The Importance of Improving Indoor Air Quality
Good air quality in the home is important to your family’s health. People take precautions to prevent breathing in bad air outside their homes, but rarely consider that the problem could be under their own roof. The good news is that you have the power to improve the air quality in your home. Simple adjustments to your HVAC system is the best way to get started.
HVAC Tips to Help Reduce Allergic Reactions in the Home
Keeping the air in your home clean and breathable is important. It reduces the risk of respiratory illness and lessens allergy symptoms. If you’re sneezing or having difficulty breathing in your home, the air quality might be poor. Luckily, there you have options to make these symptoms better, and it all starts with HVAC maintenance. Check out these tips to help reduce allergen symptoms in the home.
5 Good Reasons to Use a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is a machine that filters air and removes excess moisture from the environment. They come in several sizes depending on the space you want to purify. There are several advantages to owning a dehumidifier. Keep reading to learn more about these devices.
Buyer’s Guide for Choosing an HVAC System
Shopping for a new HVAC unit can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. How do you know what AC unit is right for your home and family? Check out this guide to HVAC shopping.
Ductless Mini-Split vs Central AC: What You Need to Know
In the heating and cooling industry, there are two types of AC systems: the ductless mini-split system and the central AC system. What’s the difference and which one is right for you? Keep reading to learn more.
Warning Signs That You Have Poor Indoor Air Quality
Did you know that the quality of your indoor air can have an impact on your health? In addition to exercising and eating right, the quality of the air you’re breathing is important to preventing illness inside your home. Here are a few signs of poor air quality to look for, from the HVAC experts at Cox Air.
Illness and Fatigue
For homeowners who are predisposed to seasonal allergies, you know when to stock up on allergy medications. However, when you experience allergy-like symptoms and illnesses outside of the typical allergy season, it could be something in your home that’s making you sick. Poor air quality can cause symptoms like a sore throat, running nose, sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes. Homeowners can also develop insomnia, sleep apnea, and snoring problems because of poor air quality. Studies involving office environments have shown that breathing pure air increases alertness and productivity while poor air quality induces fatigue and lethargy.
Dust and Allergens
The most common culprits of poor air quality are airborne allergens. Dust, dander, and mold spores are airborne particulates that will contaminate your air and make you sick. Dust and dander can build up inside your ductwork and vents, clogging your system and recycling poor quality air throughout the home. Clogged ducts and filters force your HVAC to work harder, which can drive up your monthly energy costs. Mold is a very dangerous allergen that thrives in moisture-rich rooms like your bathroom, basement, and kitchen cabinets. If left unchecked, mold can take over a home and cause serious respiratory problems like asthma and COPD.
High Humidity Levels
In the Southeast, where summer storms create increased outdoor humidity levels, maintaining indoor comfort can be a challenge. High indoor humidity levels increase the risks of developing upper respiratory infections and asthma. High humidity makes you sweat more and increases oil secretions from your pores. Mold and mildew also love areas of high humidity. To prevent microbial growth and improve indoor air quality, try to keep your indoor humidity levels between 35 and 50 percent. Lowering the thermostat can help lower humidity levels, or you can use a stand-alone dehumidifier to remove excess moisture.
Unusual Odors
If you’ve taken out the trash and still notice a foul smell in your home, it could be another sign of indoor air pollution. Mold and mildew have very distinct smells, but stagnant air is another type of air pollution. It’s more common during the winter months when people spend more time indoors with the windows closed.
Clogged Air Filters
When was the last time you changed your air filter? If you can’t remember, the chances are that could be the reason why your air quality is suffering. As mentioned earlier, a clogged filter makes your AC work hard, but it’s also a breeding ground for mold and allergens. Filters should be changed at least once every 90 days, or every 30 days if you have pets. A high-quality HEPA filter is designed to trap dust, pet dander, and pollen, as well as airborne viruses, bacteria, and mold spores.
The Importance of Routine Air Conditioning Maintenance
As the summer comes on, you may not think too much about your AC system. You may not have even had it serviced before the season started. However, at Cox Air, we have seen several reasons why people should always have routine maintenance done on their air conditioning system. Here are the top reasons to make sure your AC is running the way it’s supposed to.
Tips to Keep Your Home and Wallet Cool This Summer
Summer is in full swing and with it comes higher temperatures, more air conditioner usage, and higher energy bills. However, you shouldn’t need to spend a ton of money to be comfortable in your own home. Use the following techniques to keep your house cool in the summer without draining your bank account.
5 Tips to Extend the Life of Your AC
With proper care and maintenance, your air conditioning unit should last for years. However, where a lot of homeowners seem to struggle is with the proper care and maintenance part of owning an air conditioner. Fortunately, it’s not hard to do and just involves changing some of your habits and incorporating some of the following tips into your life.
How to Avoid Letting AC Affect Your Health
Your air conditioner keeps you cool and comfortable during the summer, but it comes with its drawbacks. Of course, these issues certainly don’t warrant you keeping the AC off during the hottest months of the year; doing so would make you lose sleep and can even expose you to dangerously high temperatures. However, you should take measures to prevent your AC from making you ill.
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