Most of us spend much of our time living or working inside a building. Thanks to our heating and cooling systems, we enjoy the comfort and coolness of indoor air. But did you know that indoor air is 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air?
HVAC systems keep our homes cool and comfortable, but many do not realize that we breathe in pollutants, which puts us at risk of various diseases, including respiratory ailments. Prolonged exposure to pollutants can result in eye, nose, and throat irritation.
How do we fix this problem? Could ductless AC be the solution to our indoor air quality issues?
Ductless AC: How Does It Work
As its name implies, a ductless air conditioner cools your home without the presence of ducts that are common in forced air cooling systems. Also known as a “mini split air condition”, it comes with 2 major components. The indoor (comes with an evaporator coil and blower fan) and the outdoor unit (with a condenser coil, compressor, and fan) are connected with electrical wiring and refrigerant cooling.
The outdoor compressor pushes out the chemical (refrigerant or coolant) through the refrigerant line to the evaporator coil. As the chemical solution turns to gas, it removes heat and humidity from the indoor air and blows it across the coil, delivering cooler and less humid air into the room. The gaseous refrigerant cycles back to the condenser coil to convert it back to its liquid state, releasing heat through the outdoor coil.
While a ductless mini-split system comes with a remote control, you can still connect it to a Wi-Fi network and control it via a smartphone application.
Why Should You Be Concern About Air Quality
Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the condition of the air inside a structure. Various factors, such as safety, comfort, and the health of the people residing or working in the building. IAQ has become a major concern due to the nature and design of the structure inhabited by individuals. For instance, some residential and commercial buildings are closed to prevent cold or warm air and pollutants (dust, smoke, bacteria, insects, and smog) from entering.
The essence of safeguarding the quality of indoor air is to protect the occupants from potential health problems. Pollutants can put you at risk of respiratory allergies and cause damage to indoor facilities, such as appliances and other electronic equipment.
Unfortunately, the adverse health effects of indoor air pollution are not immediate and can occur over time. While some health issues can be diagnosed and treated early, others can worsen as time passes. Ensuring good IAQ is crucial for the comfort, health, and overall well-being of the occupants.
How a Ductless AC Can Enhance Your Indoor Air Quality
Traditional HVAC systems come with ductwork or air ducts that act as a conduit for conditioned air. Over time, airborne particles and contaminants build up within the ducts, which necessitates professional duct cleaning.
Most Toronto residential and commercial owners have their ductwork cleaned once or twice a year, leaving plenty of time for debris to accumulate in between cleanings. Imagine how your air ducts will look without having it cleaned.
Prolonged exposure to pollutants can result in the development of skin and respiratory infections and chronic lung problems, including lung cancer. However, installing a mini split air conditioner helps reduce indoor air moisture. The conventional AC unit absorbs the heat from your home into the refrigerant to cool your home. On the other hand, a ductless air conditioning unit transfers the absorbed moisture to the condensate of the unit to control and minimize the humidity in your home.
The lower the indoor air humidity, the fewer pathogens are in it. This means there is a lower risk of illnesses and allergies.
How to Maintain Your Ductless AC System
Ductless ACs are an efficient and cost-effective cooling option; that is why it is essential to keep them in the best condition possible. Unfortunately, neglecting its regular maintenance can shorten its life and impact its function.
Although a professional ductless AC cleaning service is the best option, there are ways that you can take on your own to keep it in shape. Follow our ductless air conditioner maintenance tips to ensure it is up-to-date and properly functioning.
- Clean Regularly
Be sure to dust the unit regularly from the outside. Accumulated dust can eventually find its way to the operating units and reduce the functioning and operation of the system. Make it a weekly habit—use a damp cloth or a safe chemical cleaner to remove the dust. Also, inspect if the exterior part of the vent is clean to prevent clogging.
- Leave Enough Space Around the Unit
When you install a ductless AC, make sure it has ample space distance around the unit for smooth functioning. Furniture or shelves placed near the unit can encourage dust build-up around the unit. Leave at least 4 feet between the nearest furniture and the unit.
- Turn off the Unit Before Cleaning
In addition to cleaning the exterior, be sure that the interiors are clean as well. However, you need to turn off the unit completely before cleaning. Switch off the exterior circuit switch and in-home components to prevent any damage during the cleaning process or, worse, electrocuting yourself. After shutting the unit down, give it some time to cool down and wait for a few minutes before turning it on.
- Keep Filters Clean
Dirty, old filters can decrease the efficiency of the unit, leading to higher operating costs. Cleaning or replacing the filters regularly helps ensure your unit is performing at its maximum potential. Carefully remove the filter and use a clean, dry cloth to get rid of the dust. Damaged filters should be replaced with new ones.
- Get Rid of the Dust on the Coils
Ensuring the coils are clean keeps the unit functioning efficiently. Spray the dirt and debris with a regular garden hose and see to it that the fins do not bend while cleaning. Dust off the remaining debris by hand and ensure that the ductless air conditioner unit is completely dried before using it again.
- Clean the Pipes
Dust, dirt, and other particulates accumulated inside the pipes can cause blockage, preventing the unit from working efficiently. Clean the pipes regularly and check for signs of cracks and leaks, as they can affect their functioning.
Ductless AC: Conclusion
With more homes becoming more and more airtight, a ductless AC proves to be an efficient solution for cleaner and healthier indoor air. Without ductwork, it offers plenty of benefits for residential and commercial building owners who want to enjoy comfortable temperatures and cleaner, healthier air in their homes.
Do you think it is high time to upgrade your old HVAC system? Consult with an air conditioner repair technician before installing it in your home. A trained individual will check the electrical connections, look for refrigerant leaks, and inspect your drain hose to make sure they are clog-free. In case of damaged components, the HVAC professional will carry out repairs or replacements to ensure your mini-split unit performs at its optimal performance.
If you are looking for a reputable company that offers air conditioner repair in Toronto, look no further than Air Quality Dunrite. Do not be tempted to do these things on your own and run the risk of damaging your ductless AC.
Call us today at (416) 342-1939 to learn more about our “No Payment for 6 Months Promo”. Don’t miss our incredible offer and relish in comfortable and cleaner air and big savings with a ductless air conditioner system.