Your furnace filter operates much like the air filter in your car, catching dirt and debris. And when the filter gets clogged, it’s time for a new one, because a full filter causes your heating system to work harder and burn up more energy. In the worst cases, a dirty filter can lead to expensive repairs and even system failure.
It pays, then, to check your furnace filter every month, though you may need wait longer than that to replace it. Start by getting out your furnace’s owner’s manual. This handy booklet, with its detailed diagrams, will literally serve as your furnace road map. Continue reading “Not Sure How To Replace The Filter In Your Furnace? Here Are Five Tips To Try”
Tag: indoor air quality
Find Out Why Changing Air Filters Regularly Is One Of The Most Effective Steps You Can Take
One of the most costly investments in your Long Island home is your heating and cooling system. One of the least expensive ways to keep it operating efficiently and help it have a long service life is to simply change the air filters. Continue reading “Find Out Why Changing Air Filters Regularly Is One Of The Most Effective Steps You Can Take”
The Unthinkable Can Happen, If You Don’t Use A Carbon Monoxide Detector
If you use equipment that burns fuel in your Long Island home, you need a carbon monoxide (CO) detector. Actually, you should have several in specific areas of the home. There should be one located near bedrooms, in the kitchen and in the living area or den. And having a carbon-monoxide detector can save lives. Continue reading “The Unthinkable Can Happen, If You Don’t Use A Carbon Monoxide Detector”
Dissatisfied With Indoor Air Quality? Use Air Purification
Air pollution in the home is a major problem that can lead to health concerns, especially for allergy sufferers. Air-purification systems can help address these concerns. There are several different types of air purifiers, and each uses different methods for improving indoor air quality. Continue reading “Dissatisfied With Indoor Air Quality? Use Air Purification”
Allergy Steps For Cleaner Indoor Air Quality This Fall
August is the official start of the fall allergy season. Although there are many contaminants to be avoided, ragweed is a main culprit that sets off bouts of sneezing, sniffling and watery eyes. New Yorkers are not immune. Even surrounded by concrete and steel, the lightweight ragweed spores can travel up to 400 miles. Each plant can produce a billion pollen grains so, there definitely are enough to go around. Continue reading “Allergy Steps For Cleaner Indoor Air Quality This Fall”
Worried About Summer Allergy Season? Here’s How To Further Your Indoor Air Quality
Summer allergies are never pleasant. You can’t control the air outside, but you should be able to be allergy-free in your own home. Allergens from outdoor air can enter your home and circulate through your heating and cooling system, affecting your indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce or eliminate these allergens from your indoor air. Continue reading “Worried About Summer Allergy Season? Here’s How To Further Your Indoor Air Quality”
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!
Use These Tips To Select A Carbon Monoxide Detector
Worried about carbon monoxide exposure? It’s possible to realize a safe atmosphere with detectors.
Carbon monoxide gas is produced by fuel combustion through gas appliances, a gas or oil furnace or other combustible fuel equipment. The only way to discover the presence of the gas is by a detecting mechanism. Continue reading “Use These Tips To Select A Carbon Monoxide Detector”
Look For These Features When Choosing Dehumidification Systems
Summer in New York can become quite hot and humid and cause the air in your home to feel clammy. This is uncomfortable for you and potentially damaging to your home, as it invites mold. You will know that the humidity level is too high in your home if your windows are fogged, the walls are damp, and the air smells musty. Continue reading “Look For These Features When Choosing Dehumidification Systems”
House Mold Prevention Basics
Household mold is a serious problem for homeowners in the Long Island area. Excess mold is a grave health concern and it can also damage your house and furnishings.To keep mold at bay, there are some simple things you can do before hose mold takes over: Continue reading “House Mold Prevention Basics”