Maintaining a healthy indoor air quality within your home year round is incredibly important, especially during the summer heat. While you’re inside escaping from the sun, your air conditioner's job is to not only keep you cool, but also control the quality of your indoor air.

So, how do air conditioners maintain your indoor air quality? Do they have the ability to work as an air purifier as well?

Join the team from Knight Plumbing as we break down the ins and outs of air conditioning systems and how they contribute to a comfortable indoor environment below.

Does having an air conditioner make the air better?

Absolutely! Having an air conditioning installed, goes beyond keeping your home cool. Here is a closer look at how air conditioners can improve indoor air quality inside your home:

Air conditioner filters your indoor air: A HEPA filter, which is commonly found in air conditioners, are designed to collect dust, pet hair, pollen, and other airborne pollutants. This reduces indoor air pollution and enhances your air quality.

Maintains healthy humidity levels: Well-operating air conditioners aid in regulating humidity levels, which can mitigate the growth of mold spores and mildew that pose health risks to you and your family.

Air circulation and ventilation or fresh air in your home: If you have a split system air conditioner in your home, it has the ability to move fresh outside air into your home to remove odours, and stale air, which in turn will lead to improved air quality and proper ventilation.

Are air purifiers a feature of every air conditioner?

No, not every air conditioner has an incorporated air purifier.

Although not all air conditioners have this feature, some may include a filtration system. This air purification feature can help with air pollution indoors to some extent. However, if you’re worried about finer particles like fine dust, mould spores, virus particles, pet dander, and eliminate bacteria and other airborne particles that could cause illnesses and asthma attacks, we suggest installing a separate air purifier appliance for guaranteed clean air within your home.

A good air purifier can go a long way and eliminates fine particles that your air conditioners aren’t able to filter through their air filters. In turn, you can rest assured knowing your indoor air quality is clean and healthy year round.

When should I get my AC serviced?

Having your air conditioning unit professionally serviced by an HVAC technician is incredibly important as it not only ensures your appliance operates efficiently, but it can also contribute to a healthy indoor air quality. Here is a closer look at what you should be doing to maintain your air conditioning:

Annual air conditioning appointment

An yearly maintenance visit with a professional technician is recommended for your air conditioner. We advise making this appointment as soon as spring arrives. This will maintain your indoor humidity levels, help your appliance operate efficiently, and ensure you’re able to keep your family cool for peace of mind. 

Air filter changes

To prevent polluted air from circulating throughout your home and improve air quality, homeowners should clean or replace their air conditioner’s filter every one to three months.

Duct cleaning

If you have a central air conditioner in your home that uses ducts to move cool air throughout your interior, you’ll also need to have your ducts cleaned by a professional company every two to three years. Beyond this, you can use your vacuum cleaners to vacuum up any dust or debris around your vents, indoor unit, and outdoor unit, to ensure there are no obstructions that could prevent clean indoor air from circulating when your air conditioner is operating.

Are air filters on my AC changeable?

Yes, your air conditioner’s air filters are either changeable or can be removed and cleaned. Here is how you can change the filter in your air conditioner to improve your indoor air and system efficiency levels:

1. Shut off your air conditioner: Ensure you turn your air conditioners off before beginning.
2. Find the air filter: The air conditioners filter should be typically located in the outdoor unit and indoor unit. Take off the front panel to the air conditioning system to have access to the interior components.
3. Take out the dirty filter: Take out the air conditioner dust filters carefully.
4. Put in the new filter: Next, install the new HEPA filters into your HVAC system.
5. Put the front panel back on: Close the front panel of your outdoor HVAC system.
6. Turn your cooling unit back on: Turn your appliance back on on to make sure that it is working as it should be.

If you don’t feel comfortable performing this task on your own, reach out to a professional HVAC technician for assistance.

Improve your indoor air quality and comfort levels with Knight Plumbing!

Knight Plumbing HVAC technicians are available for air conditioning unit repairs and maintenance services 24/7/365 days a year including after-hours, weekends, and holidays at no extra cost! Same-day emergency air conditioner repairs are also available year round!

In the market for a brand new air conditioning unit? What about an air purifier? Book a consultation with a home comfort advisor to learn more about the different models we carry. If the cost of new HVAC systems is something you’re concerned about, make sure to ask us about our current discounts and financing options so, you can save big on your new purchase.

All consultations with a home comfort advisor include a complimentary purchase estimate as well!

If you live in Calgary, Cochrane, Airdrie, Langdon, Chestermere, Okotoks, DeWinton, Bragg Creek, Deer Ridge, or Willow Park, reach out to the team from Knight Plumbing over the phone or use our online booking request form!