While air conditioning may seem like a good thing to many people, especially on those hot dog days of summer, there can be another point of view when it comes to air quality. In fact, there are both pros and cons to AC that you should be aware of. This is especially the case if you have a condition that is easily affected by differences in air quality.
Pro: An AC Acts as a Filter
One thing you should keep in mind regarding air quality and air conditioning is that an AC can actually act as an air filter for your home. Particles that an air conditioner can help filter out of the air in your house include:
- Dirt
- Dust
- Lint
- Pet dander
- Pollen
In fact, an air conditioner will be rather good at filtering out any larger-sized particles from the air. Smaller-sized particles, however, may be an issue and may require alternative solutions.
Pro: An AC Can Reduce Humidity
Something that an AC can do that you may not be aware of is lowering the humidity in your home. Due to how an air conditioner operates, it removes moisture from the air. Since the moisture in your home will be lower thanks to air conditioning, there will be fewer allergens in the air. There will also be little to no mildew and mold, both of which can cause respiratory issues.
Con: An AC Can Dry Out Your Air
On the other hand, for some people, the amount of humidity removed from the air by an AC could be a negative. For instance, they may be particularly sensitive to dry air. Dry air can cause things like:
- Chapped lips
- Coughs
- Dry skin
- Itchy eyes
- Sore throat
- Nosebleeds
In addition to these, dry air can also cause asthma flare-ups and other issues for those who suffer from respiratory problems.
Con: An AC Recirculates Old Air
One of the downsides of many AC systems is that they tend to recirculate air that already exists inside the home. This can then produce the result of also recirculating any air pollutants. While larger-sized air pollutants may be filtered by the system, smaller-sized pollutants that affect people with respiratory issues can easily get recirculated.
Newer systems are likely to improve your air quality inside your home. Don’t suffer from poor air quality when you don’t have to. If you live near Levittown, PA, and need AC replacement services, consider hiring McHales for the job. We’ve been servicing satisfied customers in the area since 1950 and can have your new system up and running in as little time as possible.
