Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality Using ACs

Introduction

Indoor air quality is no longer a side concern, it is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a healthy home or workplace. With India’s rapid urbanisation and increasing levels of air pollution, the air inside our homes and offices can sometimes be more contaminated than the air outdoors. This is especially true in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, where dust, smoke, pollen, and industrial pollutants are a daily challenge.

The good news is that your air conditioner can play a major role in tackling this issue. When used correctly, ACs can do more than just cool your rooms; they can actively improve the air you breathe. By combining proper maintenance, correct usage, and the right features, you can significantly enhance indoor air quality with AC.

Whether you own a tata ac or another model, small changes can have a big impact on the air you breathe. In this guide, we’ll break down practical tips—rooted in everyday experiences in Indian households to ensure your AC works both as a cooling system and as an air quality enhancer.

Start with Regular AC Maintenance

The first step to cleaner air is to ensure your AC is in top condition. Over time, dust, pollen, and other airborne particles accumulate in your AC filters. If you do not clean them regularly, these contaminants circulate back into your indoor air. 

Also read: Benefits of Using ACs with Dust Filters . 

Clean Filters Frequently

In most Indian households, especially in metropolitan areas, cleaning the AC filters every two to four weeks is essential. During seasons with high dust or pollen levels, weekly cleaning may be necessary. You can easily remove and wash most filters with mild soap and lukewarm water. Always ensure the filters are fully dry before reinstalling them to prevent mould growth.

Example: In Delhi’s post-Diwali smog season, cleaning AC filters every week helps reduce the smell of smoke and prevents fine dust from building up inside the unit.

Explore more: Voltas ACs with Anti-Dust Filters. 

Service Coils and Ducts Annually

Your AC’s coils and ducts can trap dust and even become breeding grounds for bacteria and mould if neglected. Professional cleaning once a year keeps your system efficient and prevents contaminants from entering your indoor air. Always opt for an authorised service provider. Find an authorised service centre through the air conditioner shop near me locator for professional cleaning.

Related read: Anti-Dust Filters in Voltas Products. 

DIY Tip vs. Professional Help

For basic cleaning, you can do it yourself. However, deep cleaning—especially for ducts and coil fins requires special equipment. A trained technician can reach areas you cannot, ensuring complete sanitisation.

Upgrade to Advanced Filtration

Standard AC filters are designed primarily to protect the machine from dust, not to purify the air you breathe. If you want serious AC air quality improvement, you need to upgrade. 

Recommended: Role of Refrigerants in ACs

Anti-Dust Filters

These are the most common upgrade and trap larger particles like dust, pet hair, and lint. They are easy to clean and help maintain basic air quality.

PM2.5 and HEPA Filters

A PM2.5 filter can capture fine particles from traffic pollution, industrial emissions, and smoke. In Indian cities, where PM2.5 levels frequently exceed safe limits, this upgrade is invaluable. HEPA filters go a step further by trapping 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, this includes pollen, mould spores, and even certain bacteria.

AC with Integrated Air Purifier

Some modern AC models come with built-in air purification features. Consider switching to an AC with air purifier or air conditioner with air purifier for better indoor air quality. These units often feature multi-layer filtration, activated carbon filters for odour removal, and even UV sterilisation.

Example: A family in Bengaluru suffering from seasonal allergies switched to a split AC with an integrated HEPA filter. Within a month, they reported fewer sneezing episodes and reduced dust settling on furniture.

Use the Right AC Capacity for Your Room

Choosing the right tonnage for your AC affects not just cooling but also air circulation and filtration.

Why Capacity Matters

An undersized AC will struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature, forcing it to run longer without effectively filtering the air. An oversized AC may cool too quickly, reducing the time air passes through the filters.

Rule of Thumb: For medium-sized rooms, a 1.5 ton AC offers optimal cooling and filtration performance.

Factors Beyond Room Size

When selecting AC capacity, consider:

• Ceiling Height: Higher ceilings require more cooling power.

• Insulation Quality: Poorly insulated rooms lose cool air faster.

• Occupancy: More people generate more heat and carbon dioxide.

• Heat Sources: Appliances like ovens and computers add to room temperature.

Example: A 1.5 ton AC works well for a 150 sq. ft. bedroom with two occupants, but a home office with multiple computers may require additional capacity or an air purifier to maintain both temperature and air quality.

Enable Fresh Air Mode or Cross-Ventilation

Even the cleanest filtered air can become stale without fresh oxygen intake.

Monsoon Tip: AC with Active Dehumidifier. 

Fresh Air Mode

Some ACs have a fresh air mode that allows a portion of outdoor air to mix with cooled indoor air. This can be beneficial during early mornings or after rain, when outdoor air quality is relatively good.

Cross-Ventilation

If your AC doesn’t have fresh air mode, open windows on opposite sides of the room for a few minutes each day when pollution levels are low. This natural airflow helps flush out indoor pollutants.

Caution: Use apps like SAFAR or AQI India to check outdoor air quality before opening windows. Avoid ventilation during high-pollution hours, such as late evenings in winter in northern India.

5. Pair with Air Quality Accessories

Even the most advanced AC system benefits from support devices.

Standalone Air Purifiers

A standalone purifier can work alongside your AC to target pollutants your AC filter might miss. Look for models with HEPA and activated carbon filters to handle both particles and odours.

Smart Sensors

Place smart air quality monitors in frequently used rooms. These devices track PM2.5, CO2, temperature, and humidity, alerting you when air quality drops. Some can integrate with your AC to adjust settings automatically.

Example: In a Gurugram apartment, pairing an AC with a smart air purifier reduced indoor PM2.5 levels from 180 µg/m³ to below 40 µg/m³ during winter smog.

Home Air Quality Audit Checklist

Carrying out a simple home audit helps identify the biggest threats to your indoor air.

Checklist:

1. Inspect High-Dust Areas: Carpets, rugs, and curtains can hold dust and allergens. Vacuum them weekly.

2. Track Filter Maintenance: Keep a log of when you last cleaned or replaced your AC filter.

3. Check Humidity Levels: Maintain between 40–60% to avoid mould growth while preventing overly dry air.

4. Identify Pollution Sources: Avoid smoking indoors, reduce use of incense sticks, and ensure kitchen exhausts are functional.

5. Review AC Settings: Use medium fan speed for better filtration cycles.

Seasonal Strategies for Better Indoor Air Quality

Different seasons bring different challenges.

• Summer: Dust and pollen are high clean filters more often.

• Monsoon: Humidity rises, watch for mould growth in AC ducts.

• Winter: Pollution peaks in many cities, use PM2.5 or HEPA filters and keep doors/windows closed during bad hours.

Conclusion

Your AC can be a valuable ally in improving indoor air quality. With regular maintenance, correct sizing, advanced filtration, and complementary devices, you can enjoy both comfort and health benefits. Whether you use a basic unit or a premium fresh air AC, these strategies ensure cleaner, fresher air indoors.

Explore the latest tata ac models with air purification features to enjoy cleaner, healthier indoor air.