>Air conditioning is a necessity in many homes and offices. It keeps us cool in the summer and warm in the winter. But with all the benefits that come along with it, there are also some downsides. When you are using air conditioning, you are also exposing yourself to higher levels of indoor pollutants. These include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, and particulate matter. These all have the potential to have negative health effects on those who are exposed to them. Luckily, most of these risks can be reduced by maintaining good indoor air quality. Read on to learn more about the potential health risks of air conditioning, as well as ways to minimize these risks by keeping your indoor air clean year-round.

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

CO2 is a naturally occurring gas found in the atmosphere. It is produced when organic materials are broken down by bacteria in the soil. It is also produced by human activities like burning fossil fuels. CO2 is a type of pollutant and can cause a variety of health problems if it is present in high enough quantities.CO2 is most commonly associated with indoor air quality issues related to CO2 buildup. CO2 can build up in your home when your HVAC system is not running. This can be caused by running the system for long periods without letting out the old air. It can also happen if you have a leak in your ductwork. CO2 is also produced naturally by people during normal breathing. So, if you have high indoor CO2 levels, it is usually not a result of poor indoor air quality.CO2 can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. It can also cause decreased performance at work or school. It can also cause eye, nose, and throat irritation. It can also cause breathing difficulties in sensitive people.

Carbon monoxide (CO)

CO is another common indoor air quality issue. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. CO is produced when a fuel, like natural gas or oil, is burned incompletely.It can also be produced by indoor fires, like those caused by faulty electrical equipment. CO is dangerous because it interferes with the body’s ability to use oxygen. CO can cause flu-like symptoms, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. CO can also cause long-term health problems, like lung damage.CO can be produced by both natural and artificial sources. It is important to know which of these sources is present in your home. CO levels can be reduced by installing CO monitors in your home. CO is best measured in parts per million (PPM) as opposed to parts per billion (PPB). CO is often measured in CO2 equivalents. CO2 equivalents are calculated by converting CO ppm to CO2 ppm. CO2 equivalents are commonly used in indoor air quality studies.

Ozone (O3)

Ozone is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas. It is also a by-product of air pollution. It is most commonly produced by the burning of fossil fuels, like gasoline and oil. It can also be produced by other industrial processes like sewage treatment plants. Inhaling high levels of ozone can cause shortness of breath and chest pain. It can also cause a burning sensation in the eyes and nose. Ozone can build up indoors when there is a high level of outdoor air pollution. Ozone levels can also be elevated indoors during certain types of indoor fires.

Particulate matter (PM)

Particulate matter is a type of air pollution that is made up of tiny particles. It is often measured in micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3). PM can be produced indoors by burning things like wood, kerosene, or coal. It can also be produced by the breakdown of organic materials like pet dander and dust. PM is a serious indoor air quality issue because it can cause serious health problems. It is especially dangerous for people with pre-existing lung conditions. PM can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and nausea. It can also cause decreased performance at work or school.

Indoor air quality issues

Air conditioning can cause indoor air quality issues if it is not properly maintained. The use of a dirty filter can cause indoor CO2 levels to rise. Buildup of dust and dirt in the filter can cause it to become ineffective. CO2 levels can also rise if your air handler is not properly insulated. This can happen if the ductwork is not insulated properly. A poorly insulated ductwork can cause heat to escape into the home, causing CO2 levels to rise.

Ways to improve indoor air quality

There are many ways to improve indoor air quality. Some of the most effective ways to lower indoor CO2 levels include:- Change your air filter regularly - Dirty filters can cause CO2 levels to rise.- Run your HVAC system less often - Running your HVAC system less often can help lower indoor CO2 levels.- Use a dehumidifier - Dehumidifiers can help lower indoor CO2 levels.- Install a CO2 monitor - CO2 monitors can let you know if CO2 levels are too high.- Use a CO detector - CO detectors can let you know if CO levels are rising.- Use a UV light - UV lights can kill bacteria and viruses that can cause CO2 levels to rise.- Drying clothes indoors - Drying clothes indoors can produce CO2.- Air flow in the home - Making sure the air flow in your home is correct can lower indoor CO2 levels.

Bottom line

Indoor air quality is an important part of keeping your home healthy. It is important to keep your air clean year-round to avoid harmful indoor air quality issues. This can be done by following these tips: Changing your air filter regularly, running your HVAC system less often, installing a CO2 monitor, using a CO detector, using a UV light, and drying clothes indoors.