Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Indoor Air Quality

My Home Too Dry

Running an air conditioner removes moisture from the air in your home. That is just a byproduct of the cooling process. It’s not enough to dehumidify air with high humidity levels, but it does have some dehumidifying effect. Contrary to popular belief, running your heater does not really dry out your air the way that your AC does. However, keep in mind that you are starting out with much drier air in the winter than you are in the summer.

As you seal up your home to keep heat in, and recirculate air throughout your home over and over, low humidity and indoor air quality can become serious problems. While there are portable humidifiers that you may use to inject some humidity into the air in your home, they are not ideal for whole-house humidification. A whole-house humidifier in Loveland, CO, is just what you’re looking for. So ask yourself this—is the air in your home sufficiently humidified?

Why Is Low Humidity Such a Problem?
Low humidity may not sound like as serious a problem as, say, sweltering temperatures permeating throughout your home. In truth, however, it can cause a whole lot of problems. These problems can negatively affect your comfort, your health, and even the overall condition of your home. Is it starting to sound like a problem yet?

Okay, How About Some Examples?
Sure! There are plenty to choose from, and none of them are good. Very dry air can …

Dry out your mucous membranes, causing them to tear. That allows viruses and bacteria direct access to your bloodstream, a major contributor to increased cases of illness in the winter season.
Dry out wooden floorboards, fixtures, and furniture throughout your home. That can lead to splitting, damaging your property and putting you at risk of impalement via splinter! (Okay, that’s a bit dramatic, but nobody likes splinters.)
Cause paint to chip and wallpaper to crack.
Dry out your skin, leading to persistent itching and even cracks.
Increase instances of static shocks. These are only mildly painful, but very annoying, and potentially damaging to sensitive electronics in your home.
Why Can’t I Just Use a Cheap Portable Unit?
We understand you want to save a few bucks, but you’re only hurting yourself in the long run if you try to get by with portable humidifier units. Why? Because portable humidifiers are …

Inconvenient. You have to keep filling them with water, and you either need multiple units in different areas of the house, or you’re going to be moving them all over. With a whole-house humidifier, you have a centralized system with a designated water line that does its job without much input on your end.
Inefficient. Yes, they may be cheaper to purchase and they don’t require professional installation, but portable humidifiers are also not very efficient. It’s amazing how much power these little things can suck up if you have them running regularly!
Ineffective. Sure, you can put one in each room, but portable units don’t have the same reach as whole-house humidifiers. Plus, they are not as well-controlled in terms of humidity output. With a good whole-house system and an accurate humidistat, you don’t have to worry about over-saturating the air.
Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Twitter

Take Advantage

If you have visited this blog before, then chances are you’ve seen us talk about the importance of indoor air quality in relation to comfort and overall health. Heating and cooling your home successfully is essential, but doing so should not overshadow the need for maintaining high indoor air quality in your home. One product that can help you to do so is the TrueEASE™ Evaporative Humidifier from Honeywell.

Why Choose the TrueEASE™ Evaporative Humidifier?

Honeywell needs no introduction to homeowners interested in the best products on the market. Their great — and well-earned — reputation aside, there are a lot of reasons to choose the TrueEASE™ Evaporative Humidifier for humidifying your home.

  • Automatic monitoring of home dryness ensures that the system runs only when needed, saving water and preventing oversaturation.
  • Sufficient humidification means lower heating bills.
  • Versatile design makes the TrueEASE™ Evaporative Humidifier appropriate for installation in any home.
  • Enjoy a five-year warranty and professional installation.
  • Easy access to pads allows for simple maintenance on your part.

Schedule your IAQ services in Fort Collins, CO with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Twitter

It is certainly possible. However, because of the very UV Air Purifiers Fort Collins COspecific purpose of UV air purifiers, they are not necessary in every home. For those simply looking to remove pollutants like dust and dirt from the air that they breathe, ultraviolet germicidal lights are not going to be needed. These types of pollutants are removed by air filtration systems and electronic air purifiers. If you are experiencing problems with biological pollutants, however, then UV air purifiers in Fort Collins, CO can help.

Pollutant Removal vs. Pollutant Destruction

Air filters are very basic in their operation. As air passes through the filter, the pollutants in that air are trapped on the filtering media. Electronic air filters typically use an ionization chamber in order to trap charged pollutants on oppositely charged collector plates. Those plates are then removed from the system for easy cleaning. These devices are pollutant removal-based systems.

The issue with removing pollutants from the air, however, is that doing so does not stop living pollutants from continuing to multiply. Biological pollutants, such as viruses, mold, and bacteria, are living microorganisms. If you were just to filter these pollutants out of the air, then they would go on with their biological processes, including reproduction, even as they sat trapped by the filter or air cleaner.

UV air purifiers, on the other hand, are pollutant destruction-based systems. This means that they actually kill the biological pollutants, or at least upset them biologically and leave them incapable of reproducing. Plus, because these microorganisms are so tiny, they can generally pass right through any air filter that would be compatible with most residential HVAC systems anyway.

The UV light emitted by these devices is confined to the ductwork and is in no way harmful to pets or residents in the house. For biological pollutants that could make you and your family ill, though, it proves devastating. Schedule your IAQ services with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning.

Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Twitter

In our previous post, we talked about the different types of air cleaners and air purifiers that you may benefit from using this spring, as allergens spike once more. Today, we want to talk about another source of subpar air quality, as well as general discomfort and considerable inefficiency. We want to talk about leaky ductwork.

If you use a forced-air air conditioning system, as most homeowners do, then you use air ducts in order to distribute cooled air throughout your home during the hottest time of the year. There is nothing wrong with doing this, obviously. The issue is that many homeowners fail to recognize that their air ducts are actually not in good working condition.

Why Is Leaky Ductwork a Problem?

Leaky ductwork allows air to escape out of your air ducts. This conditioned air will wind up in your home somewhere, so it is not going to be a total loss. However, it will not necessarily wind up where it is needed, and that can lead to higher energy costs as your AC tries to balance temperatures throughout your home. Plus, you are going to run into other issues like hot spots throughout the house, as well as reduced air quality.

Air May Leak Out, But Allergens May Also Get In

With regards to indoor air quality, leaky ductwork is actually a major issue. Once pollutants have made their way into your air ducts, after all, that system of ductwork can then distribute those pollutants throughout your entire home. This can lead to serious issues with aggravated allergy and asthma symptoms.

What Can You Do?

Give us a call, of course! We offer air duct testing services that will allow us to determine if you do indeed have leaky ductwork in your home. If so, we can go about completing effective duct sealing in Loveland, CO. Contact us today with any questions that you may have.

Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning is here for your IAQ service needs. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Twitter

We’re not quite out of the woods yet as far DandelionInFieldas colder weather goes, but March is definitely the turning point when it comes to springtime. Now that February is behind us, you’re surely starting to eagerly anticipate the warmer weather and blooming vegetation that spring brings with it. Keep in mind, however, that spring can bring a number of problems with it as well. This is especially true for those of us with allergy and/or asthma symptoms.

Contrary to what some homeowners seem to believe, the air in our homes is not inherently of high quality. In fact, it is possible that the air in your home is more polluted than the air outdoors! If you want to breathe clean, healthful air in your home all year long, you may require professional indoor air quality products and services in Loveland, CO.

Dust, Dirt, Pollen, And Other Airborne Pollutants

Because you’ll be going in and out of your home more now that the weather is nice, and because there is more exposed dust and dirt outdoors in the spring and summer than there is in the winter, it is possible to track these pollutants into the house with you. Plus, blossoming vegetation means pollen that can go airborne outdoors and find its way into your home. The first line of defense against these airborne pollutants is an air filter.

The air filter in your HVAC system, unfortunately, is probably not going to cut it. These filters are of low efficiency, with a low MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value). Your system may be able to handle a more efficient standard filter, but using a designated filtration system that complies with your HVAC system is a better option. You may also opt to use an air cleaner, such as an electrostatic precipitator, to take a more active stand against these pollutants.

These electronic air cleaners feature ionization chambers that charge the pollutants in the air. Those pollutants are then trapped on collector plates that are oppositely charged. The plates can be removed by the homeowner for simple, convenient cleaning.

Biological Pollutants

Removing dust and dirt from the air is an effective way of dealing with such pollutants. However, not all pollutants can simply be removed from the air successfully. Living microorganisms, such as mold spores, viruses, and bacteria, are often too small for such an approach. They are also biological entities, meaning that they can reproduce. Destroying them and rendering them incapable of reproduction is really the only way to effectively deal with them.

Using UV air purifiers, like UV germicidal lights, will do the trick. Installed in your ductwork near the air handler, these lamps emit UV rays that disrupt such pollutants at a biological level. They are entirely safe for animals and people in the house. They should be used to supplement, but not replace, more traditional air filtration/purification systems, as they do not filter airborne pollutants out of the air.

Schedule your IAQ services with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning, the company you can trust. 

Twitter

Now that winter is settling in for another cold season, many homeowners are really scrutinizing their heating systems. This is understandable. After all, you are not going to live comfortably throughout the heating season if you are unable to successfully heat your home. However, there are other considerations to make.

Your indoor air quality in Laporte, CO is equally as important as the temperature in your home. Subpar indoor air quality can not only leave you living in discomfort, but it can negatively affect your health as well. Following are two examples of air purifiers that you may want to consider using in your home.

Electronic Air Purifiers

Many homeowners are just fine using air filters in order to clean the air that circulates throughout their homes. For any number of reasons, though, basic air filtration may not be enough. That is when air purification comes into play.

With an electronic air purifier, you can take a more proactive approach to removing pollutants from the air in your home. There are different makes and models of electronic air purifiers, but the most common include devices such as electrostatic precipitators. These air purifiers give pollutants in the air an electric charge as they pass through an ionization chamber. The pollutants are then trapped on oppositely charged plates, which are easily removed and cleaned by the homeowner.

This is fine for pollutants like dust and dirt, which can simply be removed from the air. Biological pollutants, however, should not just be removed. They should be destroyed.

UV Air Purifiers

Biological pollutants include viruses, mold, and bacteria. These pollutants are living microorganisms, so it is not really enough to just remove them from the air in your home. They are generally too small for effective filtration, but that’s not the only problem.

Because they are living microorganisms, these pollutants can reproduce. If you trap them on a filter or in an electronic air purifier, they can continue to reproduce. Using a UV air purifier, on the other hand, such as ultraviolet germicidal lights, allows you to destroy the pollutants. You can disrupt their biological processes and render them incapable of reproduction. This is a much more effective way of dealing with these pollutants.

Generally speaking, a multi-pronged approach to improving indoor air quality is usually the best. Schedule your IAQ services with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning.

Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Twitter

There are a number of challenges that homeowners face during the winter season. Successfully heating their homes is a big one, obviously, as is keeping the walkways free of snow. However, you also need to remember to keep the air in your home sufficiently humid, as well.

During the winter season, there is less humidity in the air than there is in the summer time. That means that you are starting out with drier air in your home. Recirculating heated air throughout the house over and over is not going to help matters. Adding humidity to the air with a whole-house humidifier in Loveland, CO, however, can.

 

The Benefits of the Whole-House Humidifier

Chances are that you’ve at least seen portable humidifier units, even if you have not used one yourself. These units may be fine for humidifying a single room, such as the baby’s nursery. When it comes to humidifying an entire house, though, the whole-house humidifier is superior in every way.

  • Convenience. You won’t have to continually refill a water tank when you use a whole-house humidifier. These systems integrate directly into the HVAC system, and are fed with a designated water line.
  • Efficiency. A whole-house humidifier is not only more effective than a portable unit, but you’ll be able to humidify the whole house more efficiently than you would when using multiple portable units, or one that you move around and run non-stop.
  • Control. It is easy to maintain the precise humidity level that you desire in your home when you use a whole-house humidifier. You won’t have to worry about injecting too much humidity in your home, which can cause its own set of problems.

Very dry air can cause a lot of trouble. Itchy skin, splitting wooden floorboards, and chipping paint are just a few that you may notice. When you do see these problems, remember that we can help. Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning is happy to provide you with outstanding whole-house humidifier services.

Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Twitter

The heating season really is upon us. If you use a forced-air heating system in order to keep your home warm and cozy during the coldest time of the year, you may need more than routine heating maintenance to enjoy the best heating experience possible. You may need whole-house duct cleaning in Fort Collins, CO.

If you think that you can clean out your air ducts on your own, you need to reconsider. It is a procedure that only trained professionals with the proper equipment can complete. Through the end of November, we are offering homeowners throughout the area 10% off of their duct cleaning services

Is Duct Cleaning Really Worth It?

You know that you need to have your heater tuned-up each and every year if you hope to get the best performance that it has to offer. Many homeowners wonder if duct cleaning is really worth the investment, though. In truth, it really is a case-by-case basis.

There are certain signs that may indicate that it is time for professional duct cleaning. First of all, if you’ve been in your home for a few years and have never had your ducts cleaned, it’s safe to assume that the time has come. There are a lot of factors that could influence how frequently you need to have your ducts cleaned, but every 3–5 years is a good guideline.

If you’ve noticed that your indoor air quality is on the decline, that too can mean that the time has come to have your ductwork cleaned. If there are pollutants built up in your air ducts, and you are forcing heated air through those ducts, it only stands to reason that those ducts may start to deposit pollutants in your living space.

An increase in heating costs could also be the result of dirty ducts. Air filters can clog up faster, and pollutants can build up on sensitive components within the system itself. When that happens, inefficiency can set in.

If you’re ready to have your ducts expertly cleaned while also saving some money, give Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning a call. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Twitter

When most people think of the summer season, they think of hot, humid air. However, we actually run the risk of drying out the air in our homes excessively during the summer season. How can this be possible? The answer, which comes as a surprise to some, is simply by running our air conditioners in order to cool our homes.

If you’ve never considered that your AC could be dragging down the air quality within your home, you need to give the situation some attention. If you determine that the air in your home is too dry, using a whole-house humidifier in conjunction with your air conditioner may be necessary. Contact us to learn more about using such humidifiers in Fort Collins, CO.

How Does My AC Dry Out the Air?

Your air conditioner is not a dehumidifier and, if you have issues with excessive humidity, you cannot expect your air conditioner to resolve the problem. However, it is true that air conditioners have a dehumidifying effect on the air. As heat is drawn out of the air passing over the evaporator coil, moisture too is drawn out. This moisture collects on the coil as condensation, and is removed from the home via the condensate drain line. When you run your AC constantly throughout the summer, and the same air is cycled through the process again and again, it can dry out.

A Whole-House Humidifier May Be Necessary

Is wallpaper splitting and paint chipping in your home? Static electricity very high? Suffering frequent sore throats, or even bloody noses? Then the air in your home is likely way too dry, then. Using a whole-house humidifier is the best way in which to add the right amount of humidity, and not too much, back into the air. You can use the same system with your heater during the winter to keep the air humidified, as well.

Schedule your AC and IAQ services with the professionals at Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re Big enough to serve, but small enough to care.

Twitter

When you are going about your spring cleaning projects, you probably don’t give the conditions inside your ductwork all that much thought. If you really want to get the most from your air conditioning system this summer, though, we strongly recommend that you take the time to call our number and schedule professional duct cleaning in Fort Collins, CO. When your air ducts are dirty within, there is no way in which you can expect your AC system to truly excel, or to enjoy the type of environment that you deserve in your home. Consider the following, and let us know if you have any concerns about your air ducts.

How Does Dirty Ductwork Affect My AC and My Environment?

All of the air that is cooled by your air conditioning system is distributed throughout your home via your air ducts. That means that the air you pay to cool can pick up pollutants as it travels throughout this system if your air ducts are not clean. When that happens at a point beyond your air filter, those pollutants can simply be pumped into your home, dragging down your indoor air quality. When that happens, any allergy and asthma symptoms are going to flare up, and your comfort is going to suffer.

Additionally, you should keep in mind the fact that these pollutants can build up on sensitive components in your HVAC system, such as your evaporator. This can impede the cooling process, and also cause your air conditioner to perform at reduced energy efficiency levels. We believe that you deserve better than to overpay for an underwhelming performance from your AC. That is why we recommend giving us a call to schedule professional duct cleaning today.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule top notch indoor air quality services.

Twitter

Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Search

Archive

Archive

Categories

Categories

Tags