5 Ways in Which Air Conditioning Is Beneficial for Health

People often think of air conditioning as a comfort or even a luxury and not a necessity. However, there are times and situations in which an air conditioner is not a frivolous expense but a necessary one. If you live in an area where you experience extreme heat, air conditioning becomes a necessity, just like heating is a necessity in places which are cold. There are certain days every year when heat warnings are issued, even in places which are not usually that hot. So on these days at least, it's best to stay in an air conditioned environment. Here are 5 ways in which air conditioning is beneficial for health:

1. Prevents Dehydration: This is probably the most important way in which air conditioning can benefit you. It's easy to get dehydrated in the summer, even if you aren't doing anything very strenuous. Simple activities like cleaning and cooking can lead you into sweating more and becoming dehydrated.

2. Prevents You from Getting Summer Colds: Wandering around in the sun, sweating, and being exposed to the elements can lead to summer colds. Staying in an environment with a controlled temperature can actually help keep you healthy.

3. Prevents Heatstroke: Heatstroke is a real concern when temperatures are high. It's caused by an excess of heat or doing something strenuous, like working out in the heat. If left untreated, heatstroke can cause serious damage to your organs and even be fatal. If you are thinking of doing something strenuous, it’s better to do it in a climate-controlled space.

4. Prevents Allergies: The air you breathe in with air conditioning is not just cooler, it's also cleaner, with less dust and other. If you are allergic to something in your environment, you can prevent an onset of sneezing by being in air conditioning.

5. Prevents Stress: Even if you're not terribly dehydrated or sneezing all over the place, an excess of heat still places quite a bit of stress on your body and, as a result, your mind. You can reduce the extent of your stress and increase your work productivity by being in an air conditioned environment.

Are you interested in installing a new air conditioning unit or maintaining or repairing the one you have, contact us today.

5 Things That Your Air Conditioning Contractor Should Never Do

When deciding who to choose for your air conditioning contractor, there are certain characteristics and behaviors to look out for. Good air conditioning contractors typically have positive reviews and recommendations, an easily navigable website, punctuality, professionalism, and reasonable rates. It's important as a consumer to understand what types of things a reputable air conditioning company would never do, so we’ve listed a few of them below:

• Take All the Money Up Front: When it comes to tune-ups and repairs, an air conditioning contractor will typically finish the work first and then bill you for it. When it comes to AC installation, they may ask for some money first, as they will have to make large purchases. But a good AC contractor will typically not ask upfront for all the money.
• Show Up Two Hours Late: Punctuality is the sign of any good contractor. So, even if someone comes highly recommended to you, don't trust them if they can't show up at the time they say they will.
• Return a Repaired AC Which Breaks Down Two Days Later: If a contractor takes away a window unit and brings it back, saying that it is repaired, only to have it break down after a couple of days, this is not a sign of reliability.
• Advise You to Go for Outdated AC Systems: If you've been looking at AC systems and want to get something new but your AC contractor is telling you to get something outdated, either because it's cheap or because they are more familiar with that system, don't listen to them. Speak to some other contractors and get their opinion too.
• Advise You to Replace a Newly-Installed System: Why would an AC contractor ask you to replace something that you just got a year or two before? It just indicates that they are out to get money from you. Go with someone who gives you reasonable, logical advice instead.

If you're interested in learning about our team's experience and getting an estimate for any of your HVAC needs, contact our team today!

4 Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Most people think of the outdoors when they think of air pollution. However, the air inside your house can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Children, elderly people, and those with asthma are especially affected by indoor pollutants. Here are four ways you can improve your indoor air quality.

Replace Air Filters

Keeping your furnace's air filters clean is one of the best ways to improve the air quality in your home. Dust, debris, and dirt will build up in your heating and cooling system over time. How often your furnace's filters need changing depends on what type of filter you use. Follow the recommendation of the manufacturer. Not only will changing your air filters improve your air quality, it will also boost your HVAC system's performance.

Adjust Your Home's Humidity

Dust mites and mold thrive in a humid environment. Make sure that you repair any water leaks as quickly as possible. When you shower, run your bathroom exhaust fan to reduce humidity. Have your heating and cooling system inspected to ensure that it's keeping your humidity at an optimal level. Consider having a whole-home dehumidifier installed.

Keep Your Home Clean

Dirt and dust collect on your floor. Vacuum your home at least once per week. Use a vacuum cleaner with rotating brushes and strong suction power. Make sure it has a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which will pick up allergens. If any dust is left after vacuuming, mop your floors. Use a microfiber dust mop, which will pick up more dust and dirt particles.

Use bedding that's machine-washable, and wash it weekly to reduce allergens. Minimize the amount of dirt that's tracked into your home from outdoors. Place a mat at each door, and consider asking guests to take off their shoes when they come inside.

Avoid Smoking While Indoors

A number of health problems are caused by exposure to secondhand smoke. If you or your guests are going to smoke, do so outside to keep your indoor air clean.

For more information, or to schedule heating service, please contact us today.

Five Questions to Ask a Heating Contractor

It’s only a matter of time that your HVAC unit runs into problems. Whether it’s a minor problem like a dirty air filter that’s easily and quickly fixed, or something major like the pilot light failing to ignite or a gas leak, you will need to seek out a heating contractor to perform the necessary repairs or replacement.

Not Always a "Quick Fix"

When repairing or replacing a heating unit, there are many pieces to examine and time is needed to ensure the entire unit is ready to operate successfully. Even the smallest mistake can result in a lack of heat, or worst case scenario, the carbon monoxide poisoning.

Ask the Important Questions

In order to avoid these problems, you want to ask your heating contractor some important questions to help determine if they are a good fit for you. Here are five questions to start out with:

1. How do they handle estimates?

The contractor should provide a written and certified estimate ahead of any work that displays the breakdown of costs between parts and labor. In addition, it should contain an approximate time of completion. If there are any changes in cost or timeframe, you must approve them before the contractor can move forward.

2. Who supplies their parts?

An HVAC unit is not a vehicle. In other words, you can't go with a certified used heating unit or parts. You must know who their suppliers are or what manufacturers they're connected with. Don't go with unfamiliar names because it saves a few dollars.

3. What type of warranty to they provide?

If the contractor is replacing certain parts, then they must provide a warranty on them. This should be somewhere between one year and the part's lifetime. If it's a new heating unit, then you need to know how long the manufacturer's warranty is and if it covers both parts and labor.

4. Do they install Carbon Monoxide detectors?

State and federal regulations require carbon monoxide detectors be installed on all floors of a home when utilizing a gas heater. Your heating contractor should provide these as part of the installation package. In addition, they should be warrantied in case they begin to fail.

5. Are you allowed to speak to previous clients?

If the heating contractor says they don't want you speaking with them, then it's time to say goodbye and look elsewhere. While you can find online reviews, some of them are from customers who are disgruntled for something other than the service or price. It’s most valuable to speak with people the contractor has directly dealt with.

Take these actions first to ensure you heating repairs are done right the first time. If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact us today.

Signs You Need Furnace Repair

Before winter hits, you want to make sure your furnace is in good working condition. Faulty pilot lights, dirty air filters, and other issues can make your furnace less energy efficient and less functional for keeping your home warm.

Are you in need of furnace repair? Before you begin to rely heavily on your heating unit on for the season, use this guide to help you determine if it's time to call a furnace specialist for repairs.

You haven't had your furnace inspected

Responsible furnace care and maintenance involves having your heating appliance inspected every year before use. Some homeowners have their furnace inspected during the summer so repairs can be made in advance of winter use. If you haven't had your furnace inspected in recent months, or can't remember the last time you had your unit serviced, you may be in need of repairs.

Call your HVAC specialist to check out your furnace, even if you haven't had issues with your heating unit in the past. Small repairs done now can prevent costly replacement in the future.

Your heating bill keeps going up

Furnaces will start to use a lot of energy to keep areas warm when they start to fail. Pay attention to your energy bill; if your heating costs keep going up every year, poor air filtration, a failing motor, or even a deteriorating heating element may be to blame. Your heating specialist will make repairs to your unit by replacing dated or worn elements or may recommend replacing your appliance for a modern model.

Your heating is unreliable

Do you have to constantly check your thermostat and reset your furnace to keep your home warm? Your furnace should be able to supply you with reliable, consistent heat. Power breaker surges, declining heat, or poor heat quality in your furnace are all signs your unit is in need of repairs.

Always hire a professional furnace and heating specialist to inspect your appliance for you. Contact us today to schedule a system inspection. Home repairs are not recommended, so it’s best to invest in quality furnace repair when your unit isn't working as it should.