When properly maintained, ACs support healthy indoor air quality (IAQ). But when they’re in disrepair, ACs can actually diminish IAQ. Whether it’s short-cycling, emitting foul smells, or making strange sounds, your air conditioner needs timely repairs. Learn how unchecked AC problems impact IAQ and how to solve them.
Rising Humidity
During each cooling cycle, your AC draws warm air in and moves it across its evaporator coil. Icy refrigerant within this coil extracts the air’s heat and humidity and becomes a hot, high-pressure gas. This gas travels to the outdoor condenser unit, where it sheds collected heat and moisture. If your indoor air feels clammy, muggy, or heavy while your AC is running, your air conditioner may have a:
- Dirty coil
- Blocked condensate drain
- Refrigerant leak
- Dirty air filter
Having dirty evaporator and condenser coils inhibits heat transfer. Clogged condensate drains prevent air conditioners from releasing collected moisture and decrease airflow. Dirty air filters decrease airflow, too. Due to limited air circulation and filtration, poor airflow can cause a noticeable drop in IAQ.
If your AC has a refrigerant leak, its compressor will struggle to pressurize and depressurize coolant. This can cause evaporator coils to ice over or condenser coils to overheat. Dramatic increases in operational stress can lead to short cycling, shutdown, or compressor failure.
How Rising Humidity Affects Occupants
With muggy and oppressive air, your home will feel less comfortable overall. Given that moist air feels hotter than cool air, your AC will have to work harder to create the conditions you want. When your indoor humidity rises above 60%, you’ll have a higher likelihood of developing mold and mildew problems. With excess humidity, you can suffer from:
- Skin irritation
- Mold allergies
- Decreased sleep quality
- Respiratory distress
- Nasal and sinus irritation
Excess Particulate Matter
Your HVAC system’s air filter captures and retains airborne particulates like dirt, dander, pollen, dust mites, and more. Not only does this promote cleaner indoor air, but it also protects the sensitive interior components of cooling systems. If you don’t replace your air filter at regular intervals, you might experience:
- Repeated bouts of coughing and sneezing
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Recurring headaches
- Low energy
IAQ problems resulting from dirty air filters, leaky HVAC air ducts, clogged condensate drains, and dirty evaporator coils can be especially problematic for people with chronic allergies or asthma, aging adults, infants, and those with terminal illnesses.
Keep Your Indoor Air Clean
At the first sign of IAQ problems, check and change your HVAC system’s air filter as needed. To keep your condensate drain clear and maintain high-function AC coils, schedule a pre-season tune-up. For everything else, contact a trusted HVAC company for timely diagnosis and repairs. For expert AC repair service in Morehead City, NC, contact Coastal Home Services.
