As anyone who lives in Arizona can tell you, the Grand Canyon State is no stranger to dust storms. Also known as haboobs, dust storms occur when powerful winds blow loose dirt, clay, dust, and sand up into the air, creating a large cloud of debris and dust.

In addition to reducing visibility, damaging the environment, and aggravating respiratory conditions, dust storms also have a nasty tendency to cause problems with your air conditioning equipment. These issues can sometimes be severe enough to require professional air conditioner repair in Chandler.

In order to help you keep your AC units running properly and prevent dust from reducing your indoor air quality, we’ve written a brief guide on how to minimize the effects of dust storms on your AC unit. Keep reading to learn more.

Why is my AC blowing dust?

Giving your home an in-depth cleaning, only to find dust on your furniture some minutes later is one of the most frustrating things a homeowner can experience. If this happens to you, check your air conditioner to make sure it isn’t malfunctioning in some way.

AC problems that can cause it to blow dust include:

• Ductwork leaks. Heating and cooling ducts are typically located in the basement, attic, or behind walls. Any leaks in the ductwork will cause your HVAC system to suck the dust right out of these naturally dirty areas and distribute it into the other parts of your house.
• Problems with filters. All air conditioners contain internal dust filters. If these filters are damaged or of low quality, you’ll likely have a lot more dust in your home. Replacing them with first-rate filters that have a high MERV rating is the best solution to this problem.

How do I protect my air conditioner from dust?

If a dust storm hits your neighborhood, there’s a considerable chance that it’s going to muck up the coil inside your AC unit. Unless addressed, this dirt buildup will gradually reduce the efficiency of your AC unit and may cause its outside fan motor to overheat.

Here’s what you can do about it:

Turn off your air conditioner during a dust storm

This may be inconvenient, but it will keep your AC system from sucking in even more dust than necessary.

Change the filters after a dust storm

A dust storm can clog up an AC’s dust filters in no time. This reduces or even completely blocks air flow, which makes your AC less efficient and may result in it breaking down entirely. Replacing or (if applicable) washing the filters after every dust storm is highly recommended.

Wash the exterior unit after a dust storm

Once a dust storm has passed, turn off the outside AC unit and give it a good rinsing with a garden hose. Pay special attention to the tiny air fins, as that’s where dust tends to accumulate the most.

Examine your ductwork

Strong winds can damage your AC’s ducts, so give them a quick checkup to make sure everything is as it should be.

Who provides dependable air conditioner repair in Chandler?

Modern air conditioning systems are complex devices that are considerably more efficient and durable than their older counterparts. Unfortunately, this increased complexity means they can also malfunction in a variety of different ways, many of which are impossible for a layperson to diagnose.

If your AC unit is acting up or otherwise underperforming, don’t hesitate to call Hughes Air. As the leading cooling and heating contractor in Chandler, we’ll be happy to deal with any AC-related problems you may have while you relax at the Environmental Education Center with your loved ones. Call us today.

Making sure the air inside your house is fresh and free of dust, allergens, and other harmful particles is one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner. Unfortunately, regularly airing and cleaning your place isn’t always enough to ensure good indoor air quality.

So what can you do? Should you invest in a dedicated air purifier, or is installing a high quality air conditioner enough to keep dust and pollutants out? Can an air conditioning repair company in Chandler, Arizona, modify your existing AC system to make it more effective at filtering the air that enters your house?

We’ll answer these questions about indoor air quality in this article, and advise you on what to do if your air conditioner isn’t working as intended. Read on to learn more.

Does air conditioning filter the air?

All air conditioners have internal dust filters that are designed to reduce the amount of dust, crud, and pollen that gets into your home. Depending on where you live and the model of your AC, these filters will need to be either replaced or washed once or twice a year.

That being said, regular dust filters can’t stop fine particles such as smoke, which can be a serious problem if you live in an area where wildfires occur. Luckily, there are some types of AC filters that are highly effective against smoke and other fine particles.

These filters include:

• Ionization filters can remove at least some smoke, but they’re believed to be far more effective in stopping dust, allergens, germs, and odours.
• Catechin filters use a plant extract that has antibacterial and antifungal properties. They’re used to trap and eliminate mold spores, bacteria, and other organic particles.
• HEPA filters (high-efficiency particulate air) are the superior option, but they aren’t typically used in AC systems. As a result, your best option is to get a HALO Purification System, which is a powerful whole-house steam-humidifier and air purification system that offers the most protection against harmful pollutants.

Does AC remove dust?

Your air conditioning system contains dust filters that are designed to “catch” the dust that’s coming in through the AC system. Unless you let your AC’s dust filters get dirty, they will dramatically reduce the amount of dust that gets inside your house.

Needless to say, an AC unit can’t actually remove dust from your home or entirely prevent dust buildup. Some dust will still get in, and you’ll need to deal with it during your regular home cleanings.

Does air conditioning improve air quality?

The best way to improve your indoor air quality is by maintaining a good airflow and keeping your home clean. This will prevent dust, allergens, and other pollutants from building up inside your living space and negatively impacting your and your family’s health.

Air conditioners are also extremely helpful because they keep the humidity and temperatures in your place at a reasonable level. This enables you to breathe easier, which in turn makes you feel more energetic and improves the quality of your sleep.

Who provides first-rate air conditioning repair services in Chandler, Arizona?

Kicking back in a fully air-conditioned home after exercising at the Snedigar Recreation Center is one of the best ways to end your day. At Hughes Air, we’d like to help you with that by ensuring your AC system works like a charm all year long.

In addition to being an award-winning heating and cooling contractor, we can also provide you with top-of-the-line air purification and steam humidifier systems that will keep your Chandler home free from dust, bacteria, pollen, and other dangerous particulates. Give us a call today.