Does AC Clean Air in Your Home: What You Need to Know

Does AC clean air while running? While air conditioning systems can cool down your home, these fixtures do not directly clean up the air or improve indoor air quality (IAQ). Find out more about how AC systems function with air conditioning repair technicians in Ocala, FL. 

You can reach out to our team at Fast Air Repair to learn more. Contact us at 352-290-7968 if you have further questions. 

Functions of Air Conditioning Units

AC units play a vital role in most homes around the Ocala area. Homeowners rely on these devices to keep their properties at a reasonable temperature, even when the temperatures outside climb through the summer months. 

Your air conditioner draws in warm air and runs it through several coils. These coils extra heat and drop the temperature of the air. The AC unit then uses additional components to force the cool air through vents into each room of your home.

By using the thermostat, you can directly adjust the temperature of the air produced by the air conditioner, allowing you to stay comfortable year-round.

AC Units: Dehumidification

Your AC unit generally performs some dehumidification for your home while in operation. As the unit functions, it draws some moisture out of the air. This moisture then drains out through the unit's condensate pan and drain.

However, manufacturers do not design AC units to act as primary dehumidifiers. Therefore, you cannot set them to remove a set amount of moisture from the air.

AC Units: Air Filtering

Air conditioners generally come with an air filter. This filter gathers contaminants that circulate through the air, including things like:

●      Dust

●      Debris 

●      Pollen 

●      Pet dander

AC units require filters because debris entering the system often causes breakdowns. However, these filters do not capture everything and do not function well enough to serve as primary air cleaning devices for most properties. 

AC Units Can Reduce IAQ in Some Cases

Does AC clean air? In some cases, the filters incorporated with AC systems remove large pieces of dust from the air. However, this is not guaranteed, and, in some cases, air conditioning units can spread dirty air around your property. 

Air conditioning units push air through the ventilation ducts in your home. If the AC unit collects mold or other contaminants, it pushes these contaminants from one room to the next. The AC unit may also move bacteria and virus particles, increasing the spread of illness. 

Allergens in AC Units

Air conditioners draw in outdoor air in many cases. Therefore, during the spring, they may bring pollen inside. Unfortunately, they can also collect mold particles, which may grow and spread once they reach the cool and dark interior of the AC system.

You may notice an issue with pollen or mold if residents of your home begin to experience:

●      Coughing

●      Sneezing

●      Chest congestion 

●      Itchy eyes 

These symptoms may grow worse over time if your AC unit becomes dirtier or the mold continues to spread through the ventilation system. 

Refrigerant Gas and AC Units

Refrigerant can become another issue with AC units. Some air conditioners develop leaks in the refrigerant system. This issue represents a cause for concern because refrigerants have toxic components which can act as poisons when inhaled. 

Options for Cleaning the Air in Your Home

AC units do not represent your best option for cleaning indoor air. Manufacturers do not design them to remove all contaminants from your home's air system and may end up adding contaminants if they’re allowed to become dirty or infested with mold.

However, this does not mean that you have to accept poor air quality on your property. You have several options available to keep the air in your home clean and healthy. You may want to consider:

HEPA Filters

HEPA filtration systems directly remove contaminants and allergens from the air. You have several options for HEPA filtration, including stand-alone models and filters that hook directly into your HVAC system.

You may select a small HEPA air filter for each room of your home, for example. However, some property owners only place filters in spaces where they spend a lot of time, like the bedroom or living room. Whole-house filtration systems clean all the air that moves through your home.

Over time, you may need to change or clean the filters in a HEPA unit. Regularly taking care of the filters prevents clogs, allowing contaminants to resume circulation through the air in your home.

UV Air Purification

You may also opt for a UV air purification system. These systems use light to kill germs, bacteria, and viruses. UV light filters do not directly remove dirt and dust from the air; they destroy dangerous pollutants that could otherwise affect your family's health.

Generally, professional installation crews place UV light filters inside the ductwork of your HVAC system. In addition, you may select coil sanitizing UV lights that protect the cooling coils in your AC system or air sanitizing models that handle pollutants in the ductwork.

UV lights directly improve the air quality of your home and cost relatively little to operate as they do not require much power. In addition, you do not have to change filters with UV lighting, though you do have to replace the UV bulb occasionally to ensure it operates properly. 

Mix Your Filtration Systems

You can install both physical filters and UV filters to protect the air quality of your home. These systems work alongside your AC unit to improve the overall comfort you experience on your property. 

Speak to Us About Air Purification Systems in Dunnellon

Does AC clean air in Florida? While AC filters can remove some debris from the air, they do not provide air cleaning services or improve IAQ. Learn more about UV light services and other methods to keep your air clean by reaching out to HVAC professionals for help. 

Call Fast Air Repair at 352-290-7968 for UV air purification in Dunnellon, FL.