The importance of changing your air conditioner’s air filter

by NEC India NEC is a leader in the integration of IT and netwo Considering the point that most households remain indoors during the summertime, indoor air quality tends to have a crucial impact on their health and well-being. Despite this, people often overlook a commonly yet neglected part of the home’s air system – the air conditioner.

Most people think that air conditioners are primarily meant to cool the air and reduce the humidity present in the air. However, it is important to note that most air conditioners in India also play a role in maintaining indoor air quality.

Various research studies have revealed that bacteria and other harmful agents can reside in air conditioners, possibly sickening people on getting exposed. For example, a specific type of pneumonia, Legionnaires’ disease is found to be spread by ACs that have bacteria, and improperly cleaned AC can also cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a kind of allergy to irritants such as bacteria and fungi that causes lung inflammation.

A study done in 2023 compared healthy adults in India who were there in an air-conditioned environment for a minimum of six hours per with folks who spent the same amounts of time in buildings without air conditioners. The people who spend their time in air-conditioned environments face more health concerns, such as respiratory indications, dizziness, and headaches, mainly because of airborne pollutants present in these buildings, along with other factors.

Why upgrading your AC’s air filter is necessary?

The filter in an air conditioner must be categorized with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), which refers to its ability to contain airborne particles, extending from dust particles and pet dander to mold and smog. The higher the MERV reading, the more no. of particles the filter contains.

However, it is to be noted that not all air conditioners in India come with these air filters, particularly window air conditioners. In such a case, it is recommended to use a separate HEPA filter air purifier for air quality improvement.

How to use air filters?

The application of the air filter tends to have more importance than the air filter itself. When it is turned off for prolonged periods, mold and other pollutants make it their home and whenever you turn on the air conditioner, they hover in your room and cause different types of allergies and other respiratory problems.
When it comes to replacing air filters in an AC, the best way is to go through the manufacturer’s instructions. However, in general, the filter of your AC should be cleaned or replaced every month. This doesn’t help not only in keeping the indoor air healthy but also in running your air conditioner efficiently.

Use your fan more

When you use your AC with the fan on, it helps in the quick reduction of the temperature by circulating cool air. According to a study, most residential systems operate like that roughly 20% of the time. Since the fan only filters the air when it is turned on. If your system permits, turning on the fan for 20 minutes every hour, or roughly 33% of the time, to enhance filtration—especially in the spring and fall when the air is more likely to include pollen or other irritants.

By doing small things, you can say yes to better quality indoor air, thereby reducing the chances of getting sick due to degraded air quality. Though an air conditioner is primarily meant to cool the indoor air, if used smartly, it can help you stay away from various respiratory problems and allergies. Whether you have a simple window AC or a premium-quality 1 Ton 5 Star Inverter AC, air filters are common to all air conditioners in India and need proper care and maintenance for best outcomes.

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Created on May 16th 2024 01:06. Viewed 44 times.

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