Your air conditioner needs regular maintenance to run efficiently. Most homeowners know an inefficient HVAC will waste money as the days get hotter. But you might not know the importance of AC maintenance in improving your health and quality of life.
It extends beyond climate-controlled comfort. Your HVAC system affects how you breathe, sleep, and even metabolize food. AC service with AC Plus in Apple Valley, CA, will improve your air quality and your overall quality of life.
How AC Impacts Indoor Air Quality
Have you ever considered how your AC affects the indoor air quality in your home? A good HVAC system doesn’t just cool your air, it also filters it for better indoor air quality.
Regular HVAC maintenance with AC Plus improves your in-home air quality by allowing our expert technicians to clean the vents and check the system’s efficiency and moisture control capabilities. We remove dust, mold, bacteria, pollution, and other harmful particulates from the system. We also change your air filters, which trap contaminants and keep your air clear so you can breathe easier.
Common Health Risks of a Poorly Maintained AC
Not only does your AC help with air pollution, but it also provides several additional health benefits, while an unserviced AC may contribute to health problems. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences warns that prolonged exposure to air pollution and particulates may lead to cardiovascular problems and respiratory disease, especially in children and older adults. The National Library of Medicine warns that long-term exposure also increases the risk of certain cancers.
The following are other common health risks associated with neglecting regular air conditioning maintenance and repair.
Quality of Sleep
Most people spend almost a third of their lives asleep in their homes. If your AC isn’t filtering contaminants from the air properly, you end up breathing them in during sleep and waking up feeling less rested. This happens because air pollutants cause inflammation of the airways, which disrupts your sleep patterns. You’ll wake up fatigued and lethargic, even if you sleep a normal amount.
Metabolism Issues
As strange as it may sound, keeping the air filters clean and ensuring your HVAC system is working safely will improve your metabolic health. Certain particulates in the air can lead to chronic inflammation that disrupts the way your body stores and burns calories. In extreme cases, exposure to pollutants over an extended period may cause certain metabolic disorders like insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity.
Heat-related Dehydration and Illnesses
A well-serviced air conditioner keeps you cool on the hottest days so you avoid discomfort but also keeps you safe from heat-related illness. Dehydration is deadly if untreated. Up to 28% of older adult hospital admissions in the US are due to dehydration and other serious heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Allergies and Respiratory Issues
Wondering how your AC impacts allergies? An HVAC system that’s not taken care of will circulate a lot more than cool air. It’ll also spread mold, dust, dander, and other allergens throughout your house and into the air you’re breathing. Many symptoms present the same way as a cold does, but if they go away when you leave the house and worsen after spending time indoors, your AC may be the culprit.
Signs Your AC Needs Immediate Servicing
The following are some of the most common signs your AC needs servicing soon.
Unusual Odors and Mold Buildup
If your home smells musty, especially around the AC and vents or when the air conditioner is turned on, it’s likely due to mold growth. This is a common problem because dust, moisture, and organic materials accumulate in the vents, the condensate drain, and other parts of the system, giving mold an ideal place to thrive. This is an issue because it smells bad, and mold in the AC can lead to dangerous illnesses, especially in people who have weakened immune systems. Regular air conditioner tune-ups will eliminate these mold breeding grounds and the smells that go with them.
Reduced Airflow and Poor Cooling Efficiency
There are many reasons why less cool air is coming from your vents when the AC is turned on, including a dirty air filter, leaky ductwork, a malfunctioning blower motor, or several other issues. If your system isn’t cooling efficiently, call AC Plus to schedule a tune-up. We’ll inspect the entire system, clean it out, and change filters. If further repairs are needed, we’ll let you know what we’ve found and give our expert recommendations. Don’t hesitate to contact us if your air conditioner isn’t doing its job, you deserve a cool, comfortable home.
Increased Dust Accumulation in Your Home
Increased dust accumulation on the furniture and windowsills is a telltale sign that your air filters are clogged. Changing your air filters isn’t difficult to do on your own in most air conditioner models, but if you’re not sure what type of filter to use or don’t know how to do it, schedule service with AC Plus. We’ll not only show you where the filter is and how to change it if you want, but we’ll also go through our extensive maintenance checklist to ensure your air conditioner is working at peak efficiency. You’ll enjoy better cooling overall after an AC Plus tune-up.
The Benefits of Regular AC Maintenance for Your Health
The benefits of regular AC maintenance include:
- Reduced allergy symptoms.
- Better AC efficiency.
- Lower energy bills.
- More reliable cooling.
- Fewer costly repairs.
- Extending the lifespan of your air conditioner.
As far as how often you should service your AC, we’d recommend at least once per year, preferably in the spring, so it’s ready for the next summer heat wave.
Does Your AC Need an Air Purification Upgrade?
If you have regular tune-ups but are still concerned with improving air quality with your HVAC system, you may want to upgrade. Some modern HVAC systems have options like HEPA filters, whole-house air purifiers, and UV lights to kill bacteria. Contact our team to learn more about options that will work in your home.
Schedule AC Maintenance With AC Plus Today
Concerned about AC maintenance and your respiratory health? Need to schedule a tune-up, repairs, or an AC replacement? Contact AC Plus in Apple Valley, CA at (760) 766-1858. We’re your trusted source for AC maintenance and air quality solutions you can count on.
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