There are two types of heating and air filter ratings. One is HEPA. This stands for High Efficiency Particulate Arresting. HEPA is a more strict government rating for an air filter and is not recommended for home heating or cooling use. The most common and less expensive equipment filters have MERV ratings. MERV is an acronym for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. Continue reading “Air-Filter Efficiency: Investigate Factors That Influence Savings”
Tag: air flow
Attic Ventilation Is Dependent On Your Insulation
Attic insulation and attic ventilation are two things that work together to keep your Long Island home comfortable. They require neither fuel nor electricity, and they use no energy. The two go hand-in-hand to help you maintain a comfortable, balanced indoor environment. The combination of insulation and ventilation performs two critical functions: it works to reduce moisture and control temperature. Continue reading “Attic Ventilation Is Dependent On Your Insulation”
Feeling Cooped Up? Here’s How To Help Your Indoor Air Circulation
Ventilation systems can refresh and clean your indoor air, and also improve air circulation. Even if you spend 90 percent of your time indoors (like the average U.S. citizen), a ventilation system can help you feel comfortable and breathe easy.
Unfortunately, the indoor air quality in the typical Long Island home is considered poor by the EPA’s standards. Many more contaminants than you might realize can become trapped indoors, especially in homes that don’t have adequate circulation. A few examples include:
- Dust
- Dust mites
- Pollen and allergens
- Mold and spores
- Viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms
- Radon, the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US after tobacco smoke (according to the American Lung Association)
- Chemical fumes from cleaners, air fresheners, paints, varnishes, adhesives and more
- Off-gassing from pressed wood, carpets and construction materials
Even the carbon dioxide exhaled by residents can accumulate to unhealthy levels.
Fortunately, Long Island homeowners have a variety of tools at their disposal to improve indoor air circulation. Balanced ventilation systems, such as energy recovery ventilators, keep air circulation up by expelling stale air and drawing in fresh air. They also remove contaminants and humidity from the incoming air stream. Some ventilation units are complicated systems with their own ducts, but others can be installed conveniently with your pre-existing ducts.
Air filters are a key element when it comes to keeping your air clean and your system efficient. A HEPA filter is designed with more surface area than a standard filter, and can trap 99.97 percent of the most minuscule particles, 1/300th the diameter of a hair. But before you rush to install a HEPA filter, give us a call. The highest efficiency filters aren’t ideal for every system. If it’s too restrictive, it can actually decrease air circulation.
Air circulation and quality can also be compromised if your ventilation system is not well maintained. Preventive maintenance keeps your system clean and efficient, and facilitates smooth airflow through all components, including your ductwork. Call T. F. O’Brien for more information, or to schedule your preventive maintenance today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about indoor air circulation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
T.F. O’Brien services the Long Island, New York area. Visit our website to see our special offers to get started today!
Evaporator Coils 101: How They Affect Air-Conditioning System Airflow
Dependable air conditioning is essential for Long Island homeowners this time of year. Also essential: making sure your cooling system will function properly for the duration of the season, keeping your home and family comfortable. It helps to have a little working knowledge about your A/C. Evaporator coils, which play a crucial role in cooling your home, are a good place to start. Continue reading “Evaporator Coils 101: How They Affect Air-Conditioning System Airflow”
Air-Handler Options To Increase Efficiency And Comfort For Long Island Homeowners
This summer is shaping up to be a brutal one on Long Island. Having an air conditioner that can go the distance is important. With rising fuel prices, it’s also important to save as much energy as possible. Continue reading “Air-Handler Options To Increase Efficiency And Comfort For Long Island Homeowners”
Stop Air Leaks Before They Become A Big Problem
Air leaks are common problems in older homes. They are one of the biggest ways that Long Island homes lose valuable heat. Here are a few ways you can stop those expensive air leaks. Continue reading “Stop Air Leaks Before They Become A Big Problem”
House Not Comfortable? Improperly Sized Ductwork May Be the Problem.
Many homeowners don’t realize how much heated or cooled air escapes from duct systems before reaching the rest of the house. Some estimates say about 20 percent of the air in a typical home’s duct system is lost as a result of air leakage in the ducts themselves. Improperly sized ductwork is one cause of this problem.
Air does not flow smoothly when a home’s ducts are sized incorrectly, which can make your home too cool or too warm. In our part of New York, where we face both extremes of hot and cold weather, making sure air is flowing correctly makes a big difference in your comfort. The dust that can accumulate in ductwork that is improperly sized, when air flow is inhibited, will take a toll on your indoor air quality, as well.
Comfort and air quality are important, but just as important is the impact that inefficient ductwork has on your energy bills. Without the right flow, your home isn’t as energy efficient as possible and you’re really putting a strain on your heating and cooling systems.
If you suspect your air flow isn’t what it could be, consider an inspection by a certified professional. T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating can come up with strategies to you get your home back on track and all your heating and cooling systems flowing properly. We strive to educate our customers about their heating and cooling needs. For more information on ensuring your system is in proper working order and that your home is as efficient as possible, please see our free Home Comfort Resource Guide.
Dryer Vents Need Periodic Cleaning to Prevent Risks to Your Home
Your clothes dryer is an appliance that makes life easier, but it can also be a hazard in your home if not maintained properly. When dryer vents become clogged or blocked, it presents a potential fire hazard. You may also notice that it takes your clothes dryer longer to dry your clothes; this is due to inefficient air flow.
Each year, there are thousands of house fires associated with clothes dryers. It is essential that you periodically perform certain tasks to ensure that your clothes dryer runs efficiently, and that your home and family are not in danger of a potential fire.
Dryer vents may become clogged with lint, dirt and other materials. They may also be crushed or restricted, meaning that the hot air cannot escape through the exhaust properly. Always avoid placing rugs or other objects underneath your dryer, as this can block air flow. It is also important that you do not place your clothes dryer too close to the wall, as it may cause the exhaust hose to become crimped, which prohibits lint and warm air from escaping.
How can you clean dryer vents yourself? At least one time per year, disconnect the hose and inspect it for a buildup of lint both inside and out. A vacuum cleaner or stiff-bristled brush is usually sufficient to remove the lint that may have accumulated. Also check the area where the vent hose connects to the dryer to make sure it is clean and free of dirt and lint.
The build-up of lint is the most common cause of house fires related to clothes dryers, so you may want to have a professional clean your dryer vents and ductwork. If you do decide to do it yourself, always be sure to unplug your dryer to prevent the possibility of electrocution. Clean lint filters each time you dry a load of clothes to help prevent the build-up of lint.
T.F. O’Brien services the Long Island, New York area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about preventive maintenance and other HVAC topics, please download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.