Calgary summers can be hot, dry, and filled with airborne irritants like dust, pollen, and smoke from wildfires.
While your air conditioning unit primarily functions to keep you cool at home, it can also be a tool to improve indoor air quality (IAQ). This is especially important during the warmer months when windows are closed, and indoor pollutants can accumulate quickly.
In this blog, we’ll explain how modern air conditioning systems can contribute to better indoor air and what you can do to ensure your AC is working as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Will My AC Unit Filter the Air?
Not exactly. Your air conditioning unit is connected to your furnace, and it is the furnace that filters the air in your home. However, you can upgrade your HVAC system with additional filtration options like higher MERV rating filters, HEPA filtration, and UV bulbs.
Your AC also helps keep your home cool during hot summer months, allowing you to keep windows closed to prevent dust and debris from getting inside.
Calgary’s Summer Climate & Indoor Air Quality Challenges
During the summer, Calgary frequently experiences high pollen levels. These dry winds carry dust and, increasingly, wildfire smoke that can travel hundreds of kilometres.
When these pollutants enter your home, they can impact respiratory health, exacerbate allergies, and compromise overall indoor air quality. This is especially concerning for children, seniors, and people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
According to Health Canada, Canadians spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, and indoor air can be 2 – 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, depending on ventilation and filtration systems in place.
How Air Conditioning Supports Cleaner Indoor Air
1. Optional Filtration of Airborne Particles
Air conditioning systems can play a key role in filtering indoor air. A central AC system can use an air filter that traps particles such as:
- Dust & pet dander
- Pollen
- Mould spores
- Smoke and other pollutants
Higher-efficiency filters, such as those with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating of 11 or higher, can capture up to 85% of airborne particles between 1.0 and 3.0 microns in diameter. HEPA filters, when used in compatible HVAC systems, can trap 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
2. Humidity Control
While Calgary’s climate is generally dry, summer humidity can occasionally rise, especially during rainfall or storms. An air conditioner works by removing moisture from the air as it cools. This helps prevent excess humidity, which can otherwise create conditions that allow dust mites and mould to thrive.
Maintaining indoor humidity between 30% and 50% is considered optimal for respiratory comfort and health. Balanced moisture also reduces the spread of bacteria and viruses indoors.
3. Improved Air Circulation & Ventilation
Air conditioners with air handlers can improve circulation by continuously moving indoor air through filters and coils, helping prevent the buildup of stale air.
For even better ventilation, many HVAC systems can be integrated with Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) or Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs), which bring in fresh outdoor air while exhausting stale indoor air, all while maintaining energy efficiency.
Tips to Maximize the Air Quality Benefits of Your AC System
- Change or upgrade your air filter regularly. If you have pets or allergies, consider using a high-MERV or HEPA filter.
- Schedule professional HVAC maintenance at least once a year to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. A technician can inspect all components, clean coils, check refrigerant levels, and ensure your system is operating efficiently.
- Inspect and clean air ducts. Dust, debris, or mould buildup in ductwork can reduce air quality even with a high-performance AC system.
- Consider installing UV light air purifiers or whole-home filtration systems to improve indoor air quality. These add-ons can help reduce airborne viruses, bacteria, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Use a smart thermostat to manage airflow and humidity. Many models now offer IAQ monitoring features.
When to Call a Professional
If you’re noticing signs of poor indoor air quality—such as musty odours, visible dust buildup, frequent sneezing or allergy symptoms—it may be time to call in a professional. At Crystal Waters Home Comfort, our certified HVAC technicians can assess your current system, perform seasonal tune-ups, and recommend upgrades that improve air quality and comfort.
We proudly serve Calgary homes and offer 24/7 support when needed. Your comfort—and your air—matter to us.
Crystal Waters: Your Crystal Clear Choice for AC & HVAC
Air conditioning does more than cool your home—it’s a powerful tool for improving indoor air quality, especially during Calgary’s hot and dusty summer months.
Working in tandem with your HVAC system, your AC system helps cool your home and manage humidity, creating a healthier, more comfortable environment for your family. At Crystal Waters, we help Calgarians create comfy, healthy homes with professional HVAC and plumbing services.
To schedule a seasonal maintenance check or learn more about indoor air quality solutions, contact Crystal Waters today.
