Archive for the ‘Indoor Air Quality’ Category

Summer is in full swing, and that means it’s time to change your A/C filter! Remember, most air filters need to be changed at least once every 30 days. They need to be changed more often during summer and winter months when your system is running almost constantly.
Aside from being good for your unit, changing your filter regularly is good for your health. Air filters are designed to trap dust, mold, pollen, and other indoor air pollutants. These pollutants can aggravate your allergies or asthma if you have them, and, according to The American Lung Association, they can even cause cancer! I know it seems like everything causes cancer these days, but if something as simple as changing your A/C filter can help prevent it, why not do it?
As a filter clogs, your unit has to work harder to pull air through, making the unit wear out faster. Disposable filters are not very expensive, especially when compared to the costs of having your unit serviced or replaced due to excess wear and tear. Replaceable filters are even more cost effective! They do cost more initially, but after that purchase, you are not shelling out $15+ a month for a new disposable filter (they also keep all those disposable filters out of our landfills).
If this blog comes a little too late and you already need to repair you system, any of our AC Doctor Certified Contractors would be happy to help you. For instructions on changing your air filter, click here.

Energy efficient homes are great for the environment and reduce monthly utility bills, but they can be built so tightly that they cannot breathe! A home must be able to breathe in order to prevent unhealthy living conditions. There are some things you can do to improve your indoor air quality.
First off, control indoor pollution. This may seem like common sense, but there are some pollutants that you may not even be aware of. New carpeting can emit chemicals for years after installation. Cleaning products also pollute the air. The scents are not natural, they are created with chemicals. Natural, unscented cleaning products are healthier for your home and for you.
You can also improve ventilation by opening windows to let in fresh air and turn on ceiling fans to keep the air circulating. Remember that your HVAC system does not bring in outside air to circulate through your home. Opening windows will also let odor from pets and garbage cans leave your house.
Replacing your old vacuum with one with a HEPA filter is another way you can keep your air clean. They more effectively remove dust and particles from your floors than older vacuums which can blow these particles back into the air.
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Winter is all but here, have you gotten your heater serviced yet? It should be professionally serviced every year. Take a look at our database and find a contractor nearby that can take care of that for you. Though a professional is best for servicing your system, there are a few things you can do yourself to maintain it. First off, check your thermostat. If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure it’s set properly. Many programmable thermostats have several different settings. You can have one for weekdays when no one is home, one for evenings, and another for weekends. Next, replace your air filters. During the cold season, your filter should be changed at least every 2 months. Lastly, check all air vents. Make sure they are not blocked by furniture and vacuum them out at the start of the cold season so the warm air is not blocked. Anything more should be done by a professional. While making the appointment to get your heater serviced, try and remember the last time you had your ducts cleaned. If it’s been more than 5 years, you should think about getting those cleaned as well. Unless you’re a heavy indoor smoker or have had a major remodel, you only need to clean them every 5 years. Beware the cheap cleanings, they usually have many hidden costs or are not done by a certified professional. The typical cost of a duct cleaning is $400-$500. Most companies offer a free inspection so you can make sure your ducts really do need cleaning, which should include the coils, drain pans, fans and humidifiers. If just one component is missed, it will re-contaminate your whole system. Once your system is professionally serviced and ducts are cleaned, you should have a nice and comfortable winter!