Month: December 2019

Allergens are easy to feel but hard to see. If you’re experiencing common symptoms such as congestion, watery eyes, sneezing and sore throat, there’s a good chance that you have some sneaky irritants hiding in your Overton, Texas, home. Learn where allergens are lurking in your home so you can clear the air and breathe easier.

Window Hangings

If you don’t launder your curtains regularly, they’ve probably become a haven for allergens. This is especially true if you open your windows, welcoming pollen in to settle on the first surface it finds. Even in homes where the windows stay closed, these draperies will gather dust and dander. Wipe down your blinds with a damp cloth and wash window hangings in hot water.

Bedding

Are you sleeping in a deep bed of allergens? If you toss worn clothing on the bed, you’ve probably left pollen and other pollutants behind. Dust mites settle into mattresses and pillows if they’re not encased in allergen-proof covers. Launder sheets and blankets weekly in hot water to kill anything that’s hiding there.

HVAC System

Your HVAC system pulls in allergens with each circulation. A clean air filter will catch some allergens, but not all of them. Adding an air cleaner to the system can help capture a greater number of irritants. Scheduling regular maintenance will give your system a routine cleanup, as well.

Scented Products

Candles and air fresheners often contain chemicals and allergens that can make you uncomfortable. Keep the air fresh by keeping it clean instead. Change the air filter in your HVAC system every two or three months. Use a ventilation system to keep your air fresh. These natural tactics address the issue at its root rather than covering it up.

If you’re looking for smart solutions for indoor air quality issues, contact JD’s A/C at (903) 759-7483. We can assess your individual situation and help you come up with the right IAQ installation for your needs.

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As the winter months approach, many homeowners in Liberty City, Texas, think ahead to their heating bills. If you’re like most of them, that thought probably makes you cringe. If you’re concerned about the cost of heating your home, try these tips for winter energy savings:

Set the Fan to Auto

As you’re adjusting your thermostat for the winter season, check the fan setting and make sure that it’s on auto. As a result, it’ll turn on when the system does. If you set the fan to on, it’ll run continuously, whether the heater is running or not. This isn’t the most energy-efficient option.

There are two primary exceptions. If you experience a warm spell and don’t use the heater for several days, run the fan for about an hour periodically to filter the air and keep your home feeling fresh. You may also want to turn on the fan while you’re cleaning so it’ll pull dust and dander from the air as you’re stirring them up.

Maintain Your Temps

The most energy-efficient way to run your heater is to maintain set temperatures for long periods of around eight hours or more. If you have a variable speed system, it can run at a very low power level over a continuous period of time, delivering optimum comfort and efficiency.

However, even a single-speed system enjoys better efficiency when it runs steadily rather than cycling on and off. Avoid periodic adjustments throughout the day, which causes your system to cycle as it compensates. Stick to your preprogrammed settings.

Set the Thermostat Back

Set the temperature on your thermostat as low as you can comfortably manage. This will keep your energy bills low as well. Set the thermostat even lower at night and during the day while you’re away. When you’re sleeping, you can more easily compensate for the low temperature with flannel sheets, cozy pajamas and extra blankets. Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat to do this job automatically for you.

Scheduling regular maintenance is another way to enjoy winter energy savings. If you’re overdue for a heating tuneup, contact JD’s A/C at (903) 759-7483 to make an appointment.

Image provided by Shutterstock