August 15, 2023

The 4 Major Indoor Air Pollutants

Indoor air pollution is a major concern in many homes and buildings due to its health risks. For this reason, it’s important to know what the four major indoor air pollutants are. Here is a breakdown of the most common indoor air pollutants that affect your home’s indoor air quality, and their sources: 1. Excess Moisture Poor ventilation, plumbing leaks, or high humidity can cause excess moisture. This can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause a variety of health problems. It can also cause structural damage to the building. To protect indoor air quality, it is important to ventilate the area and keep humidity levels in check properly. 2. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) VOCs are chemicals emitted from various sources, including paints, solvents, furniture, and cleaning products. They can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and other health problems. Proper ventilation can help reduce the presence of VOCs in the air. These chemicals should also be used cautiously, and proper disposing methods should be implemented. 3. Particulate Matter Particulate matter comprises tiny particles that can be inhaled and cause health problems. These particles come from various sources such as dust, pet dander, and smoke....

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July 10, 2023

The Difference Between Commercial and Residential HVAC

HVAC is a technology used in commercial and residential buildings to provide comfortable indoor temperatures. HVAC systems include furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, ductless split systems, air handlers, evaporator coils, and thermostats. Different HVAC systems are designed for different types of buildings depending on the climate, size, and type of construction. This article will discuss ways commercial and residential HVAC systems differ. Size and Complexity Commercial HVAC systems are much larger and more complex than residential systems. They can handle a larger load and must be able to provide heating and cooling to more people. Commercial HVAC systems rely on multiple units and a series of ducts connected throughout the building to accommodate larger commercial buildings. Residential HVAC systems are much smaller and simpler in comparison. They use a single unit placed outside the home. Manufacturing and Installation Commercial HVAC systems require more robust components, higher energy output, and complex ductwork. The installation and maintenance of commercial HVAC systems also require a specialized skill set and experience, given their complexity and size. In contrast, residential HVAC systems are easier to install and maintain due to their simpler design and smaller size. These systems come in different types, each with unique...

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June 7, 2023

3 Reasons To Replace Your 20-Year-Old Air Conditioner

An air conditioner is designed to make your home comfortable when the outside heat is unbearable. However, like any other appliance, AC units age and lose their efficiency with time. Determining the best time to replace your old AC can be complicated. If your AC is about 20 years old, you might wonder whether it makes any difference to replace it. Here are some advantages of replacing a 20-year-old AC that you may find worthwhile. 1.Increased Energy Efficiency One major reason to replace an old AC is to improve energy efficiency and lower overall utility bills. An old unit becomes inefficient because of wear and tear from being used regularly. Newer AC systems are engineered to be energy-efficient, which can significantly save your energy bills. They may save you over 20% on your cooling costs. 2. Avoid Regular Repairs Throughout the lifespan of your system, you may need to schedule repair services for minor issues as they are cheaper than buying a new system. However, if your system is 20 years old, you may start scheduling repairs often. If the repair requires the replacement of a large and costly part, you should start considering replacing it. Constant repair costs may...

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May 10, 2023

AC Running But Not Cooling? Here’s Why and What to Do

When working correctly, your air conditioning system should have no issues with keeping your home cool and comfortable. An AC system that runs but doesn’t cool is obviously a sign that something is wrong, and this is true no matter whether the system blows warm air, stops blowing air at all, or simply runs without cooling the home. If you are having any of these issues, here are the potential causes and what can be done to fix them. AC Blowing Warm Air If you ever notice that warm air suddenly starts blowing out of your vents when the outdoor AC unit is still running, it almost always indicates that the evaporator coil inside your home is frozen. A frozen evaporator coil can occur because the AC air filter is clogged, the coil itself is coated in dust, or the AC blower has some issue where it can’t circulate enough air. The issue can also happen because the refrigerant level in the system is low due to a leak. If the evaporator coil does ever freeze, you need to shut your AC off and wait until the coil is completely thawed before turning the system back on. If the system...

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April 24, 2023

Keep Your System Running Smoothly with AC Maintenance

You’re counting on your air conditioner to produce cool, refreshing air all summer long. In pursuit of that goal, it makes sense to have an AC tune-up performed each spring. During a maintenance visit, your air conditioner professional will ensure that your system is running in top shape by doing the following. Check Out the Components During a maintenance tune-up, you’ll have professional eyes on your cooling system. If any parts are wearing out or need to be adjusted, your AC technician will be able to spot the problem. Minor air conditioner repairs are usually more affordable than major ones, so this can save you money in the long run. Plus, by taking care of problems before the season starts, you’re less likely to be stuck without AC during the peak days of summer. Clean the System Dirty evaporator coils can reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner. A professional cleaning session will remove the buildup of dirt and debris so that things will run better. During the tune-up, clogs and residue may be cleared away as well. Look for Leaks It’s important for your system to have enough refrigerant. If the level has gotten low, that might be a...

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January 19, 2023

Does Cold Weather Affect Air Quality?

There are many ways that wintry weather can make the indoor air quality in your home worse. If you feel like the air is stuffy in your house, our team can help you find ways to make sure the air you breathe is healthier. 1. Humidity Levels The humidity levels in your home will probably change in the winter. You’ll likely notice you want to drink more water, or your skin is dry. You may also notice that your house is dustier in the winter, which is because there isn’t enough humidity in your residence. Your collectibles, books, and furniture can even start to get ruined when your home doesn’t have enough humidity. 2. An Increase in Air Pollutants When it’s cold, there’s more pollution from cars, factories, and transportation, which settles lower because of the chilly air. When this happens, there’s more pollution that circulates into your HVAC system from the outdoors. 3. Heating Sources Furnaces, heaters, and fireplaces can all let off pollutants into your house because you run them when it’s cold outside. What makes this worse is the lack of ventilation in modern homes. 4. Too Much Insulation to Combat Cold Weather Modern houses are very...

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December 21, 2022

Furnace Lockout: Causes and Solutions

Is your furnace leaving you out in the cold more often than not? Is it refusing to restart after several attempts to reset it? You may be experiencing a furnace ignition lock out. What Is Furnace Lockout? Today’s modern furnaces come equipped with various safety sensors that ensure its proper function. If these sensors detect a condition that is determined to be unsafe, the furnace will be forced to shut down to prevent any safety hazards or damage to your unit. While these safety measures are effective, your furnace is likely to remain in lock out until you or a professional technician reset it. Many homeowners send a furnace into lockout mode after attempting to get it going several times without success. Furnace lockouts most commonly occur due to: Issues with a flame sensor Issues with the ignition mechanism Issues with a limit switch Issues with gas supply Faulty Flame Sensors A faulty flame sensor is one of the more common causes of a furnace lockout. As a furnace starts a cycle, a safety sensor checks for the presence of fire. If the safety sensor is defective, it will not detect a flame, and a control switch will halt the...

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November 18, 2022

What Are the Benefits of a Boiler Heating System?

When it comes time to replace your home’s heating system, a boiler should be at the top of your list of options. Boilers provide several benefits that other types of heating systems can’t match. If you’re unsure whether a boiler is right for your home, here are some of the top benefits you can expect. Energy Efficiency Boilers are very efficient at converting fuel into usable heat. Steam and hot-water boilers are at least 80% efficient due in part to their vertical flue space, which doesn’t require as much heat as horizontal flues used in forced-air furnaces. In addition, boiler systems don’t experience the energy losses often associated with ductwork found in forced-air systems. As a result, you can save money on your energy bills each month. Durable, Long-lasting Design Boilers are one of the most durable and long-lasting appliances in a home. They typically last over 15 years, with some models lasting even longer with proper maintenance. Boilers also require less maintenance than other heating systems, such as furnaces. One reason for this is that there are fewer moving parts in a boiler, which means there is less that can break down over time. Additionally, boilers do not circulate...

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October 20, 2022

Choosing the Best Heating System for Your Home

Boilers and furnaces are two of the most popular residential heating systems available. They both have many benefits that make it hard to choose the right one for your home. Learning more about these systems can help you choose the best home comfort system for your needs. Boilers vs. Furnaces Furnaces can use natural gas, electricity, oil, or propane to heat your home. They utilize a network of ductwork to transfer warm air to every room and floor. Boilers can use the same fuel types to create hot water. This water is then pushed through a venting system to heat the home before returning to the boiler to be heated again. Boilers can also be used alongside radiant heating systems, which are installed in your floors or walls. Boilers are typically quieter than furnaces and provide a more even and consistent heat. They won’t create hot and cold pockets that might affect your indoor comfort. Furnaces can have a direct impact on your indoor air quality if not carefully monitored. Boilers won’t circulate dust or other allergens that would otherwise set off your allergies. Both furnaces and boilers last on average about 15 to 20 years with annual maintenance. While...

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September 15, 2022

Why Is My Commercial AC So Loud?

Loud units can be distracting and annoying. That is why it’s essential to know why your unit might be making more noise than it should. By understanding the causes of loud commercial ACs, you can take steps to correct the problem and enjoy a quieter office environment. In this blog post, we’ll explore why your AC might be so loud. Loose or Broken Components A commercial AC unit is designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear. Eventually, parts such as screws or fan blades can loosen, become unbalanced or break due to corrosion or general wear and tear. This can cause the unit to vibrate and produce unwanted noise. Unlubricated Motor Fans If your commercial AC sounds louder than usual, there’s a good chance that it’s because the fan motors are running dry. Fan motors rely on a thin layer of oil in the bearings to keep them running smoothly, but over time this lubricant can begin to evaporate. The motor begins to make noise as the moving parts start to grind against each other. Clogging in the AC Unit Leaves, branches, dirt and other outdoor debris can build up on the AC unit’s coils, fan blades and...

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