Summer is officially here! That means closed windows, cool air pumping through the vents, and your AC working overtime to keep your home comfortable. But while you’re staying cool, have you stopped to consider what your air conditioner might be circulating? Most people assume that once the AC is on, they’re breathing fresh, clean air. The truth is, your AC doesn’t make air fresh, it simply moves existing indoor air around. If that air is clean, great. But if it’s filled with dust, allergens, mold spores, or VOCs , then that is what’s moving through air in your home.

 

What Could Be Lurking in Your Air?

Air conditioners are built to cool your home, but they don’t filter or purify air without some extra help. Without regular upkeep, they might be making your indoor air quality worse instead of better. Here’s what could be hiding in your HVAC system:

Dirty or clogged air filters:
Filters are supposed to trap dust and airborne particles, but when they’re old or full, they can stop doing their job and start spreading those same pollutants.

Mold in ducts:
Hot, humid weather creates moisture. When condensation builds up inside your ductwork, mold has the perfect place to grow. And once it’s there, those spores can travel through the vents.

Poor humidity control:
If your AC isn’t pulling enough moisture from the air, it can leave your home feeling damp. That extra humidity can lead to mold growth, musty smells, and bacteria buildup.

Lack of fresh air:
Many homes are sealed up tight to keep cooled air in and save energy, but this can also trap pollutants inside. Without a way to bring in fresh outdoor air, stale indoor air just keeps recirculating.

 

How to Make Sure Your AC Helps, Not Hurts

Luckily, there are some easy steps you can take to make sure your air conditioner is improving your air, not polluting it:

1.Replace filters every one to three months, depending on your household and air quality needs.
2.Have your ductwork inspected and cleaned, especially if it hasn’t been checked in a few years.
3.Use a dehumidifier to help manage indoor moisture, especially in basements or bathrooms.
4. Let fresh air in when you can, such as early in the morning or later in the evening.
5. Consider upgrading to a higher-efficiency filter with a better MERV rating to catch smaller pollutants.

 

Still Not Sure What You’re Breathing?

If your Air Conditioning has been running nonstop, or if your home just doesn’t feel or smell quite right, it might be a good time to test your air. Seasonal changes, renovations, or even everyday cleaning can introduce new pollutants into your home. By testing your indoor air quality you can take the guesswork out of the equation and get real answers about what’s in your air.

Knowing what you’re breathing is the first step toward a healthier, more comfortable home. Keeping cool should never come at the cost of clean air. Your AC is there to bring comfort, but it’s up to you to make sure the air it’s pushing out is as fresh as it feels.

 

 

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