An efficient cooling system is a beautiful thing. When you are on top of changing your air filter and have an HVAC that performs perfectly, your indoor air feels fresh, clean, and cool. But even though it feels fantastic, you can still experience allergies or asthma. You know your indoor air quality could be suffering, but why?
Most people assume that outdoor allergies are to blame. They believe that air conditioners bring in fresh air from outside.
But do air conditioners bring in fresh air from outside? The truth may surprise you.
Where does a central air conditioner get the air it blows around?
Your HVAC system is a complex set of units that have specific functions. The blower fan pulls hot air from inside of your home and runs it through the evaporator coils. These coils are full of refrigerant that has been pressurized to be frigid.
As the indoor air passes between the coils, it becomes cooler. Water from the air collects on the cold coils just like it does on your chilled can of soda. When the water is drawn out of the air on a large scale, your home becomes less humid and more comfortable.
During this process, some of the refrigerant absorbs the heat and becomes a gas. To cool off again, the refrigerant moves to the condenser coils located on the exterior side of your property.
If you stand too close to your outdoor unit or the backside of a window AC, you may experience a hot gust. That’s because a second fan pushes outdoor air across these burning hot condenser coils, causing much of the heat to be taken away.
No matter what brand or type of air conditioner you own, even if it’s a window air conditioner, they are all sealed systems that solely work with the air indoors.
The refrigerant passes from inside to outside the home and back again. Inside of your home, the same air circulates through your HVAC continuously. The only time your home receives fresh air outdoors is when you open a door or window.
The only part of an air conditioner that circulates indoors and outdoors is the refrigerant.
If you are interested in learning more about how an air conditioner works, be sure to check out our blog post about it here. We break down the process into steps and explain the science behind it
How Does a Cooling Specialist Improve Indoor Air Quality?
Now that you understand that an air conditioner does not bring in fresh air from outside, you may be concerned about your indoor air quality.
You could have poor indoor air quality if you have been experiencing chronic
- Itchy or watering eyes
- Sinus congestion
- Headaches
- Wheezing
- Fatigue
Everyday life in your home creates a variety of air pollutants and particulate matter that could be harming your health. Allergens like mold, dust, and pet dander are what most people think of, but your toiletries, cleaning supplies, furniture, and cooking will all play a role in polluting the air you breathe.
Breathing polluted air can make your life miserable and damage your lungs, but an HVAC specialist can help you make your house a safe and healthy place again for you and your family.
Indoor Air Quality Specialists in Tampa Bay Florida
Action Air Conditioning has trained and certified technicians who will evaluate your air quality and inspect your HVAC system. After a meticulous Indoor Air Quality Inspection, we will determine what your options are.
Our first priority is to help you make the best choice for your individual needs and limitations. Depending on your unique situation, we can provide you with:
- Dehumidifiers
- Purification Systems
- Air Duct Sanitization
- UV Sanitizing Lights
Learn more about improving your indoor air quality by contacting us today!