramatic spike in the cost of your electric bills.

When your air conditioning contractor routinely changes your air filters, you and your family will be less likely to experience allergy symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose. While some air filters are reusable and only need to be cleaned, most are disposable and need periodic replacing. 

Poor indoor air quality related to dirty air filters may be dangerous for people who suffer from emphysema, asthma, or chronic bronchitis because even inhaling low concentrations of dust, mold, and pet dander can lead to respiratory distress. 

Vent Cleaning

When grime, dust, and other contaminants stick to the inner workings and outer grills of your vents, your air quality may suffer. As soon as your air conditioner is turned on, the cold, forceful air will blow the debris into the air, eventually settling on your furniture, floors, kitchen appliances, countertops, and televisions.

When an air conditioning professional cleans both the inside and outside of your vents, airborne particles are less likely to invade your space. While vent cleaning may not need to be performed as frequently as replacing your air filters, it is still important to help maintain the quality of your air. Clean vents will also reduce the amount of sediment that collects on your furniture so that you do not have to dust as frequently. 

Ductwork Inspection 

Mold, dust, fungi, and even bird droppings can be lurking inside your ductwork. If not inspected and cleaned by an air conditioning professional, these contaminants can invade your home. If you have gaps or holes in your roof or gutters, squirrels, mice, and birds can gain access to your home and take up residence in your attic.

Their droppings can then become intermingled with your ductwork and contaminate your indoor air with dangerous bacteria and viruses. You should never attempt to clean the ductwork on your own, because doing so may lead to injury, illness or problems with air circulation. 

Make a service appointment with an air conditioning contractor. He or she can inspect your vents, ductwork, and air filters to determine if they need cleaning, replacing, or servicing. When air conditioning maintenance and service is performed regularly, you and your family are less likely to experience negative health effects of poor air quality. You may also be pleasantly surprised to discover that routine air conditioning maintenance saves on energy costs.

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