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Prepare Your Home for Air Conditioning Season: 6 Tips for Better Indoor Air Quality
As soon as the temperature hits 72 degrees, summer finally feels like it’s within reach. But before the time comes when you need to put your home air conditioning unit to use, there are some simple tasks you can do to promote better indoor air quality and help keep your home cool all summer long.
1. Clean up around your air conditioner
During your spring cleaning efforts, make some time to focus on the area where your air conditioner is located. Clear debris, leaves and dirt from around your outdoor AC unit to ensure proper airflow. Don’t forget to inspect and clean the condensate drain line to prevent clogs that can lead to water damage or reduced efficiency.
2. Test your air conditioner
In the sweltering heat of summer, the last thing you want is a broken cooling system, which not only makes your home uncomfortably warm but can also contribute to poor indoor air quality. Hire an air conditioning service pro to give your unit a checkup and do any air conditioner repairs if necessary. If your cooling system is more than 10 years old, you may want to install a new AC unit,¹ according to ENERGY STAR, which is administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
3. Seal gaps around windows and doors
Take time to inspect areas of your home for air leaks, and repair with caulk or weatherstripping. This will help keep your cool air inside, cut cooling costs and make your home feel more comfortable. It also promotes less unwanted air particles in your indoor environment by reducing smog, smoke, pollen and mold spores from entering your living spaces.3
4. Improve indoor air circulation
Indoor air has unwanted air particles just like outdoor air, especially if you’ve been spring cleaning, cooking or doing home renovations. When the weather permits, open windows to allow fresh air to enter your home. Before doing so, evaluate your outdoor air quality to avoid inadvertently introducing a high number of air particles into your home. Turn to Filtrete™ Brand’s website or the Filtrete™ Smart App to see outdoor air quality information in your area.
If you have a ceiling fan, set it to spin counterclockwise to push cool air down. This creates a wind chill effect and improves air circulation throughout the room.
5. Control humidity levels
Keeping moisture out of your home is key to helping reduce mold growth. Use a dehumidifier to ensure your humidity levels stay between 30% and 50%. You should also clean your bathroom exhaust fan with mild detergent and water at least once a year to ensure it continues to remove excess moisture, humidity and pollutants from your bathroom air.
6. Change your air filter
A new air filter in the summer helps your HVAC system perform its best while improving air flow. Dust and pollen are often the most prevalent in warmer months, and the Filtrete™ MPR 1900 Air Filter captures unwanted air particles and helps improve indoor air quality. One way to stay on a consistent schedule is to scan the barcode on your Filtrete Air Filter with the Filtrete™ Smart App to set a change reminder timer. The app sends phone notifications when it’s time to change your filter. Learn how to change a filter here.
By taking simple steps like cleaning around your air conditioner, sealing leaks and changing your air filter, you can improve indoor air quality and make your home a haven from the summer heat.
Sources:
1. “When is it time to replace?” ENERGY STAR.
