The More You Know!!
With this high temperature wave stuck on us, it’s time to think smart about staying cool.
Here are some ways to keep your home cool and keep your AC Unit from overworking and running efficiently:
– Check and change your filter
– Have your AC unit inspected
– Keep your thermostat set to a steady temperature. DO NOT keep lowering the temperature on the thermostat. This puts too much strain on your system causing it to fail.
– Keep the blinds shut, or partially shut, reducing the amount
of sunlight / heat entering
– Make sure your doors and windows are shut and properly
sealed so no heat is entering. Remember, heat will flow from
warmer to the cooler until equilibrium is reached.
– Set your ceiling fans to rotate counter – clockwise. Hot air rises because it is thinner then cool air. Setting your fans to turn counter – clockwise creates a current that moves down and out. This sends the air back up, thus
creating a sense of coolness, because the fan redistributes the already cool air near the floor to a level where you can actually feel it on your body.
As an added measure of precaution, it’s a good idea to have portable floor fans ready in case your AC unit fails. You can find those at Home Depot, Lowes, Target, Walmart, and other various retailers.
The More You Know!!
When was the last time you replaced your filter?
Depending on your home environment, and your filter type, you should be replacing it monthly, every other month, or every three months. If you haven’t done so, check your filter, replace it if needed. It’s a good idea to write the date on the filter when it was changed out as reference for next time. Changing your filter keeps the air flow consistent, and puts less strain on your system.
Dirty filters lead to:
Reduced Airflow = System Failure
Short – Cycling = Wasted Energy
Dirty Ducts = Poor Indoor Air Quality
Build up = Frozen Coils
Extra Work = Higher Energy Bills
All of the above can lead to system failure.
Check and change your filters!
Dirty vs. Clean Air Filter
The More You Know!!
Did you know, another great way to improve the air quality in your home is to ADD PLANTS! That’s right, plants!
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are gases emitted from specific solids and liquids, which have short or long-term adverse health effects. Indoor concentrations of many VOCs are found to be higher indoors, rather than outdoors. Household products contain organic chemicals that release organic compounds while you use them, and during storage (Indoor Air Quality , 2017).
Here are some indoor plants that can help reduce indoor toxins:
– Aloe Vera
– Various Palms
– Philodendron
– Pothos
– Peace Lily
– Spider Plant
If you have indoor pets, make sure the plant(s) you choose are safe for them in the event of accidental ingestion. Additionally, be sure to read the care instructions for the plant you are acquiring. Making sure to not over water, which can cause the growth of organic microbes that can be harmful to individuals with allergies.
As always, reduce your indoor pollutants by maintaining a clean air filter, and an annual inspection on your AC unit.
Call JBB Heating, AC, and Plumbing to schedule your appointment now!
Indoor Air Quality . (2017, November 6). Retrieved from United States Environmental Protection Agency: https://www.epa.gov/…/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-ind…
The More You Know!!
Flower, tree, and grass pollen are a concern for those that suffer from seasonal allergies. The highest levels of allergens are during the spring season. Pollen is carried in many ways – animal fur, insects, water, or air.
Here are a few tips to help reduce allergies with your HVAC system:
*Your filter should be changed regularly. The type of filter you have, your allergies, and your home dynamics will determine how frequently you change it. Your filter is your best defense against pollen circulating in your home.
*Your unit has a Fan setting. The fan can be set to ‘auto’ or ‘on’. Setting the fan to ‘ON’ pushes the air through the filter more frequently, filtering the allergens better from your home. This also helps to create a consistent temperature throughout the home, while keeping the allergens and debris constantly moving toward the filter.
*Leave windows and doors closed. Most of us enjoy the fresh air, and do not mind a bit of outside debris passing through our home via open windows and doors. However, if you do suffer from seasonal allergies, and want to reduce the amount of allergens circulating in it, then it is best to keep the windows and doors closed.
For accurate pollen and mold levels in your area, visit The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology’s (AAAAI) National Allergy Bureau (NAB) at https://www.aaaai.org/global/nab-pollen-counts?ipb=1
AAAAI.ORG NAB Pollen Counts, The National Allergy Bureau
The More You Know!!
JBB cares about the safety of your family!
March 17 – 23, 2019 is National Poison Prevention Week.
Save the Poison Help number in your phone as a contact, and post it in your home for yourself, babysitters, and guests – 1-800-222-1222
The More You Know!!
Why is it important to change your air filter?
Your air filter is not only a line of defense against circulating pollen and dust.
It is the first line of defense against larger particulate matter that can be pulled into your system and cause major damage.
Clogged air filters are the number one cause of home HVAC system failure.
Remember to change your filter regularly, and have maintenance inspections performed to keep your system operational, and your home and family healthy.
