Updated: January 2024
Signs That Indicate Your Air Scrubber Needs Maintenance?
Are your allergies or respiratory issues getting worse? Are you trying to figure out the cause of bad odors in your home? Your air scrubber may be in need of maintenance. If it’s not cleaned and maintained regularly, an air scrubber will become less effective at removing dust, gas, toxins, and other pollutants from the air. Let’s explore some of the common signs that it’s time to schedule air scrubber maintenance!
Bad Odor
Foul odors in your home or business can mean the air isn’t as clean as it should be. Foul odors usually come from industrial byproducts, toxic chemicals, cooking fumes, or decomposing organic matter such as food scraps or pet waste. These airborne particles carry the bad smell with them and can circulate in the air you breathe. Fortunately, air scrubbers are a great tool to have at your disposal for removing these particles from the air and subsequently reducing bad odors.
The scrubbers use filters, electrostatic precipitators, and other technologies to literally “scrub” undesirable particles out of the air — leaving you with a refreshingly clean atmosphere free of pungent smells. So, if you start noticing an unpleasant smell in the air, it could be indicative of the fact that your air scrubber needs maintenance or repair. In this case, it’s best to call an HVAC professional to inspect the scrubber and take necessary action depending on their findings.
Mold
Mold can be a common problem in any home or office space, so it’s crucial to understand what causes it. Mold spores naturally exist in the air and thrive in darker, more humid environments. But with quality air scrubbers, your home or office environment can be much healthier. Air scrubbers work by creating hydrogen peroxides and charged ions to eliminate microbes and organic compounds, leading to fewer mold spores in the air.
However, if the air scrubber isn’t functioning properly, it won’t be able to produce effective cleaning measures as efficiently. So, if you’re dealing with mold in your space, then it may be time to inspect your air scrubber, as it could be what’s causing this persistent problem.
Allergy Symptoms
Are your eyes itchy and watery, or is your nose constantly running? Are you continually coughing and sneezing? If yes, you could be experiencing allergy symptoms, and they might also be a sign that your air scrubber needs maintenance. Dust mites are also very common air pollutants that can cause allergies.
An air scrubber will successfully remove these pollution sources by purifying the air through several levels of filtration. Therefore, if you’re experiencing allergy symptoms, it could be due to a decrease in your air scrubber’s efficiency and an update or replacement may be necessary for optimal health.
Increased Energy Bills
Dust, mold, and other air pollutants can easily build up in your HVAC system. These pollutants can accumulate in the air filter, the evaporator coil, and even on the blower motor. This buildup adds strain to your HVAC, which could mean that it has to run more often or for longer periods to keep your home comfortable; resulting in increased energy bills.
An air scrubber is designed to prevent this kind of dust buildup by removing different types of air pollutants from the air before they can get trapped in your HVAC system. If you are noticing an increase in energy bills, then it might be a sign that your air scrubber needs maintenance in order to function effectively.
Dust Accumulates Quickly on Furniture and Surfaces
Over time, fine particles can settle on surfaces, making them look dull and dingy. Dust accumulating quickly on your furniture and other surfaces is an indication that your air scrubber may need some attention in order to keep the interior of your home or office clean.
Air scrubbers come with advanced HEPA filters that can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, making them a powerful tool to reduce air pollution indoors. If the air scrubber is running smoothly, then dust will not accumulate on surfaces as quickly and there should be minimal to no dust present in the room. Regular maintenance of your air scrubber will help ensure particulates and allergens don’t build up inside your building.
Indoor Air Quality Test Fails
When it comes to ensuring your home has clean, breathable air, indoor air quality monitors are a great asset. These devices can measure a variety of possible threats in the air, such as carbon monoxide, allergens, and volatile organic compounds. When selecting an indoor air quality monitor for your test, you’ll find three categories available: consumer monitors that are made for everyday use, lab-grade monitors that provide more specialized feedback, and commercial-grade monitors used by industrial plants.
If the reading shows anything failing after assessing the quality of your indoor air with one of these devices, then it is likely a sign that your air scrubber needs maintenance. An experienced HVAC technician should be able to clean, repair, or replace any necessary components for improved air scrubber performance going forward.
Air Scrubber Maintenance Tips
Below are some tips to help you keep the air scrubber in top condition.
Change the Filter Often
Keeping your air scrubber in good condition can make all the difference, both for your home’s air quality and the longevity of your HVAC system. That’s why it’s crucial to heed manufacturers’ recommendations for maintenance and filter changes. Generally, HEPA filters should be replaced every six to 12 months. Electrostatic and activated carbon filters may need replacing monthly. It’s best to consult with an expert should you require any help changing filters or performing other necessary maintenance tasks.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Air scrubbers are installed inside the existing ductwork of your HVAC system and are usually located immediately after the air handler. For optimal performance and efficiency, it is crucial to have a professional technician come out regularly to maintain your air scrubber. As part of their maintenance services, the technician can perform activities such as cleaning the filter, changing UV lamps, inspecting for issues or damages with electrical components, and testing airflow through vents to ensure that the system is running in peak condition.
Do Air Scrubbers Have UV Lamps?
If you have ever heard of HVAC UV lamps, you may be wondering what they are and how they work. In short, UV lamps produce a type of ultraviolet radiation, known as UV-C light, that is particularly lethal to pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. When pathogens come into contact with UV light, they absorb this energy. Then, the energy damages the genetic material of these pathogens, rendering them unable to reproduce or survive. Eventually, these microorganisms die. Many modern air scrubbers are equipped with UV lamps to reduce the number of bacteria, mold spores, and viruses circulating within the building.
Contact Heating, Cooling, and Air Professionals Today!
Don’t let your indoor air quality systems suffer in the background when superior care and maintenance are just a phone call away. At We Care Plumbing, Heating, and Air, we recognize the importance of air quality in your home and are dedicated to providing products and services you can trust. From air scrubbers to humidifiers and duct cleaning, we have all the products and services you need to keep your air fresh. On top of that, our experts also provide a full range of plumbing and HVAC services in Temecula and other Southern California communities. Should urgent situations arise, we are available 24/7 for your convenience. Call We Care today for all your indoor air quality needs!
