Can a New Air Conditioner Improve IAQ?

Indoor air quality is an important concern among residents in Knoxville, Tennessee, and across the nation. The air you breathe inside could be more polluted than the air you breathe outside. Indoor air re-circulates when your HVAC system is running. If your system is nearing the end of its life span, you may want to consider a new HVAC unit to improve your home’s indoor air quality.

Improved Filtration

Indoor air pollutants can cause a number of issues, especially among those who suffer from allergies, asthma, and other breathing conditions. Some of the most common pollutants include pollen, pet hair and dander, dust, and other debris. Leaving the windows open or going in and out of the house through the front door can move allergens indoors. The air circulates when the HVAC system is running, which can cause flare-ups of allergy symptoms like congestion, sore throats, headaches, and eye irritation.

HVAC technology and filtration have come a long way in the last few years. If your unit is more than a decade old, it likely doesn’t utilize the latest technological advancements to clean your air. A new system with a highly rated filtration system can remove up to 99% of the allergens in the air supply, providing healthier air to breathe in every room of your home. You can also use air filters with higher MERV ratings to further improve the indoor air quality and reduce allergy symptoms.

Better Ventilation

Ventilation is another common issue associated with poor indoor air quality. If your home isn’t well-ventilated, the air can become stale. Fresh air is necessary for a comfortable indoor atmosphere and prevents unpleasant odors and stale air.

Over time, air conditioning and heating systems lose efficiency. If your unit is coming to the end of its estimated life span, which is usually around 10-15 years, you may notice the efficiency levels dropping. One side effect of poor efficiency is the loss of cooling power. This side effect can be frustrating during the summer months when you rely on your air conditioner to cool down the air and remove excess humidity. Upgrading to a new system can provide efficient heating and cooling as well as improved ventilation.

Control Over Air Pollution

Air pollution from outside can also impact how easily you can breathe in your home. A new HVAC system offers better control over indoor air pollution, especially if you add a smart thermostat with the upgrade. Smart thermostats can remind you to change the filter and provide energy reports so you know how much energy your home uses. These features give you more control over the cleanliness of the air you and your family breathe.

Options for Add-Ons

Older heating and cooling systems often don’t work with the latest add-ons that can further improve air quality. Homeowners may not want to invest in their HVAC systems when they’re nearing the end of their life spans, even for components that are compatible. As part of a full system upgrade, you can add new features and components that can improve the indoor air quality.

A whole-home air purifier is an excellent addition in homes with family members who suffer from allergies as it can remove additional contaminants that the HVAC system might allow to pass through. High humidity levels during the summer months can also create indoor air quality issues because the excess moisture can make it difficult to breathe and lead to an increased risk of biological growth. A whole-home dehumidifier may be a good option to add to your new HVAC system, removing moisture from the air without creating a dry atmosphere.

Other additions for HVAC systems include UV lights that kill allergens and other airborne pathogens, and chemical detectors that can alert you to the presence of harmful particles in the air. You may even be able to have your ducts sealed, preventing contaminants from settling in them and impacting the quality of the air you breathe.

With the right features, a new HVAC system could improve your home’s indoor air quality. Contact our skilled HVAC professionals at Cook’s Comfort Systems, Inc. for more information by calling 865-238-4835.

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