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Your Air is Inferior!

Home (Indoor Air Quality) Improvement

October 28, 2013 by Scott Bowen

AC_diagram

 

Detailed shot of inside workings of an AC unit.

Indoor air quality is a growing concern for many homeowners. As we spend more and more time indoors, and the air outside becomes increasingly polluted with contaminants; many people are looking for ways to ensure that their home is a safe haven of purified air. Between the contaminants you track in from outside and the large amount you create inside from day-to-day activities, it can be quite difficult to keep the air in your home fresh and clean. Here are a few simple things you can do to improve your home’s indoor air quality:

 

Reduce the Amount of Dirt You Track In

Some large foot mats positioned right inside of any doors leading outside will capture much of the dirt and filth that may otherwise make its way farther into your home. Dirt that gets tracked in with shoes tends to make its way into the air, as well as other contaminants contained within it. If you have a large enough mat, guests can remove most of those unwanted tag-alongs without having to consciously wipe their feet. Just make sure to regularly remove the build up of dirt from the mat where it belongs: outside.

 

Go Fragrance-Free

Many air fresheners contain unwanted pollutants that can irritate the respiratory system. While it may be making your home smell nice, the chemicals that produce the lovely aromas may be filling your air with unwanted contaminants. Consider using all-natural alternatives to keep the pollutants to a minimum.

 

Inspect Your Appliances

Older appliances may emit increased amounts of pollutants, such as asbestos, into the air. Have your aged appliances tested for high amounts of pollution emissions and discuss with an expert what options you have to reduce this unwanted byproduct.

 

Ventilation Issues

Opening windows is a temporary solution to a lack of ventilation in your home. (Re: “Stuffy”) While it can provide some much needed fresh air, it is by no means a solution to the problem. Your system may be improperly designed. You may consider having your system evaluated by a professional in order to determine what, if any, improvements are needed to bring your system up to standard.

 

Dehumidify

Dehumidifiers reduce the moisture in the air; a key component that cultivates mold-growth. Mold spores in the air are not only uncomfortable to imagine breathing in, they can have negative health impacts if not dealt with. Of course a healthy balance is needed; as too little humidity has its own set of issues as well. Speak with an expert to determine what works for you and your home.

 

Most importantly, make sure that you are replacing your system’s air filter on a regular basis. And if you’re not keeping up with regular maintenance on your system, then any fresh air that is brought in has to pass over dirty, contaminated coils.

 

To really get the best air you can breathe, you may be interested in a whole-home air filtration and purification system. For further information, contact Thomas HVAC for a free assessment to determine what options are best for your home comfort.

 

 

Scott Bowen

Comfort Consultant | Thomas HVAC Company

256-858-4822 | scott@coolhuntsville.com | www.coolhuntsville.com

 

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You’re Going on a Vacation- How to keep your home safe.

IMG_1104

You’re all packed up and heading out on a week long and well needed vacation. The last thing you need is to be on a beach or snowy mountain somewhere and worry if your home is safe. Take a look at some useful tips to help keep you focused on your needed rest and relaxation.

 

One simple method which has become much more accessible in recent years is a home security system. Better yet, home automation systems are quickly taking over this market and providing 24 hour access to your home when you are away. There are several different companies that specialize in the home automation industry, as well as some major brands that are starting to garner more visibility in the market. The pricing on these installations can get pricey, even into the thousands of dollars depending on the size and layout of your home. We have also seen several companies marketing towards the DIY installation. These are relatively inexpensive and can be installed by the average Joe, no offense if you are a “Joe”. A few differences from the DIY to the professional installations are obvious but not all. For starters the cleanliness of the install, meaning the exposed vs simple wire covers. Others can include actually mounted vs simply placing on a mantle or counter. So, if you decide to take this route to secure your home research and decide what is best for your situation. If you want my opinion, Call Me.

Another simple way to help keep your home safe while you are away is to install dusk till dawn adapters on a few exterior lights. This idea works the same way as keeping cockroaches away. Bugs or varmints generally do not like a well lit area. Neither do burglars, for the most part. You can find the adapters in any big box store or at a local hardware store near you. They are relatively inexpensive and take very little installation. Another lighting method is to install a few timers inside your home to give the appearance someone is home. Set the timers for approximate times when you are maybe eating dinner and maybe watching tv. Be sure to have the timers to go off around the time you generally go to bed. A teenagers bedroom could probably stay on all night. Teens-text-at-night

 

Here is a final thought on how to keep your home safe when you are traveling. There is a  huge movement online nowadays to post about the fabulous vacations you are getting geared up for or that you have booked. For starters I love seeing the crystal blue waters and snow capped mountains on your timeline. What I would rather not see is that you just went on a spending spree and opted for the 60″+ tv or that you just got the latest Xbox or after winning the Tennessee Lottery you finally got that exotic, “only 100  made”, Range Rover. Most of us are happy for you, but a hand few may be more happy for themselves and are waiting on the perfect opportunity to win their lottery, without playing if you get what i mean. So, it’s ok to post how IMG_1017 your living, just understand someone may be waiting for that invitation (Selfie of we  are leaving on vacation) post to stop by and see what you have.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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