Introduction
When thinking about air conditioning, most people focus on comfort, i.e. cooler temperatures in hot weather or stable climate control in sensitive environments. But there’s another important factor that often gets overlooked: air quality.
With growing awareness around health, productivity and environmental standards, the relationship between air conditioning and air quality is under the spotlight. From commercial buildings to data centres and temporary event spaces, clean air is a necessity.
In this guide, we’ll explore how air conditioning systems interact with the air we breathe, the conditions under which they help air quality, and what steps businesses can take to ensure the air stays clean, safe and compliant.
Does Air Conditioning Improve Air Quality?
The short answer is yes - air conditioning can improve air quality, but only when systems are properly maintained and correctly specified for the environment.
A well-designed and regularly serviced air conditioning system controls temperature and filters out airborne particles, such as dust, pollen and other allergens. In many commercial and industrial settings, it also helps remove pollutants, fumes and microscopic contaminants that could pose health risks or compromise operations.
Most modern systems have filters that trap these particles as air circulates. In high-spec applications, filters can be upgraded to include high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) or carbon filters that tackle finer particles and odours. Some systems also regulate humidity, which helps to prevent the growth of mould and mildew that can degrade air quality and harm health.
However, air conditioning and air quality are only positively linked when the system is properly maintained. Clogged filters, dirty coils, or neglected ductwork can quickly lead to poor air circulation, recirculation of pollutants, and in some cases, the spread of bacteria or mould spores.
How Air Conditioning Helps Air Quality
When properly maintained, air conditioning systems improve indoor air quality, especially in environments with limited ventilation or where external conditions bring in dust, allergens or pollutants.
Here are some examples of how air conditioning helps air quality:
- Filtration of dust, pollen and pollutants
Most air conditioning systems include built-in filtration that captures airborne particles as air passes through the unit. These filters remove common irritants such as dust, pollen, smoke and in some cases, industrial fumes. In environments like office buildings, this helps maintain a healthier workspace and supports employee well-being. In industrial sites, filtration can protect workers and sensitive equipment from airborne contaminants.
- Humidity control to prevent mould and mildew
Excess humidity can create the perfect conditions for mould, mildew and bacterial growth. Many air conditioning systems actively manage moisture levels in the air, keeping humidity within a healthy range. This is particularly important in temporary structures, construction site welfare units or storage areas where ventilation may be limited. Proper humidity control prevents damage to materials and protects respiratory health.
- Circulation of fresh or conditioned air
Air conditioning promotes consistent air flow and circulation, helping to replace stale air with fresh or filtered air. This ensures comfort while improving air freshness, even when large numbers of people are present. In commercial settings, improved ventilation can reduce the concentration of indoor pollutants and support better overall air hygiene.
Air Quality Challenges with Air Conditioning
While air conditioning systems can improve indoor air quality, they can also present challenges if not properly maintained or designed for the environment. Here are some common issues to be aware of:
- Dirty filters and coils
Filters are the first line of defence against airborne pollutants. When they become clogged with dust and debris, airflow is restricted, and the system may start circulating unfiltered air. Similarly, if evaporator or condenser coils are dirty, the system becomes less efficient and can harbour bacteria or mould. This is especially problematic in busy industrial settings, where equipment is exposed to dust, moisture or airborne contaminants.
- Poor ventilation
Some air conditioning setups, particularly older systems, lack sufficient fresh air intake. Without a proper ventilation strategy, stale air can build up and concentrate pollutants indoors. In sealed environments, such as server rooms, portable cabins or event structures, this can lead to discomfort and degraded air quality. - Over-reliance on recirculated air
Many systems operate by recirculating the same indoor air to conserve energy. While efficient, this approach can be a concern if contaminants or odours aren’t being adequately filtered. Without access to outdoor air or a fresh air supply, issues like CO2 build-up and odour retention can develop over time.
To avoid these issues, routine maintenance and regular air quality checks are essential. Filters should be replaced as recommended, coils should be cleaned, and ventilation levels should be assessed regularly, especially in temporary or high-demand environments.
Air Quality Monitoring and Maintenance Best Practices
To get the most out of your air conditioning system and ensure it continues to support healthy indoor air, it’s essential to follow key maintenance and monitoring practices. These protect your HVAC equipment and safeguard the people and processes that rely on clean, breathable air.
- Replace filters routinely
Clogged or dirty filters are one of the most common causes of poor air quality in conditioned spaces. Whether your system uses standard filters or upgraded HEPA and carbon filters, routine checks and timely replacements are important. In high-dust environments like construction sites or industrial facilities, more frequent servicing may be required to maintain peak performance.
- Introduce fresh air ventilation
Good ventilation helps reduce the concentration of indoor pollutants and brings oxygen-rich air into the space. Where possible, use systems with fresh air intake functionality or combine portable AC units with mechanical ventilation. In temporary or enclosed setups, such as event structures or welfare cabins, this is key to maintaining comfort and safety.
- Use air quality sensors or portable monitors
Installing air quality sensors helps you stay ahead of potential issues by continuously tracking key indicators like CO2 levels, humidity, particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These tools provide valuable insights into when action is needed, whether that’s cleaning a filter, increasing ventilation or adjusting system performance. For temporary installations, portable monitors offer a flexible, low-commitment way to maintain oversight.
By combining smart monitoring with regular maintenance, you can ensure your air conditioning system continues to support not just the temperature, but the quality of your environment.
Air conditioning plays a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality. When specified correctly and maintained regularly, air conditioning systems can do far more than regulate temperature. However, the benefits of air conditioning and air quality are only realised when systems are managed proactively.
At Aggreko, we provide high performance, carefully maintained HVAC solutions to support better air quality. Get in touch to find out how our hire solutions can support a cleaner, healthier environment for your business.