How Often Should You Change Your AC Filter?

Stop Stressing Your HVAC: The Dangers of a Clogged AC Filter

Homeownership is a part of the American dream. However, homeownership also includes several regular maintenance tasks, that, if neglected, can result in disagreeable results. Gutters without guards need to be cleaned regularly to prevent clogged downspouts. Battery-powered devices (such as smoke detectors and thermostats) need the batteries replaced to make sure they function properly when called upon. One such simple maintenance task that should not be neglected is changing the air filter on the heating/cooling system.

How Dirty is Indoor Air?

The air inside our home seems so very clean. You do not realize how many airborne particles are floating around inside until the late afternoon light shines through the window and illuminates the dust particles. The sources of most particles are quite simple and unavoidable:

Most indoor dust particles are skin cells from human and animal inhabitants that naturally flake off.
Wind and motion stir up fine dirt particles that find a way indoors.
Pollen follows us indoors or is generated by household plants.
Exhaust from various sources brings both gas and particulate matter also collect indoors. That includes exhaust from outdoor sources (internal combustion engines and industrial activities) and indoor activities (candles and tobacco smoke).

It seems that indoor air is not as clean as it seems. Air filters provide a vital service to ensure our homes are healthy spaces to live.

Why Change the AC Filter?

Air filters are very efficient, removing most airborne particles. Since the entire volume of air passes through an air filter several times per heating or cooling cycle, the airborne particles quickly coat the filter surface. When the collection builds up, the clogged air filter reduces the amount of air that can pass through the filter. Both heating and cooling functions require vast amounts of air movement through the air handler cabinet. Restricting airflow creates tremendous stress on the blower motor and the electrical control mechanisms that direct the comfort cycles. The result of ignoring a clogged filter is similar to driving a car with the emergency brake on.

How Often Should the AC Filter Be Changed?

Each home is unique, and each family is unique.

Some homes are located near pollution sources with exponentially more airborne particles than most homes, like dirt roads or active construction sites.
Some family members have asthma, allergies, or breathing difficulties and need more frequent filter changes.

A very general rule of thumb is to change the filter every three months/four times per year, but your home might require more frequent changes. Purchase adequate filters for a year and schedule prompts on a family calendar or phone app. Use whatever makes sense to you:

The official change of seasons
Birthdays or holidays, or
Any other pneumatic device that will remind you of this important maintenance task.

Beyond the AC Filter: Schedule Maintenance to Check for Hidden HVAC Damage

You can handle the AC filter replacement, but don’t ignore the hidden damage a clogged filter may have already caused your system. Protect your expensive HVAC equipment from premature failure by scheduling a professional maintenance appointment today. Our expert technicians will inspect your unit for stress and ensure all components are running smoothly and efficiently. Call us now to book the vital service your system needs for long-term health.

Schedule your next AC maintenance appointment with All Cool AC & Heating today to take advantage the long-term rewards of a well-maintained system.

August 26, 2025

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters for Your Health

Breathe Easy: Your Guide to Better Indoor Air Quality

During the Industrial Revolution, we polluted the air we needed to breathe to enrich our lives and make us comfortable. During the late 1800s, burning coal for heat, energy, and industry led to a toxic soup of polluted air hovering over major cities. A similar problem arose in the early 1900s with the introduction of internal combustion engine vehicles.

A large city quickly accumulated millions of cars, trucks, and trains, and there were no emission control standards. The pollution reminded folks of fog, so smoke/fog was shortened to “smog.” Outdoor air was affected, as well as the indoor air quality of our homes and businesses.

After creating the mess, we worked on complicated methods to clean the air with a series of Clean Air Acts. Environmental scientists worked hard to reduce the concentration of particulate matter in the air, and politicians worked on laws to enforce air quality standards to keep us from poisoning ourselves.

These standards control the contamination from:

The burning of fossil fuels for energy
Industrial pollutants that are released
Emission standards for planes, trains, and automobiles

Today, large cities in the U.S. enjoy incredibly clean air in comparison to other industrialized countries. Of course, there is always room for improvement, so the battle for clean air continues. There are many sources of air pollution that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency cannot control or regulate. They include:

Pollen, mold spores, and other organic sources
Smoke from wildfires that often travels thousands of miles
Global pollution from other countries with lower air quality standards

Another very important development is in the area of health care. Medical professionals gained a clearer understanding of the long-term health concerns surrounding poor air quality. Yes, poor air quality contributes to breathing problems and cancer rates, but it also contributes to infant mortality and low birth weight.

Although we enjoy relatively clean air, we should also have a great concern over indoor air quality in our homes and gathering places, such as businesses and schools. Everyone should be much more conscious of indoor air quality, and outdoor air quality.

Why does indoor air quality matter?

Although we love the great outdoors and fresh air, we also love simple comforts, such as avoiding extreme heat, extreme cold, and high humidity. The average American spends 90% of their life indoors, at home, school, work, or in the conditioned space of vehicles.
Indoor air is actually outdoor air that has migrated to indoor spaces. That means that whatever pollutants are abundant in outdoor environments are also in indoor spaces. However, since these spaces are enclosed, ventilation is reduced, and the concentration of pollutants grows larger. Add to this the pollutants added by everyday life, including cleaning, cooking, and simply breathing, and the concentration of air contaminants is 5 to 8 times more concentrated indoors.
Since poor indoor air quality can lead to or trigger health problems, indoor air quality becomes extremely important to all involved.

Since indoor air quality is so important, home and business owners should be very informed about their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. These building systems:

Move air around, maintaining fresh air. Blower motors can move the entire volume of indoor air every few minutes of a heating or cooling cycle.
All of that air moves through a very efficient air filter that traps and removes the vast majority of airborne contaminants, including many organic pollutants. Changing the air filter at least every three months removes these contaminants from a home or business forever.
Regular AC maintenance keeps an air conditioner/furnace running efficiently and extends the useful years to the system. Many of the AC maintenance tasks include cleaning pollutants from components, since dust, pollen, and dander force the system to work hard to achieve its purpose.

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality with All Cool AC and Heating

Do you have questions about the indoor air quality of your home? All Cool AC & Heating is the expert in Katy, Texas, in improving your indoor air quality. Our team can quickly assess your home’s unique needs and recommend advanced indoor air quality systems like air purifiers, humidifiers, UV-C filter systems, and whole-home air purification systems. Schedule a consultation today to improve your indoor air quality and start enjoying cleaner, fresher air in your home.

July 24, 2025

Your AC and Indoor Air Quality

Beyond Cooling: The AC’s Role in Healthy Indoor Air Quality

While we celebrate summertime with lots of vacations and outdoor activities, summertime also unleashes a three-prong barrage against our location: extreme heat, extreme humidity, and excessive pollen. All three of these features also seem to attack homes as well. But air conditioners are very capable of handling the summertime trio and managing indoor air quality.

An air conditioner uses heat transfer to remove heat from the home and release it into the outdoor atmosphere. The point of the released heat is the outdoor condenser unit. A large fan in the center of the condenser draws cool air across the coils containing hot refrigerant gas, cooling it before it cycles back indoors.
The humid air from indoors is brought into the evaporator chamber of the air conditioner. In this chamber, the refrigerant gas is cold. The humidity condenses on the evaporator coils, drips to a drain pan, and drains away.
As the indoor air circulates through the air conditioner system, an air filter traps airborne particles, including pollen and other contaminants, to improve indoor air quality.

How Regularly Scheduled AC Maintenance Improves Indoor Air Quality

So, your air conditioner works heroically to remove heat, humidity, and airborne particles all summer long.

Air conditioners require regular maintenance and may occasionally need repairs. The AC repairs come as a result of wear and tear on these very components that remove heat, humidity, and pollen from the indoor air.

AC Maintenance includes keeping both the condenser and evaporator coils clean.
Changing the air filter needs to be completed every three months to protect indoor air quality and keep the system functioning properly.

Common AC Problems and Their Impact on Your Indoor Air Quality

Beyond maintenance, air conditioners need repair, especially as the system ages. Some of the most common AC repair issues include:

The refrigerant gas is kept under pressure all year round. During cooling cycles, the refrigerant reaches about 6 times the pressure of a system at rest. Any flaw or damage to the system’s tubing will result in a loss of gas, identified by a loss of gas pressure. This is a common repair to air conditioner systems.
A powerful motor drives a fan. This fan moves the entire volume of air in the home every few minutes. The motor and drive features, usually a belt, can wear and break. This is a common repair to air conditioner systems.
The entire system runs and is controlled by a complex system of sensors and switches. Use of these sensitive parts creates wear; they need to be replaced occasionally, and this is a common repair as well.
The master control for an air conditioner is the thermostat; it serves as the ON/OFF switch for the entire system. The sensitive nature of a thermostat makes it necessary to replace or recalibrate.

An important fact to know about an air conditioner system is the age: how long the system has been functioning. Air conditioners typically last 15 to 20 years. As the system reaches the end of its useful function, repairs can be more extensive and expensive. Work with a contractor to determine the proper time to replace it rather than repairing the system.

Your Katy Experts in AC Repair & Maintenance for Superior Indoor Air Quality

Maintaining your AC is crucial for not only comfort but also for ensuring healthy indoor air quality in your home. For reliable AC maintenance and repair services that prioritize your family’s well-being, trust the experts at All Cool AC and Heating.

All Cool AC & Heating AC repair and maintenance professionals can assist with your Katy Texas AC repair and maintenance needs. Schedule your AC service or replacement appointment by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email, and let our NATE-certified AC Repair Katy technicians help you improve your indoor air quality.

April 23, 2025

Texas Summer Survival: Indoor Air Quality

Winning the Humidity War: Your AC’s Crucial Role in Indoor Air Quality

The effects of air conditioning on the air temperature and indoor air quality is very evident, but did you know that air conditioning also dehumidifies summertime air? The official name for your system is the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, or HVAC. Air conditioning and ventilation work together to remove moisture from the air and keep the home comfortable and SAFE.

Why Does My House Feel Sticky? The Role of AC in Dehumidification

Is high humidity indoors dangerous? Visit abandoned spaces without HVAC, and you will discover musty places with mold and mildew growing. Paint and stains bubble up from surfaces and get very tacky to the touch. These spaces are considered unhealthy and unsafe for human habitation. This is the difference that an HVAC system makes in indoor spaces. High humidity reduces indoor air quality and can also represent a major health risk for family members who suffer from allergies, asthma, and breathing difficulties that are exacerbated by the presence of mold or mildew spores.

The target range of indoor humidity is between 30% and 50%, with 40% recognized as the most comfortable target humidity. Lower humidity can cause woodwork to crack, skin to get dry, and nasal passages to get dry as well. Higher humidity results in furniture, walls, and flooring surfaces feeling slightly wet or sticky, and human skin also being moist and sweaty.

High humidity can also foster mold and mildew growth. The spores surround us and may also be found in the soil of indoor plants. Moist, dark surfaces promote mold blooms; that is exactly the environment created after a shower, bath, or other cleaning activities. The air conditioning and ventilation system components remove the airborne spores and reduce the moisture content from the air, making it healthier.

The major source of indoor humidity is outdoor humidity, and South Texas experiences high humidity during the entire cooling season. It is not uncommon to experience outdoor relative humidity above 90% in our area during the late summer. Indoor sources also abound, including bathing, cooking, and cleaning activities add moisture to the air. Human, pet, and even plant respiration add to indoor moisture content.

What can be done to combat high humidity indoors and improve indoor air quality?

Fix water leaks, since they are often out of sight, yet they contribute to the humidity/mold problem.
Keep your air conditioner well-maintained. An annual inspection and cleaning will remove dust particles that cling to surfaces and inhibit cooling and dehumidification.
Change your air filter regularly, at least once every three months. A dirty filter can inhibit the airflow into the evaporator chamber, the center for humidity removal.
Be aware of water that might leak from the air handler cabinet. It may be the result of a clogged drain line, but the evaporator coil is removing several gallons of water per day from the air. If the drain line is clogged, this water will migrate, potentially ruining flooring, furniture, and other surfaces. The leaking water can also be an indicator of bigger problems. Either way, do not ignore an air conditioner water leak.
If indoor humidity seems to be a big problem, use exhaust fans during showers and cooking. This limits the amount of moisture from these sources. Find good times to open windows or a door to increase ventilation. Make sure that the outdoor temperature and relative humidity are lower than the desired indoor temperature and humidity.
If air conditioning and ventilation are not enough, consider a residential dehumidifier. These devices are rather small but are effective at removing water from the air. Be sure to empty the collection basin and keep the unit clean and free from dust and spores.

Breathe Easier with All Cool AC: Simple Steps to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality and Reduce Indoor Humidity

Air conditioning plays a crucial role in dehumidifying indoor air, especially in humid climates like South Texas, thus significantly impacting indoor air quality. High indoor humidity can lead to mold growth, exacerbate respiratory issues, and create uncomfortable living conditions.

All Cool AC & Heating indoor air quality professionals can assist with your HVAC repair and AC maintenance needs. Schedule your service appointment by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified indoor air quality technicians put their experience to work for you.

March 28, 2025

Homeowner’s Guide to Indoor Air Quality

Allergy Relief: Tips for a Better Indoor Air Quality and a Pollen-Free Home

Allergy sufferers know what time of year this is. It is allergy season! For the next few months, trees, grasses, and wildflowers will take their turn releasing pollen into the air. On some mornings, you can expect to see the ground covered with pollen. Spring rains will also result in mold blooms if that is your allergy trigger.

It would be nice to escape the high pollen/mold count by going inside like one might find relief from the summer heat. However, the American Lung Association finds that indoor spaces usually have 2 to 5 times the airborne particles found outdoors. Reducing the quantity of indoor contaminants, including pollen and mold spores, will be accomplished by very intentional steps. Here are several precautions one might take to improve indoor air quality during the pollen season.

Stop in Your Tracks. Anyone entering space during this season is bringing pollen and spores with them and transporting them around the house; shoes and coats pick up a healthy supply. Make it a habit of removing shoes and jackets immediately to avoid carrying pollen any further than necessary.
Leave the HVAC fan running 24/7. The cost of operating the fan like this is a fraction of the cost of heating or cooling. The fan collects the entire volume of the home and passes it through an air filter; this happens about every two minutes. The air filter will pick up most pollen and trap it. However, this may require that the air filter be changed more frequently than normal. A clogged air filter will reduce efficiency and prevent the air conditioner from functioning properly.
Cleaning is Essential. Pollen and mold spores are light, but they are heavier than air. When the air is still, particles will settle out of the air and will land on every surface. Dusting, vacuuming, and mopping help to remove these particles forever from your home. Since people spend 8 hours per day sleeping, make sure to change the bedding often.
Open a Window. While the temperatures are mild, turn off the air conditioner and open the window for a few hours. This helps to dilute the level of contamination in indoor spaces. Remember, the outdoor air tends to be cleaner than the indoor air. Make sure to choose a time without high winds, since pollen readily travels on the wind.
Be Aware of Indoor Sources. Some homes have sources of pollen and mold spores hiding in plain sight. Indoor plants may have mold-laden soil, and any blooms may contribute to the pollen count. Pets may also carry pollen/mold; their bedding will need to be cleaned often during this time.

If any family member in your home has allergies or asthma which is severely triggered by pollen or mold spores, you may consider additional technology to clean the home’s air.

Consult with your HVAC professional concerning adding ultraviolet lights inside the ductwork. The light energy disrupts the cell walls of living pollen or mold (along with bacteria, viruses, and dust mites). The inert particles lose their allergenic properties and can be captured or cleaned away easily.
Family members with severe breathing difficulties may benefit from a whole-house or room air purifier. These devices have multiple layers of filtration and clean the air more thoroughly.

Survive Allergy Season: Improve Indoor Air Quality with the Help of All Cool AC & Heating

Despite the outdoor pollen surge, indoor air quality can be significantly more polluted, exacerbating allergy symptoms. These practical tips like removing outdoor clothing upon entry, maintaining constant HVAC fan operation with clean filters, and frequent cleaning to minimize indoor allergens can help allergy sufferers.

For severe cases, we recommend consulting our indoor air quality HVAC professionals about UV lights and considering air purifiers to enhance indoor air quality.

All Cool AC IAQ professionals can assist with your HVAC repair and HVAC maintenance needs. Schedule your service appointment by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified indoor air quality technicians put their experience to work for you.

January 28, 2025

Improving Sugar Land Indoor Air Quality Year-Round

Improving Sugar Land Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Year-Round: Tips for Winter and Summer Contaminants and HVAC Maintenance

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend 90% of their day indoors; during times of extreme temperature—summer heat and winter cold—this percentage increases. This happens because indoor spaces are conditioned to make us more comfortable. But, since the indoor air is continuously recirculating, the air must be as clean as possible. Also, the problems with Sugar Land Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) differ between the summer and the winter.

Year-Round Sugar Land Indoor Air Quality Problems

Some airborne contaminants will be prevalent year-round and need to be addressed.

Dust and Dander. Dust is a general term for almost any airborne particle, but indoor dust consists mostly of dead human skin and hair cells that flake off. Dander consists of the same skin and hair cells that flake away from indoor pets. Other dust components include fibers and chemicals from household belongings and outdoor air.

Microscopic insects also ride along and consume organic dust particles; they are called dust mites. When a family member is diagnosed with “dust allergies,” it is often an allergy to these tiny creatures and their byproducts.

Volatile organic compounds, or VOC, are gaseous compounds released from many manufactured products. The gas is released from carpets, furniture, finishes, and adhesives. The “new car smell” is actually a recognizable VOC. Most VOCs are released shortly after the manufacturing process, but trace amounts will be off-gassed continuously.

These airborne contaminants can be dealt with by very common and practical solutions.

Dust and dander are heavier than air. When the air is moving, the particles move throughout the space, but when the air is still, gravity takes over, and these particles fall to any surface underneath. A thorough cleaning (dusting, mopping, and vacuuming) removes most of these particles. Don’t forget to occasionally clean linens and drapes, since they collect dust like any other surface.
The air filter is key for removing dust and dander. More on this later.
Find a day with mild temperatures and turn off the furnace for a couple of hours. Open a few windows and doors to release the indoor air and bring in fresh air. The ventilation helps to dilute the amount of dust and VOCs trapped indoors.

Winter Sugar Land Indoor Air Quality Contaminants

A higher risk for some contaminants happens as well.

As odd as it sounds, there is a greater potential for exhaust inside during the winter. Even though there is no obvious advantage to doing so, many car owners run their vehicles during the winter to “warm it up.” If done inside the garage, even with the garage doors up, the exhaust will enter the home. Each year, the preventative maintenance check will also closely examine the burner assembly and heat exchanger to ensure the exhaust from natural gas does not make its way into the home.
While there is no pollen during the winter, the ground is wetter, and mold spores can be a problem. Mold needs moist, dark spaces to grow, and the mold spores are easily tracked into the home. Spores can trigger allergies and asthma, but they can also trigger mold blooms inside the home.

Solutions for Sugar Land Indoor Air Quality contaminants include:

Pulling a car out of the garage immediately and, if you feel the need to warm up a car, make sure to do it outdoors with the garage door closed.
Using walk-off mats at entry doors to collect dirt and spores before they are spread throughout the home.
Considering dropping shoes off at entry doors.

Role of HVAC Systems in Sugar Land Indoor Air Quality

HVAC systems use an air filter to scrub the air. With every heating or cooling cycle, a fiber filter removes a larger percentage of particulate matter from the air. However, the collection of dust can restrict air from moving through the system to heat or cool the air.
Be sure to service your HVAC system each year. The protections and benefits are important to indoor air quality.
Dust also collects in the ductwork and needs to be cleaned occasionally; cleaning the ducts every 3 to 5 years is the recommendation.

All Cool AC & Heating – The Sugar Land Indoor Air Experts

All Cool AC Sugar Land Indoor Air Quality professionals can verify whether your HVAC system can accommodate a new media air filter. Schedule your Sugar Land Indoor Air Quality consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified AC maintenance technicians put their experience to work for you.

December 27, 2024December 27, 2024

Improving Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air Quality Benefits of Media Air Filters

Since 2020, Americans have been more aware of indoor air quality issues and how they affect family health and comfort. The role that the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays in keeping indoor spaces healthy was also highlighted. And for good reason.

The variety and quantity of airborne contaminants is quite amazing.

Dust and dander are composed of skin and hair from family members, both human and furry members
There are microscopic insects, dust mites, that attach themselves to dust particles and consume them. These insects trigger allergies in some people.
Pollen and mold spores are reproductive cells from plants and fungi that also trigger allergies and asthma.
Of course, bacteria and viruses are known pathogens, causing illnesses and diseases.
Carpet, adhesives, finishes, and furniture produce volatile organic compounds.
Various chemicals enter the home from the exhaust and manufacturing from the local environment.

For these reasons and more, HVAC systems have an air filter to remove a significant percentage of these particles to keep air healthy.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers tested air filters and developed a MERV rating to help consumers purchase filters. The ratings are based on the percentage of specific-size particles the filter will remove; higher numbers indicate a higher percentage of particles being removed.

Most air conditioners are designed to receive a 1” thick air filter
These filters are made of either fiberglass mesh or wood fiber (paper). These filters are often pleated to give a greater surface for capturing airborne particles.
Residential HVAC systems are not designed to use ultra-high MERV-rated filters, since they restrict airflow and hamper the performance of the system.

If indoor air quality is extremely important for your family, perhaps due to severe allergies, asthma, or other breathing illnesses, investigate a media filter to see whether it can improve indoor air quality in your home.

Media air filters are thicker, 3” to 4” thick. This increases the number of fiber layers without making the openings too small for effective air movement.
The combination of layers traps 98% of particles, including particles as small as .1 microns in diameter.
Since media filters are made from synthetic fibers, they carry an electrostatic charge, attracting very small airborne particles.

Media Filter Pros

Media filters remove a larger percentage of airborne particles than regular MERV filters. This keeps the air healthier and surfaces cleaner.
Some media have a charcoal layer to trap odors and gases; MERV filters do not.
By removing more particles without obstructing airflow, media filters are better equipped to improve HVAC efficiency and performance. This can lead to fewer repairs and extended system longevity.
Media filters do not need to be replaced as often. They need to be replaced every year or two, depending on how much you use the HVAC system.

Media Filter Cons

A 3” to 4” filter will not fit in a slot designed for 1” filters. To retrofit a system, a media filter will need a cabinet designed to accept the filter.
Media filters are more expensive than MERV-rated filters, BUT, since they do not have to be replaced as often, the cost is very similar to the cost of replacement.

All Cool AC Indoor Air Quality professionals can verify whether your HVAC system can accommodate a new media air filter. Schedule your indoor air quality consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified AC maintenance technicians put their experience to work for you.

August 26, 2024

10 Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality By Following These Easy Tips

It is summertime and boy, do we love the outdoors. We love the warm weather, cookouts, and pool or lake time. However, statistically, we spend 90% of our time indoors, at home, when we travel, and while working or shopping. Given the time we spend indoors, ensuring optimal indoor air quality is crucial. Here are a few recommended steps to improve the air in your home.

Recognize Indoor Air Quality Contamination Sources

Reducing the concentration of contaminants entering your home is a good place to start.

Pollen, mold spores, and exhaust can enter a home through small gaps around windows and doors, or ductwork leaks. While each gap might be quite small, the combination of these spaces can be the equivalent of a hole several inches in diameter. Closing these gaps will reduce the quantity of contaminants entering a home.
A garage is often the storage space for fuels, paints, and adhesives. Vehicles and lawn care equipment may leak fuel. A habit of warming a car up in the garage will significantly increase the amount of carbon monoxide that enters a home even when the garage door is open. Make sure the door between the home and garage is well sealed.
Carpet, manufactured flooring, paints, stains, and adhesives give off volatile organic compounds (VOC) for the useful years of their service. The same is true for upholstered furniture and mattresses; the foam contains petroleum byproducts. We register the scent of VOCs as the “new” smell. The concentration of VOC falls off quickly, but they are still released in low quantities for years.

Fully Use the HVAC System

A major function of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is to produce clean, fresh air.

During the summer, the air conditioning system removes about half of the moisture to keep the indoor relative humidity between 40 and 60%. This is important, since outdoor relative humidity soars above 90% during July and August in Texas. Removing humidity inhibits the growth of mold and mildew in moist spaces (bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms). Annual professional maintenance is essential to ensure the air conditioner performs this function properly.
Even the most basic air filter efficiently removes about 80% of airborne contaminants with each cycle. Consult with your HVAC professional to determine the appropriate MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) filter for your system.
When ultraviolet light is installed inside HVAC ductwork, it disrupts the DNA and cell walls of organic contaminants, including pollen, mold spores, dust mites, bacteria, and viruses. If UV lights have not been installed in your system, inquire with your HVAC professional about after-market installation.
Whenever a heating or cooling cycle ends, gravity drops airborne dust particles inside ductwork. This dust can be removed by duct cleaning; it is recommended that ducts be cleaned every 3 to 5 years.

Further Simple Indoor Air Quality Steps

Regular and thorough cleaning removes the largest number of airborne contaminants, and they are removed permanently from the home. Whenever a home is dusted, mopped, and vacuumed, the visible results are evident. Don’t forget hard-to-reach areas, bedding, and drapes.
Opening windows or doors strategically can reduce the concentration of contaminants, including VOCs that are not collected by other cleaning techniques. Find advantages times, during mild temperatures and low pollen counts.
For troubled areas or family members with delicate health problems, consider a room air purifier. The portable units can move from room to room and have multiple filtration stages, including activated charcoal to remove VOCs and odors.

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality with Help from AllCool AC

Routine maintenance and preventative tips like we have outlined can help improve indoor air quality in your home to help those with chronic respiratory issues. Schedule your indoor air quality consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified AC maintenance technicians put their experience to work for you.

August 13, 2024August 13, 2024

8 Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality for COPD Patients

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality for Those with Chronic Respiratory Issues

Twelve million people in the US have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, and millions more might have undiagnosed COPD. COPD is a group of illnesses that include emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and severe allergies, all of which inflame the tissues of the lungs and make breathing difficult. Common factors in developing COPD include:

Tobacco smoke
Genetics
Pollutants in the home, workspace, or environment, including dust mites, pet dander, pollen and mold spores, bacteria, viruses, and fumes from household supplies.

These illnesses demand excellent indoor air quality to reduce potential irritants to lung tissue. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce airborne contaminants and improve indoor air quality, including wise HVAC choices.

Frequent Cleaning. Most airborne contaminants are heavier than air; when the air is still, gravity brings them to whatever surface is below. Dusting, vacuuming, and mopping frequently permanently remove them from the home.
Change Air Filters. The air filter collects airborne particles with every heating and cooling cycle, but it does not take long for the collection of dust, pollen, and dander to clog the filter. Normally, the filter is changed every three months, but a family with COPD may need to change the filter more often.
Increase the MERV. Air filters are rated by the size of the openings in the filter surface called Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value—the higher the MERV number, the more particles that get removed. Determine the highest rating of filter your system can handle and buy a supply of these filters.
Consider UV Lights. Ultraviolet light is extremely disruptive to cell membranes and DNA; it is the part of sunlight that causes sunburn. When UV light is installed in HVAC ductwork, it gives dust mites, pollen, bacteria, mold, and viruses a fatal case of sunburn. The remaining lifeless husks can be collected by cleaning or an air filter.
Annual Clean/Inspect. Every HVAC system should receive a preventative maintenance check each year. During this visit, further cleaning will ensure fewer particles get through and sufficient humidity is removed to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
Duct Cleaning. Airborne particles that are in the duct when the heating/cooling cycle ends will be deposited inside the duct and eventually form a thick collection. COPD and other breathing illnesses may require frequent duct cleaning.
Reduce Harmful Fumes. The overspray from cleaning supplies and other household aerosols can be a problem. Choose all-natural supplies in spray bottles to reduce the irritation from fumes. (Make sure to keep fuel, paints, and adhesives in air-tight containers when stored in the garage.)
Fresh Air. Opening windows or doors at the right time can help dilute the concentration of airborne particles, but it must be done at the right time. When is the right time? When the air temperature is agreeable, and the outdoor pollutant level is lower than the indoor level. Avoid times of high pollen count or mold spore count, for example.

This is not an exhaustive list, but it is a good start for improving indoor air quality.

Let AllCool AC Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Home.

Routine maintenance and preventative tips like we have outlined can help improve indoor air quality in your home to help those with chronic respiratory issues. Schedule your Katy AC repair consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified Katy AC repair technicians put their experience to work for you.

June 13, 2024

How Your AC Affects Indoor Air Quality

Is Your HVAC System Affecting Your Indoor Air Quality?

Sir Edward Coke, a 17th-century English jurist, wrote, “The house of everyone is to him as his Castle and Fortress.” It is used in the legal field, but it reflects how most people feel about their home. “Home” is a retreat from daily threats and dangers. Homeowners do everything possible to correct the problem and reestablish security whenever there is danger. However, what if danger is lurking on the inside of the home? Indoor air quality is just such a danger.

Poor indoor air quality affects the most necessary human function—breathing. Airborne particles can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, resulting in runny noses, watery, itchy eyes, a sore throat, and intense headaches. When family members are vulnerable with compromised health conditions, poor indoor air often triggers allergies or asthma attacks. This danger needs to be changed, so let’s get to it.

Sources of Pollution to Your Indoor Air Quality

Each home is unique, but pollution sources are quite common.

Organic particles abound, both plant and animal. Seasonal allergens include pollen from trees and wildflowers (or weeds, if you prefer), mold, and mildew. Year-round allergens include dander (skin cells) and hair from pets or livestock. Of course, we must not forget the danger posed by viruses and airborne bacteria.
Inorganic particles are also serious threats. These include exhaust from family vehicles, lawn equipment fuel, paints, and solvents. The local environment also contributes to the problem. If your home is near a highway or a dirt road, expect dust to find a way inside your home.
When furniture, carpets, flooring, and finishes are manufactured, the materials contain volatile organic compounds that will be released into the surroundings for years. We recognize them as a “new” smell, and it does not pose a danger unless in high concentrations.

Mitigating Problematic Indoor Air Quality Particles

Particles from different sources will need to be removed differently. The object of mitigation is to remove pollutants and dilute the number of particles in the air.

The first line of defense is the air filter in the HVAC system. With each heating or cooling cycle, the filter permanently removes the vast majority of both organic and inorganic particles. Filters are rated by the percentage of particles of a certain size, called Minimum Efficiency Rating Value or MERV. If indoor air quality is a serious concern, check the operation manual to determine the proper range of filter rating for the system.
The air conditioner removes humidity from the indoor space. Removing humidity prevents the growth of mold and mildew spores. These spores can be extremely dangerous allergens.
Remember to use natural ventilation and open windows and doors at the right time. Early mornings are ideal. Opening the home to the outdoors dilutes the concentration of particles indoors, but only when the concentration of pollen and mold outdoors is low.
For further protection, consider adding ultraviolet lights to the ductwork. Ultraviolet rays are the damaging, burning rays that cause sunburns. It disrupts cell walls and neutralizes organic allergens, including pollen, viruses, and dust mites. Your HVAC professional can give details concerning these lights.
If a family member is extremely vulnerable, consider a room or whole-house air purifier. Purifiers use a series of filters, including activated charcoal. Activated charcoal removes gaseous pollutants, including VOCs and exhaust. Room versions are portable and can be moved to a space most advantageous.

Are You Concerned if Your HVAC is Affecting Your Indoor Air Quality?

Schedule your indoor air quality consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified indoor air quality technicians put their experience to work for you.