Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Tag: 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.

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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.

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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. 

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No one wants a home that’s uncomfortable, whose HVAC system never seems to operate correctly, or whose indoor air is stifling. We’ve all got enough to worry about without having to worry about the bare essentials. So why not make 2016 the year when you take full control over the quality of your domestic life? There is plenty that you can do straightaway to ensure that you and your family are breathing clean air in the home, enjoying exceptional comfort, and not paying for anything that you don’t need.

  1. Invest in the air that you breathe: Poor indoor air quality can be excessively dry air that leaves your throat dry, overly humid air that leads to mold growth, or air that has excessive contaminants and particles floating through it, none of which are good. Fortunately, there is plenty that you can do to resolve such issues. Consider a whole-house air purifier, humidifier, or dehumidifier that can be installed directly into your HVAC system.
  2. Reduce your energy consumption: While you should make sure that your home is properly weatherized, there are other steps you can take to reduce the amount of energy that you use on a daily basis. For example, install an energy recovery ventilator unit to make sure that you’re recovering energy during the much-needed ventilation process, instead of just opening a window or door to let fresh air in. You should also make sure that your HVAC system is carefully maintained throughout the year to ensure its efficiency.
  3. Consider going ductless: It’s no secret that ductless mini split heat pumps are now being used widely in homes and commercial spaces. If you’re looking for a different option when it comes to heating and cooling, then you may want to consider avoiding the use of ductwork entirely.

Our technicians will be happy to help you maximize your home life in 2016. Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today for HVAC services throughout the LaPorte area.

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Part of living in great comfort is maintaining great indoor air quality throughout one’s home. It is simply not enough that you are able to heat and cool your home successfully. Of course, there are a lot of different ways in which your indoor air quality may suffer, and a lot of different reasons as to why those situations may develop. Because of this, it is important that you work with an indoor air quality specialist in order to determine how best to resolve any issues with your indoor air quality. One effective means by which to do so is the use of an electronic air purifier in Fort Collins, COTo learn more about these systems, or to schedule air purifier services, just call the pros here at Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning.

How Do Electronic Air Purifiers Work?

Unlike a traditional media air filter, which just allows air to pass through and captures pollutants therein as it does so, an electronic air purifier takes an active role in trapping pollutants. In systems such as electronic precipitators, air is pulled into an ionization chamber. Therein, the pollutants within that air are given a static charge. These pollutants may then be trapped on oppositely charged collector plates, or they may simply be released into the home, where they attach to surfaces and are simply cleaned up during routine cleaning. In either event, the pollutants are removed from circulation throughout the house.

Benefits of Using an Electronic Air Purifier

There are many instances in which media filters are enough to sufficiently boost indoor air quality. If you are trying to trap very small pollutants, though, or if you have very sensitive allergies, then an electronic air purifier may be necessary. Give us a call to discuss your options. With the right air purifier, you can boost the air quality throughout your home, in turn boosting your comfort and even the health of those within your living space.

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As a homeowner, you know how difficult it can be to stay on top of all of the chores around the house. Cleaning your home may not be a favorite pastime of yours, but it is still something that needs to be done. Clean as you may keep your living space, though, you may not give the cleanliness of the interior surfaces of your air ducts much though. This can prove to be problematic, though, as dirty ductwork can actually cause a number of different problems. If you suspect that your air ducts are dirty, you are wise to schedule professional duct cleaning in Timnath, COTo do so, just call Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning.

Signs That You Need Air Duct Cleaning Services

When pollutants begin to build up on the interior surfaces of your ductwork, you can expect a few different problems to develop. Indoor air quality, of course, will suffer. After all, every bit of air that you heat or cool with your HVAC system, assuming that both are forced air distribution based systems, will pass through these air ducts. If the air ducts are dirty within, those pollutants can be distributed throughout your home. Additionally, you may notice that your ducted heater or air conditioner is costing more to run, and that it may not be functioning at peak performance levels. While you are not going to run into air ducts that are so severely filthy that the flow of air through them is blocked off, the pollutants built up can work loose and build up on your air filter, or on sensitive components within the HVAC system. This can impede the operation of the system.

Why Schedule Professional Air Duct Cleaning?

You cannot hope to clean your air ducts on your own successfully. Specialized equipment, including powerful vacuums and agitating devices, are required to work pollutants free of their grasp on your air ducts, and to remove them cleanly. Contact a member of our staff to have the job done right. That way, you can get back to heating and cooling your home efficiently and effectively, and without putting your indoor air quality at risk.

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The majority of homeowners utilizing whole-house heating and/or cooling systems choose to distributed heated and/or cooled air throughout their homes via a system of air ducts. When these air ducts are expertly designed and installed by qualified professionals, they can be quite effective in distributing air throughout a living space. They’ll also do so without wasting energy via leaks and other issues. However, over time, air ducts can wriggle free of fixtures, suffer damages, corrode, and be otherwise compromised. In such events, you are wise to schedule professional duct sealing services in Fort Collins, COTo do so with a qualified technician that you can trust to do the job right, just give the pros at Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning a call.

  1. Improve Efficiency: If your air ducts are not properly sealed, they can allow conditioned air to escape into areas of the home where it is not needed. This is problematic, as your HVAC system is going to have to work overtime in order to heat or cool more air in order to make up for this failure to deliver air effectively. This can drive up energy costs, making the heating and/or cooling of your home a more costly endeavor than it ought to be.
  2. Protect Indoor Air Quality: Air escaping your ductwork is not the only concern when it comes to improperly sealed air ducts. You must also concern yourself with the negative impact that such issues can have on your indoor air quality. If pollutants are allowed to enter your ductwork via subpar seals, then those pollutants can be distributed throughout your house by your ductwork, dragging down the air quality in every area therein.
  3. Live More Comfortably: Another issue that you risk encountering if you ignore duct sealing needs is uneven heating and cooling throughout your home. Your system just won’t be able to maintain comfortable temperatures evenly throughout the house if the ductwork is not sealed as it ought to be. Contact us if you have any reason at all to believe that your air ducts need to be professionally sealed.
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Chances are that you, as a homeowner with a whole-house HVAC system, have some level of familiarity with air filters. What you may not realize, though, is that not all air filters are created equal. There are various methods of air filtration, and air filters of different capabilities are used in different applications. To ensure that you are using the right air filter for your needs, make sure that you work with a skilled professional who will help you to choose the most appropriate air filter in Fort Collins, CO. This will depend upon a number of factors. When you are ready to take advantage of an air filtration system, schedule service with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning.

A Better Performance

A common misconception about air filters is that it is always more desirable to have a more efficient air filter in place. This is simply not true, and for a few different reasons. First of all, if you are trying to invest in HEPA filters that have no business in most residential applications, you are going to be paying for a level of efficiency that will just go to waste. If you invest in a cheap air filter, though, which is of too low an efficiency for your needs, then it will potentially allow many of the pollutants that you are targeting to pass right through the filter media. The only way in which to get a great performance from your air filter is to find one that suits your unique situation, and we can ensure that this is the case.

Better for Your System

Another reason as to why it is vital to use the right air filter with your HVAC system is for the good of that system itself. If your air filter is too efficient, it will likely clog frequently. This can increase airflow resistance throughout your HVAC system, making it harder for your heater or air conditioner to do its job and leaving you to pay more for a weaker performance from that system. The added strain can also lead to operational problems over time.

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It is not uncommon for humidity to rise along with the temperature when summer gets underway. Because excessive levels of humidity can exacerbate the already uncomfortable conditions of the summer season, you may want to dehumidify your home to achieve ideal humidity levels. While your AC does dehumidify the air somewhat as part of its operating cycle, this system is not designed to do so as a primary function.

In cases of excessive humidity, a whole-house dehumidifier may be necessary in order to reign in humidity levels throughout the home. We’ve put together a brief list of signs that you may need a dehumidifier in Fort Collins, CO, which you’ll find below. Give Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning a call today if you think that whole-house dehumidification is right for you.

  • Trouble cooling the house: Because very humid air can retain heat with great success, cooling a very humid home can prove to be too much of a challenge for many whole-house cooling systems. By dehumidifying the air in your home, you can help your AC to function more effectively. This can also cut down on cooling costs.
  • Signs of mold or water damage: Biological pollutants, such as mold, can really thrive in very humid conditions. While a dehumidifier is not going to resolve problems with existing mold in the house, it can certainly help you to reduce the risk of mold developing due to high humidity levels. Plus, you can avoid water staining on your walls and carpeting by sufficiently drying out the air in your home.
  • Poor indoor air quality: In addition to problems with mold, you should know that pollutants such as dust and other allergens can cling to moisture in the air if it is too humid. This can make life in your home very difficult and uncomfortable for those suffering from allergies or respiratory ailments. Alleviating these symptoms is just one more way in which the use of a whole-house dehumidifier can benefit you.
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While many homeowners may mistakenly believe that they need only concern themselves with temperature regulation in order to live comfortably, the fact of the matter is that the quality of the air in your living space is just as important to your comfort as the temperature of that air. It is for precisely this reason that you may want to consider the use of an air purifier in Loveland, CO. However, you are wise to remember that there are different types of air purifiers on the market today, and that you must be sure to use the right one for your needs. Call Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule your air purifier services, and know for certain that you have the right equipment installed in your home.

Electronic Air Purifiers

For a number of homeowners, air filtration systems are more than sufficient for maintaining high indoor air quality. In certain situations, though, a mechanical air filter just won’t be able to get the job done. If you are struggling with a high concentration of airborne pollutants in your home, you may be better off using an electronic air purifier in addition to air filters. Such systems charge pollutants in the air within an ionization chamber. The pollutants are then collected on oppositely charged plates, which care simply removed for convenient cleaning. Some models allow pollutants to adhere to surfaces in the home, and they are just removed during routine cleaning.

UV Air Purifiers

Not all pollutants can be successfully removed from the air by air filters or electronic air purifiers. Biological pollutants, such as viruses, mold, and bacteria, for instance, are better off being destroyed. That is just what UV (ultraviolet) air purifiers do. Such systems, including UV germicidal lights, emit small, safe amounts of UV radiation. This is sufficient to destroy biological pollutants and to render them incapable of reproduction. Such systems do not remove dust, dander, and other pollutants from the air, though. That is why you may be best off in utilizing a combination of systems for a multi-faceted air purification regimen. Contact us for more details.

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