Is the Air in Your Home Making You Sick?

January 3rd, 2015 Posted in HVAC Accessories
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There’s almost always more in the air that you breathe than just the oxygen we need to live. Moisture, dust, mold and many other micro-organisms are also entering your lungs every time you take a breath. In a confined area, like your home, the air can become unhealthy when too many of these contaminants are present in your air, making you and your family sick. 

Controlling the Quality of the Air in Your Home

There are several ways the air in your home can become unhealthy. Dust and allergens can be recycled through your home, collecting more each time the air is circulated throughout the house. Humans and animals create dust, plus excess moisture can cause mold spores to grow and enter the air. All these contaminants can stress allergies and cause health issues. To control these factors, you need a system in place to regulate the air quality within your home. 

Most HVAC systems will have some type of filtration for the air that it controls. However, the filters range greatly in what contaminants they are able to remove. Talk to your HVAC service professional about the level of filtration your HVAC filter is providing, and what additional options are available. 

Humidity is another factor that can compromise the air in your home. Too much moisture can lead to mold growth, which can cause both health issues and damage to your home. Consider investing in a whole home dehumidifier, which can control the level of moisture to reduce the likelihood of mold growth. 

You want the air in your home to be clean and healthy for your family. Schedule an appointment to have your air quality tested by your HVAC professional. Your HVAC service company can offer solutions to ensure the air in your home is efficiently filtered, and at the right moisture level to keep your family healthy.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
Alpharetta, GA
(770) 475-9555

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Why Your Furnace Filter Is Important

September 12th, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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Both the forced-heated air we use in the winter and our central air conditioning flows through the house in the same ducting in most of our HVAC systems.  And, as mundane as they look, our HVAC systems could not properly do the job they are intended to do without an appropriate air filter. Many homes today are also equipped with air exchange systems that literally exchange the air in our homes without our awareness. All of the air that we breathe in our homes, regardless of the season, flows directly through the furnace filter. 

As you can see, an extremely important component of your HVAC system maintenance is that this filter be changed, at the very least, every three months if not monthly. Your air filter has a major affect on the quality of the health and safety of your indoor air, as well as the efficiency of your cooling system. If you suffer from allergies, or have pets at home, it is even more important to remember to change your filter regularly. When your filter becomes dirty from the gradual build-up of trapped particles, it becomes more difficult for air to get through which will ultimately increase your energy bill and decrease the lifespan of your HVAC system. 

Furthermore, there are several different kinds of filters today and having the right furnace filter for your home may also contribute more to your comfort.  You can choose from the relatively inexpensive disposable fiberglass filters, disposable pleated or electrostatic, permanent electrostatic or high-efficiency pleated. Be sure to discuss these options with your local HVAC professional to make sure that you filter meets the individual needs of your home..

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Air Filters Do Double Duty

February 28th, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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The air filter in your heating and cooling system works quietly to remove dirt and debris from the air as it passes through your system.  This not only reduces the amount of airborne contaminants in your home and improves your indoor air quality, but it also protects your expensive heating and cooling system.  By removing dust, dirt, and debris from the air, your air filter keeps your evaporator coil and other components free of contaminants.  When a layer of dust and grime accumulates on your evaporator coil, heat transfer efficiency is reduced and as a result, your HVAC system operating efficiency is reduced.

It is critical for peak heating and cooling performance to change your air filter regularly.  A clogged air filter makes the system work harder and shortens its lifespan.  Experts recommend changing the air filter every two to three months.  During periods of heavy usage, the air filter should be changed more often. Changing the air filter is an important part of regular HVAC system maintenance.

There are several different types of furnace filters readily available at your local home improvement center.  Standard fiberglass filters are inexpensive, but only catch larger particles of dirt, dust, pet hair, and lint.  A pleated filter is a better option.  These cost a little more, but they are much better at capturing smaller airborne particles.  Since pleated filters capture more dirt and debris, they need to be changed more frequently as they will clog sooner than a standard filter.

When buying a new furnace filter, look for a medium efficiency filter that is the right size for your HVAC system.  Filters with a very high efficiency rating can reduce the air flow through your system causing a drop in efficiency.

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