• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Buy a Furnace, get an AC system Free!Learn More
ashton logo

Call Ashton Plumbing

Vancouver's Best Plumbing, Heating, and AC Service Solution

  • Plumbing
    • Emergency Plumbing Services
    • Plumbing Repair
      • Leaky Faucet Repair Service
      • Shower Repair
      • Bathroom and Kitchen Sink Repair
      • Bathtub Repair
      • Garburator Repair
      • Sump Pump Repair
    • Plumbing Installation
      • Garburator Installation
      • Toilet Installation
    • All Plumbing Services
    • Water Heater Services
      • Water Heater Installation
      • Water Heater Repair
      • Water Heater Tune-Up
    • Faucet / Fixtures
    • Gas Line Repair
    • Pipe Repair
      • Frozen/Burst Pipe Repair
    • Sump Pumps
      • Sump Pump Backup System
    • Poly B
    • Plumbing Financing
  • Drains
    • Drain Tile Systems
    • Rooter Service
    • Clogged Drains
      • Sewer Drains
      • Laundry Room Drains
      • Kitchen Drains
      • Bathroom Drains
      • Basement Floor Drains
    • Camera Inspection
    • Hydro-Jetting
    • Leak Detection
    • Sewer Lines
      • Sewer Line Repair
      • Sewer Line Install
      • Trenchless Service
    • Water Lines
      • Water Line Repair
      • Water Line Install
    • Backflow Preventor Installation
    • Hydrovac Excavation
    • Drains Financing
  • Heating
    • All Heating Services
    • General Heating
      • General Heating Repair
      • General Heating Installation
      • General Heating Tune-Up
    • Furnaces
      • Furnace Repair
      • Furnace Installation
      • Furnace Tune-Up
    • Boilers
      • Boiler Repair
      • Boiler Installation
      • Boiler Tune-Up
    • Heat Pumps
      • Heat Pump Repair
      • Heat Pump Installation
    • Thermostats
    • Air Ducts
      • Air Duct Repair
    • Indoor Air Quality
    • HVAC Financing
  • Cooling
    • All AC Services
      • AC Installation
      • AC Repair
      • AC Tune-Up
    • Mini Splits
      • Mini Split Repair
      • Mini Split Installation
    • Heat Pumps
      • Heat Pump Repair
      • Heat Pump Installation
    • Mitsubishi
      • Mitsubishi Electric A/C Repair
      • Mitsubishi Electric A/C Install
      • Mitsubishi Electric Mini Split Repair
      • Mitsubishi Electric Mini Split Install
      • Mitsubishi Electric Heat Pump Repair
      • Mitsubishi Electric Heat Pump Install
    • Thermostats
    • Indoor Air Quality
    • HVAC Financing
  • Commercial
    • Commercial Services
    • Mechanical Construction
  • Coupons
  • Help Guides
    • Financing
    • 24/7 Support
    • Products
    • Ask Us A Question
    • Blog
  • About
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Areas We Serve
    • Customer Reviews
    • No Problems Plan
    • Heat Pump Rebates
    • Our Rebates
  • Careers
  • (604) 373 6522
  • Schedule Now

Air Conditioning and Indoor Air Quality – How to Maintain a Healthy Home

August 31, 2023 by hls_admin

Are you wondering about the relationship between air conditioning and indoor air quality? We’ve got some answers for you!

In the heat of summer, for most of us, AC usage increases. Often, this means the windows are closed and the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is recycling indoor air. If left unchecked, this air can carry contaminants that are harmful to your health.

But there are simple solutions and steps you can take to keep you and your family healthy this summer! Follow these tips to maintain healthy air quality in your home while your air conditioner is running.

How Does an Air Conditioner Affect Indoor Air Quality?

 

The main purpose of air conditioning is to improve comfort levels by cooling your indoor space, regulating the temperature through fans, refrigerants, and evaporator coils. It isn’t specifically designed to clean and purify indoor air, but you can influence the quality of the air inside your home by keeping evaporator coils clean and being savvy about the type of filter you use and how often you change it.

On top of that, monitoring your home’s humidity, checking your ductwork, and putting a little time and effort into preventative maintenance can go a long way to reduce household contaminants and keep indoor air fresh, clean, and healthy. Read on to find out how.

Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Home – Choose the Right Filter and Change it Often

All HVAC systems use an air filter to remove particles from the air. As the filter removes air pollutants and contaminants like pollen, pet dander, dirt, dust and debris, it becomes dirty and ineffective over time. Experts recommended changing it at least every three months or checking with the manufacturer for a recommendation on exact timing.

Some filters will fail to remove allergens from the air. Different filters work for different air pollutants, depending on how tightly they are woven. For maximum efficiency and higher air quality in your home, look for a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, and focus on the MERV rating of your air conditioner. The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) will guide you in finding a filter that works best for you. A filter with a higher MERV rating will have finer and better filtrations, making it very effective at providing high air quality; however, it may have less air flow and cause problems, so it’s important to make sure the filter you choose is compatible with your system.

Monitor the Humidity in Your Home

 

While the ideal humidity level in your home ultimately depends on your personal preference, experts suggest a range of 30% – 60% humidity to maintain optimal health and indoor air quality. High humidity levels can cause the air to feel hotter than it really is, prompting the air conditioner to run more often, increasing your energy bills. More importantly, excess moisture creates a toxic breeding ground for mold and bacteria.

A dehumidifier can help to remove excess moisture, restrict household allergens, and improve your indoor air quality. You can also keep humidity levels low with consistent use of ceiling and exhaust fans.

Other Tips to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home

After you’ve assessed your filter and the humidity in your home, here are a few other simple steps you can take to improve indoor air quality.

  1. Check your Air Ducts

 

If your ductwork isn’t installed properly or maintained, it can become a problem, distributing contaminants throughout your home. It’s a good idea to hire a professional to make sure your ducts are circulating clean, fresh air.

  1. Use Indoor Plants

Household plants are a beautiful way to naturally purify the air. Plants will organically pull contaminants out of the air as they take in carbon dioxide and release fresh oxygen into your home.

  1. Open your Windows

On cooler days when you don’t have the air conditioning cranked, open doors and windows to air out your space and allow fresh air to circulate.

  1. Keep your Space Clean

The less contaminants there are in your home, the less toxic particles there are moving through your air conditioning system. Keeping your floors and countertops clean, using non-toxic cleaning products, and emptying filters in your household appliances (vacuum cleaner, clothes dryer, and kitchen vent) will go a long way to improve the air quality of your home.

If you have questions or would like support keeping your indoor air quality high and maximizing your health this summer, call the experts at Ashton – we’re here to help!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Footer

License #1301698

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

Services

  • Plumbing
  • Drains
  • Heating
  • Cooling
  • Offers
  • Careers
  • About Us
(604)256-6147
6043736522
Contact Us
[email protected]
140-4631 Shell Rd Vancouver, BC V6X 3M4Vancouver, BC V6X 3M4
24/7 Live Answering24/7 Live Answering
Schedule Now
×
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Give Us A Call!
6043736522
Loading

Copyright © 2023 · Call Ashton - All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Give us a call!

6043736522

Or let us contact you!

Loading
×