3 Indoor Air Quality Products You Might Not Know About and Maybe Ones You Do

Dehumidifier Air Conditioner

3 Indoor Air Quality Products You Might Not Know About and Maybe Ones You Do

Jul 28, 2017

Dehumidifier Air Conditioner

Indoor air quality is one of the most important, yet often overlooked aspects of your health. To make matters worse, the EPA estimates that the average person spends approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. These two aspects make it even more integral to improve the indoor air quality in your Liberty City, Texas, home. If you were searching for ways to improve indoor air quality but you weren’t sure where to start, here are a few products that will get the job done right.

HVAC UV Lamps

Although UV lamps have long been used to sterilize environments from hospitals to restaurants, they’ve only recently made their way into residential HVAC systems. However, they’ve been proven highly effective at eliminating some of the most harmful contaminants found in the home.

HVAC UV lamps come in two different styles. A coil sterilization lamp installs inside the return air duct and kills mold, bacteria, and viruses. It’s the most common type of UV lamp because of its ease of installation and quality, effective performance. The other type of UV lamp is an air sterilizer. This lamp installs inside the air handler, but unlike the coil sterilization lamp, it only turns on when the blower cycles on. Because it sterilizes all the air within the HVAC system, it’s widely considered the more effective of the two systems.

Whole-Home Ventilators

Another relatively new addition to the HVAC scene, whole-home ventilators bring clean air into the home throughout the year. Mounting to the duct or actual HVAC units, these ventilators exit the stale air that would otherwise remain in the home. There are four types of whole-home ventilators, but the problem is that not all of them are effective at improving indoor air quality.

An exhaust ventilator circulates air, but it increases heating and cooling costs while bringing outdoor pollutants into the home. A supply ventilator is far more efficient at improving air quality, as it filters pollen and dust out of the air, dehumidifies the air, and prevents the backdraft of combustible gases from the HVAC system from coming back into the home.

A balanced ventilator is perfect for both warm and hot climates, but doesn’t help with humidity and costs more than most systems. Finally, an energy recovery ventilator is quickly becoming the most popular for home ventilation. Not only does it reduce heating and cooling costs, but it pulls the thermal energy from exiting air to help treat the air coming into the home. If you wanted to install a cost-effective and efficient unit, the energy recovery ventilator is your best bet, and we can install it with ease.

Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

Managing indoor humidity has a bevy of advantages, but the most positive impact is improved health and indoor air quality. While many homeowners are aware that these units are available in portable versions, few know that you can actually install them as part of your entire HVAC system. According to the EPA, the optimal home relative humidity should lie between 30 percent and 50 percent. Any more or less humidity can result in adverse health problems.

High humidity in the home fosters the growth of mold, bacteria, and other viruses. The high moisture allows them to thrive and multiply with alarming frequency. It’s also just downright uncomfortable. In this situation, a whole-home dehumidifier should do the trick. They wring out the humidity while working together with your existing system.

Low humidity in the home is just as problematic as high humidity. In low humidity households, the dry air can cause health problems such as a dry throat and nasal passages, susceptibility to colds and other illnesses, and nose bleeds. Fortunately, a humidifier can pump moisture into the air, allowing you to breathe easier.

Improving indoor air quality is an important part of keeping your family healthy. Fortunately, there are a number of top-notch products that help with the situation. If you’ve decided to take the next step towards improved air quality, we’re here to help. At JD’s A/C, we have a knowledgeable staff that offers professional, quality service. Call us today at (903) 759-7483 for all your HVAC needs.

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Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Warm Air

Man Sweating Holding Thermostat

Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Warm Air

July 24, 2017
Man Sweating Holding Thermostat

It’s frustrating to experience warm air blowing out of your air conditioner in your Longview, Texas, home. When you’re already battling the hot Texas summers, it’s probably the last thing you want to feel in your home. Although it’s a sign something is wrong with your unit, the solution might be easier than you expect. 

Thermostat Issues

If you feel warm air coming from your vents, don’t panic. The solution could be as simple as replacing the batteries in your thermostat. Also, check your thermostat settings to see if it’s placed on cool instead of the fan setting, which could contribute to the warm air. Finally, make sure a programmable thermostat isn’t set to change the temperature throughout the day causing your home to feel warmer at times.

Clogged Air Filters

Clogged air filters are another common perpetrator of warm air throughout your home. When your air filters get clogged, air isn’t able to flow through your home evenly. Clogged filters make it harder for the cold air from your air conditioner to get through the filter and into your home causing warm air spots throughout your home. Check your air filters monthly or if you’re experiencing warm air. Clogged air filters also can cause higher utility bills and poor indoor air quality, so they aren’t ever something to ignore. 

Air Conditioner Concerns

The worst case scenario is that your air conditioner is broken. If your air conditioner is blowing warm air, first check the batteries in your thermostat and the air filter. If those two things seem fine, don’t delay calling your HVAC technician. Warm air could signify a major issue with your air conditioner. Even if the warm air doesn’t feel that bad, it’s likely driving up your utility bills. It could also lead to a total break down on your unit if it’s not addressed quickly. 

If you’re experiencing trouble with your air conditioner or have other HVAC concerns, we are the people to call. Contact JD’s A/C at (903) 759-7483 to schedule an appointment today. 

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Tips for Thermostat Settings At Your Business

Hand Adjusting Thermostat

Tips for Thermostat Settings At Your Business

July 21, 2017
Hand Adjusting Thermostat

If you run a business in Longview, Texas, and have several employees, you’re probably well aware of the so-called “thermostat wars.” This is a common condition where your workers can’t pick a proper temperature without some mild bickering. Fortunately, there are ways to amend this problem. If you need help setting the thermostat to the right setting at your business for comfort and to save money, here are a few tips to help you find the perfect temperature.

Call a Meeting

Worker productivity is significantly impacted by temperature. If it’s too hot or too cold, your workers can’t perform at their highest level, costing you efficiency and money in the process. That’s why it’s best to call a meeting. You can ask workers for suggestions, and hopefully, you’ll get close to finding the right setting to maximize your employees’ effectiveness at the job.

Weekend Thermostat Settings

Unless you’re open on weekends, you have a little wiggle room when it comes to your thermostat setting. Over the summer, setting the thermostat to 78 degrees will save on energy costs. The same is true with a setting 55 degrees during the colder months.

Encourage Workers to Dress the Part

There’s a saying that there’s no temperature that’s too hot or too cold, just unsuitable clothing for the situation. Apply this idea when it comes to your workplace. Encourage workers to dress in layers so they always have the proper amount of clothing or lack thereof when it comes to the office.

Install a Smart Thermostat

If you have an outdated analog thermostat or a first-generation programmable thermostat, it’s time to upgrade. A smart thermostat is a relatively inexpensive asset that pays off within a few months of usage. It works much like a programmable thermostat, but it learns your habits. If you’ve ever forgotten to change the thermostat when you leave the office, the smart thermostat does the work for you.

Now that you know a bit more about thermostat settings, you can always have the ideal office temperature. So, let us help you install that new smart thermostat. Call JD’s A/C today at (903) 759-7483.

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