Did you know? Summer brings increased outdoor pollutants like ozone and particulate matter (PM2.5). These pollutants can enter homes through open windows and ventilation systems, contributing to higher indoor concentrations. (source)
In today’s rapidly changing climatic conditions, we are witnessing numerous weather changes that are getting worse day by day.
Due to drastic limits of global warming, the summer is becoming miserable every year, causing a lot of damage to our air quality and making us prone to various skin and respiratory issues.
AC and other cooling devices are not that efficient in clearing all the hazardous bacteria floating in our environment. Although they can be easily eradicated if you follow some simplistic approaches.
In this blog post, we are going to take an overview of these compelling strategies to make your breathing hassle-free in dry heat waves.
Let’s begin!
Key Takeaways
Understanding why the quality of air indoors gets depleted.
Addressing numerous ways to improve indoor wind qualities.
Addressing numerous ways to improve indoor wind qualities.
Discovering all the benefits of maintaining and upgrading AC systems.
The end note
Why the Quality of the Air Indoors Goes Down in the Summer
Summer is all about sunshine and fresh air outdoors – and then the temperatures get too high and all you want is to be inside, with the AC on full blast. But as it gets hotter and hotter outside, the air inside your home can start to feel heavy and stale.
Humidity is a major culprit here because warm air holds more moisture and, when moisture gets trapped inside, indoor humidity levels go up. This is why the air feels almost sticky; however, it gets worse: it creates an ideal environment for mold and dust mites. Pollen is another significant issue, especially in summer when grasses, trees, and weeds release their pollen into the air. Keeping your windows closed won’t stop it from entering.
Once it infiltrates your home, it settles and continues to trigger your allergies day after day. Then there’s your AC, which is a lifesaver during hot weather. But remember, AC units don’t introduce fresh air; they simply recirculate the same air throughout your home repeatedly. If your system hasn’t been cleaned or you haven’t changed the filters in a while, it can spread dust, allergens, and other particles every time you turn it on.
So, while it’s keeping the air cool, it’s also making the quality of it worse, and you mightn’t even know it.
Air quality problems in the summer are often caused by high humidity, but it’s also one of the easiest things to fix. Due to constantly changing weather conditions, predicting its accurate measure becomes more complex. Your humidity levels will be normal if you use a dehumidifier, especially in damp places. Ideally, you’d want the humidity inside your home to stay between 30% and 50%. Any higher and you’re inviting mold, mildew, and dust mites to move in.
Upgrade and Maintain Your AC System
Your AC shouldn’t just be keeping the air cool. A well-maintained AC system can also help clean the air if you take care of it. This means that you need to regularly change your filters, schedule routine servicing, and upgrade to filters that trap tiny particles. And with over 90% of U.S. homes using air conditioning (according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration), this is a very big deal.
Keep in mind that, although many areas face poor air quality during summer, the situation differs.
PRO TIP During periods of high outdoor pollution, consider sealing windows and doors to limit infiltration. (Source)
City (State)
Avg. Temp. (in °F)
Avg. Humidity (%)
Avg. Pollen Index (0-12)
Avg. Air Quality Index
Kansas City (Missouri)
57.3
66
6.2
45
New York City (New York)
55.3
63
6.5
52
Miami (Florida)
77.2
74
8.2
70
Phoenix (Arizona)
75.1
36
5.5
74
Seattle (Washington)
52.0
73
5.1
42
Portland (Oregon)
54.4
73
5.7
49
For example, based on data from the National Centers for Environmental Information, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the city of Phoenix has problems with dry dust and pollutants. Meanwhile, Portland has a lot of pollen and mold because of the humidity.
Kansas City has issues with moisture and allergen-heavy conditions, so if you need an AC repair in Kansas City, the cause for the problems won’t be the same as in, say, Phoenix or Miami.
Improve Ventilation
Even the most basic adjustment of your windows and ventilated spaces can have a significant impact, but you have to be smart about how and when you do it. When you cook or take a shower, make sure to turn on exhaust fans to get rid of moisture and smells. If you like opening your windows, try doing so in the early morning or after it rains because that’s when pollen levels are lower.
If your home feels stuffy, an energy recovery ventilator can help cycle in fresh air and still keep your house cool.
Keep the Indoor Pollutants at a Minimum
Some of the most problematic pollutants are the products you use every day..Strong air fresheners, cleaning sprays, and even scented candles can release VOCs into the air. These can hang around in the air and cause headaches, irritations, and issues with breathing.
What helps is switching to natural or low-VOC products and vacuuming with a machine that has a HEPA filter. Also, don’t forget to wash your rugs, curtains, and bedding regularly.
Conclusion
Summer means sunshine, barbecues, cocktails, dips in the sea, but it also means humidity, pollen, and a lot of invisible stuff that messes with the air inside your home. It’s not necessary to live in a cloud of dust and allergens, though, since there are many smart and simple things you can do to clean up your home for the summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does air quality get worse in the summer?
The heat and humidity of the summer can result in poor air quality, both outdoors AND indoors.
How does temperature affect indoor air quality?
High temperatures can accelerate the release of VOCs from these products, leading to elevated indoor concentrations.
Does AC improve indoor air quality?
Air conditioning can significantly improve indoor air quality. By filtering out dust, allergens, and pollutants, air conditioners help create a cleaner and healthier environment.
