It is no secret that the air quality in our homes can have a direct effect on our health. According to this Opinium article, as Brits we spend 90% of our time indoors. It is therefore essential that we ensure that we maintain a healthy living environment. Particularly during the winter months when there is little ventilation. Air conditioning is known to provide a range of health benefits.
According to Mitsubishi’s guide to indoor air quality, we inhale and exhale around 13 kg of air every day. With outdoor pollution being a growing concern, it is important to look after our indoor spaces.
Common pollutants found in indoor spaces:
- Particulate matter – solids and liquids produced by cooking, cleaning and shedding of dust.
- Carbon monoxide – a gas produced by gas boilers and cookers.
- Carbon dioxide – a gas naturally produced by breathing.
- Volatile organic compounds – chemicals from cleaning products and aerosols.
- Radon – produced by naturally-occurring uranium that seeps into buildings.
- Mould – produced from damp and poorly ventilated conditions.
- Excess humidity – result of poor heating and ventilation.
One of the most efficient ways to regulate your home’s air quality is by installing an air conditioning system. There are a range of air conditioning solutions to suit your needs that offer great health benefits.
1. Improved Air Quality
One of the most important health benefits of installing an air conditioning system is that it improves air quality. Air conditioning systems are effective at reducing the amount of pollutants circulating your indoor space. According to Asthma and Lung UK,
Poor indoor air quality has been linked to lung diseases like asthma, COPD and lung cancer. It has also been linked to increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
blf.org.uk
The filtering system in air conditioners purify the air by removing particles such as dust, pollen, bacteria and hair. In addition, they provide consistent airflow throughout the space that will regulate air quality. This is particularly important if you live in a bustling city like London where air pollution is at its highest.
2. Reduces Allergy Pollutants
Many of those who suffer from allergies will benefit from an AC system. They are an effective way to reduce the allergens in your home. This is particularly valuable to those who suffer from asthma attacks or hay fever in the summer months. The filtration system clean the air by removing pollen, hair and dust particles, keeping the air clean and safe to breathe.
3. Regulate Humidity Levels
Humidity levels have a direct effect on your health. The optimum humidity level for the average home is between 30-60%. You can easily measure the humidity levels of a room with a digital hygrometer. They are cheap and easy to find at your local hardware store. Homes with high humidity levels are more likely to experience problems with mould and damp. Exposure to mould can be detrimental to your health. Things that raise humidity levels include cooking, showering, drying clothes and poor ventilation. Based on this, bathroom and kitchens are usually the rooms most affected by high humidity. Air conditioning systems regulate humidity levels by removing the heat and moisture from the air via the evaporator coil, leaving the room cooler and more comfortable.
4. Reduce Mould Growth
Mould is typically a result of damp conditions and poor ventilation. Not only does it damage the interior of your home but also has detrimental affects on your health. According to the NHS, regular exposure to damp and mouldy conditions can lead to respiratory infections, allergies, asthma and a weakened immune system. Air conditioners reduce the risk of mould growing by removing moisture from the air and maintaining a dry atmosphere. Good airflow from an AC system can also prevent mould.
5. Smells and Odours
Indoor spaces can host a range of odours and smells if the air is not well ventilated. These odours can make the air in your home unpleasant to breathe for you and your guests. A good air conditioner will filter out bad smells and lingering odours by filtering out the air in your home and replacing it with clean air. During the warmer months, we recommend that you open windows to increase the flow of fresh air.
6. Improve Sleep and Stress Levels
It is no surprise that a hot and stuffy living environment can lead to an increase in stress levels. During the summer months it can also be difficult to get a good night’s sleep when your bedroom temperatures are reaching 30 degrees. Air conditioning is an excellent solution. They allow you to keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for you and include sleep modes to cause minimal disruption.
How to get the most out of your air conditioning benefits
Once you have your new system installed, it is crucial that you keep a regular air conditioning maintenance schedule. This is to ensure that your system is running at maximum capacity so that you can get the most out of your investment. Neglecting to maintain your system will lead to unnecessary breakdown and repairs costs. In addition, it will prevent you from reaping the many benefits of installing an AC system as the filters become clogged over time. This will make your system less effective at removing pollutants from the air and will circulate dirt build-up from the filters into your home. It is recommended that you service your AC unit at lease once a year. Read more about the importance of air conditioning maintenance.
About ACS Installations
We are the leading specialists of traditional and water cooled air conditioning installations, including AC with no external unit. We provide a bespoke installations, repairs and maintenance services in London and the Home Counties. If you are looking to install air conditioning but are limited by property restrictions, our internal water cooled units are the solution. They are ideal for apartments and Grade II listed buildings that don’t allow an external condenser. Our friendly team to F-Gas engineers offer free consultations and site surveys so get in touch with us today!
