The last thing Long Island homeowners need to contend with is another catastrophe triggered by the weather. So if continuing winter weather has kept you on edge, it may help to remember that you can take a proactive stance with regard to ice dams. In fact, you can absolutely prevent an ice dam from wreaking havoc on your roof, as well as your home and wallet. Continue reading “Don’t Let Ice Dams Wreak Havoc On Your Roof”
Tag: humidity levels
Let a Whole-House Humidifier Put Viruses in Their Place
If you think you’re completely safe from diseases in your own home, you’ve got to do some serious rethinking. Viruses like the flu thrive in cold temperatures for a reason — because cold weather comes with lower humidity.
To prevent viruses from taking up residence in your home, consider a whole-house humidifier to curb sickness and improve comfort.
Viruses love the cold
Low humidity and cold temperatures leave your body with less moisture, as it evaporates into the air, leaving your skin, nose and throat dry. As a result, nasal passages also dry out and crack, leaving you more susceptible to the flu and other airborne viruses that would normally be trapped by mucus in your nose. Also, the flu virus thrives in the air longer in these dry, cold conditions, which explains why more people are affected by viruses like the flu in the winter months.
Why a whole-house humidifier works
Turning up the heater to the warmest temperature isn’t enough. A furnace makes the air less cold, but it can’t make the air less dry. What you also need to fully protect yourself from the flu is a humidifier. Humidifiers release moisture into the dry, warm air, which protects your skin, nose and throat while also improving the conditions so the flu virus won’t linger and is less likely to affect you. Together, a whole-house humidifier and a furnace can improve indoor air quality, making your home an unwelcome environment for the flu and other viruses.
A whole-house humidifier draws water from your home’s current plumbing system. Once installed, it requires very little maintenance aside from occasional preventive maintenance like other whole-house systems.
For more information about whole-house humidifiers and to determine if your home could benefit from increased humidification, contact the pros at T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating. We’ve proudly served homeowners throughout Long Island since 1934.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Done Insulating? Not If The Attic Hatch Is Leaking
If your attic hatch is leaking, it may be a big source of energy loss in your home. Further, it will negate other insulation improvements you make to the attic. Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to stop leaks through the attic hatch. Continue reading “Done Insulating? Not If The Attic Hatch Is Leaking”
Take Care Of Dry Winter Air With A Whole-House Humidifier
With winter arriving, now’s the time to consider installing a whole-house humidifier to protect both your family and your home from the damaging effects of dry winter air. Consider what you risk from high humidity levels in your home. Continue reading “Take Care Of Dry Winter Air With A Whole-House Humidifier”
A Buyer’s Guide To Energy-Efficient Furnaces
As another Long Island winter approaches, considering an upgrade to an energy-efficient furnace makes sense. New high-efficiency furnaces with Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings of at least 90 percent really shine in these cold winters. Continue reading “A Buyer’s Guide To Energy-Efficient Furnaces”
Why An Attic Fan Is Essential To Your Home’s Health
Your attic may be out of sight and out of mind, but the conditions there greatly affect your home’s overall “health.†And an attic fan is particularly essential to improving your home’s health. Continue reading “Why An Attic Fan Is Essential To Your Home’s Health”
Your Malfunctioning Air Conditioner: Easy Troubleshooting Tips
Your A/C is an important component of your Long Island home, keeping you cool in the summer months. When your air conditioner malfunctions, your first reaction may be to call for service. And while you may need to, there are some things you can check yourself first. Continue reading “Your Malfunctioning Air Conditioner: Easy Troubleshooting Tips”
Preventing Mold Buildup In The Drip Pan Of Your Air Conditioner
Mold buildup is a common problem with air conditioner drip pans. These pans are designed to collect water produced by your air conditioner, and any excess moisture that does not evaporate quickly attracts mold, a type of fungus that thrives in damp environments. Continue reading “Preventing Mold Buildup In The Drip Pan Of Your Air Conditioner”
Home Air Conditioning Problems? Water Damage Is Costly — Learn How To Avoid It
Home air conditioning problems and repairs can be costly. Without taking steps to avoid such problems, you also run the risk of a clogged drainage system, which could result in water damage to your home. Continue reading “Home Air Conditioning Problems? Water Damage Is Costly — Learn How To Avoid It”
If Summer Allergies Bring You Down, Improve Indoor Air Quality
Summer ought to be a time of relaxation, fun with family and friends, and memorable vacations, but if you suffer from summer allergies, you may not feel much like celebrating. Luckily, there are things you can do to minimize your allergies both at home and on the road. Continue reading “If Summer Allergies Bring You Down, Improve Indoor Air Quality”