Can air conditioning improve indoor air quality?

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic we are becoming more aware of invisible pollutants and the dangers they can pose to our health. It’s important to minimise exposure to the many particles and gases that we breathe in during the day and air conditioning can help to improve indoor air quality both at home and at work. We explain the role air conditioning can play and the impact it can have.

Why do you need to improve indoor air quality?

It has long been established that poor outdoor air quality can have a negative effect on our health. However, not as much attention is given to the health hazards that can be caused by poor indoor air pollution.

Poor indoor air quality has been has been linked to lung diseases like asthma, COPD and lung cancer. Some of the pollutants that circulate in the home include particulate matter (tiny dust and dirt particles) and gases such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide. The more exposure we have to these type of pollutants, the more harm it could potentially cause.

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Can air conditioners improve indoor air quality?

The first job of any air conditioning unit is to give you greater control over the indoor temperature, especially during the hotter months of the year.

Air conditioning can help to improve the air quality inside your home, although it cannot make the space completely pollutant-free. Modern units are able to remove some larger pollutants and dust particles from the air and require something called a HEPA filter to do so.

Daikin systems are generally considered to be one of the best brands on the market, and recent tests showed that their patented Flash Streamer technology can inactivate over 99.99% of the coronavirus after the virus was irradiated for 3 hours. Tests are ongoing to provide more accurate information for specific products.

Is it safe to use air conditioners in work during the COVID-19 pandemic?

According to guidance released by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), as long as there is an adequate flow of ventilation and fresh air, the risk of coronavirus being spread in the workplace by air conditioning is extremely low.

Air conditioning units play a key role in enabling all areas of the building to receive fresh air, and the HSE also suggest that you should consider ways to improve the circulation of outside air, while also ensuring pockets of stagnant air do not remain in occupied spaces.

Get a free quote and survey

If you want to improve the air quality in your home get in touch with AAC today to arrange a free quote and survey at a time that suits you. Email info@aacteam.co.uk or call 01707 32 55 66.