Month: September 2015

Maintaining healthy indoor air is important for your family’s health. There are many habits and activities that can negatively affect the quality of the air in our home. Improving our indoor air quality (IAQ) is very important and can be accomplished easily with even inexpensive solutions.

Change Air Filters Regularly

Replacing or cleaning your HVAC system’s air filters is an inexpensive and effective way to ensure your system runs smoothly. If you wait too long to take care of your filter, accumulated dust and debris can reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency, as it works harder to force air through a clogged filter. Follow the manufacturer’s or HVAC technician’s recommendations for cleaning or replacement. Most air filters should be replaced every 60 to 90 days during seasons of lighter use, but be sure to change the filter every 30 days during periods of heavy system use. A dirty filter will not be able to remove pollutants from your indoor air, and can actually add to air contamination. This creates problems even for those who do not have respiratory problems.

Use Healthy Cleaning Products

Your furniture, floor and carpet can be a haven for allergens. You can stop many allergens from circulating through your air conditioning system by keeping your home clean. Clean carpets and furniture with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter, which effectively traps and kills many allergens. For dusting, use a damp or microfiber cloth for more effective removal of particles. Also use nontoxic cleaning products as many traditional cleaners release harmful substances into the air. There are even recommendations for homemade cleaning products that get the job done cleanly and safely.

Eliminate Stale Air With a Ventilator

Ventilators help to significantly purify indoor air. These devices work with your HVAC system to flush out stale air and draw in fresh outdoor air. Most Performance ventilators even take advantage of the thermal energy from the outgoing air to precondition the incoming air. As a result, your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to cool the incoming air, thereby increasing its efficiency. Ventilators generate savings in the long run by helping your HVAC system to perform more effectively.

Check for Radon

Most homeowners know the importance of having systems that effectively alert when carbon monoxide is present. However, few persons know about Radon, where it comes from, or its effects if present indoors. Radon, like Carbon Monoxide, is a colorless, odorless gas. Radon is also tasteless. It is produced from the decay of uranium in soil and water and is said to be linked to an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year. There is greater concern for spaces on lower levels (such as basements). Radon detection kits are available, but if you have reason to be concerned it is generally best to consult an expert.

Beautify and Purify with Plants

Adding plants to your home will not only improve the aesthetics of rooms, but can also help to clean and purify your indoor air. Aloe Vera, for instance, absorbs harmful chemicals found in many standard paints and household cleaners. Spider plants absorb mold, dust, and other allergens while chrysanthemums absorb chemicals found in paint, adhesives, and building materials. There are many beautiful plants that are low-maintenance, and that are also very effective in purifying our indoor air. Another welcoming advantage of using plants as a part of your indoor air-cleaning strategy, is the fact that they are very inexpensive.

Lower Moisture Levels With a Dehumidifier

Excessive moisture can lead to uncomfortable and unhealthy conditions in your home, especially over the course of a long, hot Texas summer. Too much moisture can encourage mold to grow indoors and even in your air ducts. When circulated through your HVAC system, mold can cause a number of health problems and allergic reactions.

High humidity levels also make you feel hotter than you should which will likely lead you to decrease the thermostat’s settings. A whole-home dehumidifier removes humidity from the air so you can reduce reliance on your air conditioner and still enjoy cooler temperatures. Instead of a whole-home dehumidifier, you can also obtain smaller versions if you are concerned about just one room or area.

JD’s A/C can provide you with the systems and solutions you need to effectively manage the quality of indoor air in your home or business. Give us a call today at (903) 759-7483 to learn more about what our IAQ experts can do for you.

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