Managing Indoor Air Quality in the Winter

When the cold weather of winter keeps doors and windows closed, the air in your home can become stale. The same air circulates through your HVAC system – while it goes through a filter, it is the same air over and over. Winter can mean more time spent indoors, which means air quality is more important than ever. Here are some ways to manage indoor air quality during the long months of winter.

Filter Changes

You need to keep up on changing your filter when it begins to get dirty, usually every one or two months for most filters. You may also want to improve the MERV rating of your filter – this will pull out smaller particles for cleaner air, but it can put a little more stress on your HVAC system.

Clean Vents and Ducts

More time spent indoors means more dust, dirt, dander and other substances. Make sure to clean the air vents and have your ductwork cleaned. Cold air outside can entice pests to find ways into your ducts, so an inspection for damage and a thorough cleaning should be done before winter begins.

Consider an Air Purifier and Humidity System

Beyond the standard air filter, you can go a step further and invest in an air purifier and humidity control. Depending on the part of the country where you live, you may need a dehumidifier or a humidifier during the winter to keep air at the right comfort level.

The air your family breathes is vital to their health. Talk to your local HVAC service professional about the options to protect your air quality in your home.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
5950 Shiloh Road East
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 475-9555

Improve Your HVAC with Optional Accessories

Your HVAC system is designed to keep your home comfortable year-round, cooling the hot summer air and heating it up when the temperatures drop in the winter. While a good HVAC system can easily control temperatures, it may need additional accessories to provide clean, comfortable air. Here are a few optional accessories to consider adding to your system to improve your HVAC efficiency and air quality in your home.

High Capacity Air Filters

The air in your home is circulated constantly and needs good filtration to keep it safe and healthy for your family. The filter you use in your HVAC system can make a big difference on the purity of your home’s air. High capacity air filters provide a higher level of filtration, removing more contaminants from the air, including molds and other allergens.

Humidifiers

The air in your home can become very dry, especially with air conditioning. A humidifier helps improve the comfort level of your home and can help keep respiratory and skin issues from dry air from occurring.

Advanced Thermostats

Upgrading your thermostat can improve the efficiency and comfort of your HVAC system. Advanced options include wi-fi capabilities so you can change the programming from anywhere. Setting it to more mild temps when you are sleeping or away from home can dramatically impact your energy bill; many newer models can even be controlled through your smartphone.

Talk to your local HVAC service company about accessories you can add to your HVAC system when you schedule your next service. Remember, annual service can prevent breakdowns and extend the life and efficiency of your HVAC system, so make sure to keep up with the needed maintenance.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
1925 Lena Carter Road
Buford, GA 30519
(770) 475-9528

Fall HVAC Maintenance

With winter weather rapidly approaching, now is a good time to have your HVAC system serviced by a reputable HVAC professional to make sure your system will operate at peak performance levels throughout the cold winter weather.

Regular maintenance of your HVAC system will help keep it functioning smoothly and extend the life of your system.  Your HVAC service technician will inspect and service your system.  Normal residential HVAC maintenance includes checking and tightening electrical connections, inspecting burners for leaks corrosion, cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils, checking and topping up refrigerant as needed, clearing the condensate drain, and lubricating moving parts.  Your HVAC service technician will let you know if any addition maintenance or repairs are needed.

Between service intervals, there are a few things you should do yourself.  First, you should change your air filters monthly.  This is an easy and inexpensive way to maximize the performance and lifespan of your HVAC system.  Dirty air filters cause your system to work harder and less efficiently.  If you do not know how to chang your air filters, your HVAC professional will be happy to show you. 

In addition, make sure your condenser (the unit that sits outside your home) is free from dirt, leaves, grass clippings and other debris.  Allowing dirt and debris to build up on the condenser fins makes it work harder, reduces its efficiency, and shortens it’s lifespan.  It’s a good idea to use a soft bristle brush or broom to clean out any debris rather than a hose which can drive the material further into the fins.  Be careful not to damage the fins – they are made of thin metal and bend easily.