Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Humans inhale 11,000 to 15,000 liters of air per day. Most families spend more time in their home than anywhere else. Without proper ventilation, your indoor air could hold gases, chemicals, or other pollutants that can cause headaches, eye and skin irritation, allergies, asthma attacks, fatigue, and even cancer or long-term health complications. What’s even scarier? Ninety-eight percent of all airborne particles are below one micron (1/25,000 inch) in size and invisible to the naked eye.
Imagine a toxic soup of pollutants constantly re-circulated throughout your home, through your respiratory system, and into your bloodstream.
The most obvious pollutants are secondhand smoke, radon, and carbon monoxide, but harmful airborne particles could come from any of the following:
Children are more susceptible to all these things because their bodies are still developing. They breathe more air and eat more food in relation to their body weight than adults do. Properly maintained indoor air quality is especially important for people with asthma, allergies, chemical sensitivities, respiratory diseases, suppressed immune systems, or contact lenses. Here are some basic tips to make sure your home has clean, fresh air free of pollutants:
WestAIR Heating & Cooling wants to help you live a healthier life with safe indoor air quality. We offer air exchangers, air cleaners, whole house humidifiers, replacement filters, and more to equip your HVAC system against contaminants. We also provide duct cleaning service so you can rest assured your air has clean, unobstructed passage throughout your home. Contact us to learn more.
This entry was posted in Duct Cleaning,Health Tips,Indoor Air Quality and tagged Air cleaner, Air filters, Duct cleaning, Dust, Filters, High efficiency electronic air cleaner, HVAC, Indoor air, Indoor air quality
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Having a working furnace and air conditioner is crucial during the winter and steamy summer days. Don’t run it and forget about it, as wear and tear is inevitable. You can save on costly replacements or repairs through proper maintenance. Extend the life of your HVAC equipment by following these steps.
1. Follow manufacturer instructions.
2. Have your systems checked every year by a qualified service technician. It’s best to schedule maintenance in the spring and fall. Technicians are busy in the hot and cold months, and you don’t want to wait until there’s something wrong.
3. Check your filters. Replace your filters every 30 to 60 days. If you have a permanent filter, clean it with mild detergent every 30 to 60 days. This is the most important step to increase the life of your equipment. Dirty filters make heating and cooling units work harder, which will shorten the life with use.
4. Keep your doors and windows closed. Your air conditioner and heater will work harder when there is more air to circulate. Make each space with ventilation smaller by closing your doors. This is the also the case for houses with boilers or window air conditioners. Rather than labor to regulate air temperature in the whole house, your a/c only needs to cool the individual room. With a boiler system, it’s efficient to close off rooms without a radiator.
5. Caulk and weather-strip air gaps on windows. This step is good for your wallet and your HVAC equipment. Old houses are especially drafty, so locate the air leaks by finding damaged glazing or old caulking. Another trick is to turn off all appliances and light an incense stick in each room. Turn on your exhaust vent if you have one. Then hold your incense stick close to windows, doors, and walls for a noticeable change in the smoke. If you have drafty doors, invest in some door draft blockers.
6. Use your thermostat. It’s a myth that you should keep your thermostat at a steady temperature. Most of the time, your furnace will be working harder to maintain the heat at a steady rate. Instead, program your thermostat for a comfortable temperature while you are home and ten degrees less while you are away. However, fidgeting with the thermostat will be less efficient, even if it seems harmless to put it up or down a degree or two. Keep it on a consistent schedule.
1. Open window shades when windows are facing the sun. Let the sun warm your house naturally, putting less work on your furnace. The vitamin D is good for you this time of year!
2. Take advantage of using your oven. Slow cook your chicken and oven roast your veggies. The extra warmth will give your furnace a break. Your oven will be working two jobs at once without the added cost.
1. Close window shades facing the sun. Opposite of wintertime, you want to block the sun from adding extra heat to your house. Make sure to put your plants outside so they don’t suffer from the lack of sun!
2. Be smart with your other appliances. When you are doing laundry, hang up your clothes on a line to save energy or strain on your a/c. Why work an appliance that uses heat when it’s already hot outdoors? Washing clothing shouldn’t be an issue, though, if you stick to cold water. If it’s humid out, dry your clothes during the coolest part of the day: around dawn. Same goes for dishwashers.
3. Use your exhaust fans when cooking. Whether you plan on using the oven or stovetop for dinner, turn on the exhaust fan to let out the excess moisture and heat. Or maybe fix a cold sandwich or salad. In return, your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard! Same goes for your bathroom, but not everyone likes cold showers!
Spring is around the corner, so it’s time to schedule your maintenance visit with WestAir Heating & Cooling.
Our technician’s maintenance list will take care of most things you cannot do yourself to ensure your equipment is running smoothly for summer and winter:
• Clean furnace and check operation/filter
• Clean air conditioner and check operation
• Clean outdoor condenser and check refrigerant level
• Clean air exchanger filters and core
• Check radiant in-floor pressures and go over system
• Check humidifier filter and drain line
• Check unit heater operation
• Clean fireplace and check operation
Contact us for more information on heating, cooling, or our service maintenance!
This entry was posted in AC,Air Conditioning,Cooling,Furnace,Heating,Winter and tagged A/C, A/C, Air conditioner, Air filters, Air quality, Annual check-up, Caulk, Clogged filter, Cold air, Cooking, Cooling, Cost, Dirty, Dishwasher, Door draft stopper, Doors, Drafty windows, Dryer, Efficiency, Energy efficient, Exhaust fan, Fall, Filter, Filters, Furnace, Furnace filter, Heater, Heating, HVAC, Laundry, Maintenance, Quality, Save money, Shower, Spring, Summer, Sunshine, Sustainability, Thermostat, Windows, Winter
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Changing your furnace filter seems to be an easily forgotten task. HVAC companies try their hardest to remind you to do these things, but do you know why you should change it more often than you think?
Getting an oil change for your car is as important as changing the furnace filter for your house. It simply extends the life of your equipment. A dirty filter means that less air is circulating, which then means that your furnace is working harder to keep your house warm. Over time, having a furnace go into overdrive for too long can overheat the system or break down the entire unit. This is not something you do want to deal with in subzero temperatures.
A little dirt can do a lot of damage. If your furnace filter is dirty, not only will it make your HVAC unit work harder, but it will also make your heating bills go up over time. All the extra effort that this heater is putting out digs a deeper hole into your wallet. While a new furnace filter might cost money, ignoring it will cost more in your gas bill, except you’re doing more damage than good by trying to be frugal.
Skip the fancy furnace filters. A furnace filter is designed to protect your furnace, not improve indoor air quality. Some people swear by these special filters, but you’ll most likely have to run your furnace fan year-round to get the benefit of a high-efficiency filter. Extra work and extra care (replacing them often) will cost you more in the end.
There is a happy balance that you could achieve between cost and efficiency. For homeowners, we recommend purchasing a MERV 7 or 8 pleated filter, which traps 80 to 95 percent of air particles. If you are looking to get rid of pollutants and breathe cleaner air, consider getting an air cleaner instead.
– Unit fails to turn back on
– Noisy or slow fan
– Bent fins
– Coils are extra dusty
Remember to change your furnace filter every month when fan is in use for heating and cooling seasons.
Got more furnace questions? Call us at (763) 498-8071.
This entry was posted in AC,Air Conditioning,Cooling,Energy Savings,Furnace,Heating,Indoor Air Quality,Tips and tagged Air filters, Air quality, Clogged filter, Cold air, Cost, Dirty, Efficiency, Filter, Filters, Furnace, Furnace filter, Heater, Heating, HVAC, Maintenance, Quality, Save money, Winter
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Winter has arrived in full force, but that doesn’t mean you have to blast money from your wallet as you turn up the heat. WestAIR Heating and Cooling offers six easy ways to reduce your heating bill this winter and for years to come.
Using a thermostat is an easy way to control your home temperature and maximize your savings. While you are away, set it 10 degrees cooler than your regular setting. So, if you feel comfortable at 69 degrees, you would program it to be 59 degrees while you’re at work or on vacation. Some newer thermostats have capabilities to be controlled by a phone app or website!
You can lose half of your heat if your home is not well insulated! Is your attic or basement insulated? If not, fill all the gaps with fiberglass insulation. If your windows are drafty, fill in the leaky spaces with caulk.
Heat can leak right through your air ducts too. You can patch them with aluminum foil tape (not duct tape) and mastic sealant. First, clean the surface near any leak you find in your air ducts. The aluminum foil tape works best on flat surfaces. Mastic is for curved surfaces that would be difficult to tape. Use both for leaks bigger than a quarter-inch for extra protection!
Did you know that you should change your furnace filter each month? Not only will it let warm air flow freely, but it will reduce the need for costly repairs. Inexpensive fiber filters work fine, but standard pleated filters are better for airborne dust.
Many people forget this step, but tune-ups are necessary for furnaces just like an oil change is for your car. Nobody wants to wake up shivering in the middle of the night because the furnace isn’t working properly. Although we do offer same-day and emergency service in case this happens, avoid breakdowns with a scheduled maintenance check. Take advantage of our current promotion and save $10 on any repair or service call.
Sometimes you must kick your old furnace to the curb. If your repair costs more than 50 percent of the cost of a new furnace, or your monthly heating bills have significantly increased, you should most likely consider a replacement. Upfront costs may seem daunting, but today’s furnaces are more energy efficient and will save money in the long run. If you think it’s time to replace that old furnace of yours, we stand by Rheem heaters for quality. Rheem is a leading provider of top-quality, innovative heating products that offer the latest technology, lasting performance, great warranties, and excellent service and support. As a proud Rheem Pro Partner, our highly trained, licensed technicians can recommend a Rheem furnace or other heating product to best meet your needs.
Contact us to learn more about a furnace tune-up or questions!
This entry was posted in Energy Savings,Furnace,Heating,Tips and tagged Advice, Cold, Cold weather, Ducts, Efficiency, Filters, Furnace, Heat, Heater, Heating, HVAC, Insulation, Minnesota, Reduce costs, Repair, Rheem, Save money, Thermostat, Tips, Weather, WestAIR, Winter, Winterize
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
As warmer weather moves into Minnesota this spring, homeowners are tempted to open the windows and turn off furnace units. Before you do, it’s important to prepare your furnace for “shut-down.”
Change Filters
Continue to change your air filter monthly for a seemless transition into the cooling season.
Clean Vents
Ensure registers are free of dust and debris by vacuuming out vents in each room of your home. Make an appointment to have a WestAIR professional perform a thorough duct-cleaning to ensure proper air flow through your home.
Check CO Detectors
Ensure CO detectors are functioning properly in the home. Change batteries as needed.
Adjust Humidity Levels
Have you been using your whole-home humidifier system this winter? Consider turning down the humidifier or turn it off entirely in the spring and summer months.
Assess Your Furnace Functionality
Now is a great time to think about the way your furnace performed this past winter. Get a jump-start on replacing your furnace now before the next cold season begins. Also, take a minute to think about your air conditioning unit and insure it’s ready to run this summer.
For all your heating & cooling needs, contact WestAIR Heating & Cooling at 763-498-8071.
This entry was posted in Duct Cleaning,Furnace,Tips and tagged Duct cleaning, Filters, Furnace, Humidfier, Tips & advice, WestAIR Heating & Cooling, Whole house humidifier
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
The quality of air we breathe inside our homes is important for comfort, but it’s also critical for maintaining good health. Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) has been tied to symptoms like headaches, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Some diseases have even been linked to specific air contaminants or indoor environments, like asthma with dampness.
Here’s 4 simple ways to improve your home’s air quality:
Eliminate the Source of Allergens
Cleaning your home regularly reduces the amount of dust, pollen, mold and pet dander in the air. Frequent dusting and vacuuming removes particles trapped in carpets and on counter top surfaces.
Change Your Air Filter Regularly
Using a high efficiency air filter can remove harmful allergens and dust pollutants from the air in your home. Set a calendar reminder to change your air filter 30 to 60 days (for 1″ filter) or annually (for air cleaner filter).
Our WestAIR Heating & Cooling professionals can install an air cleaner in your home to trap floating particles and clean the existing air you breathe.
Get More Fresh Air
Not all home heating and air conditioning units allow fresh air to come in from the outdoors. Opening windows and doors when weather permits can help circular fresh, clean air indoors.
Installing a high quality air exchanger can also help to bring fresh, filtered outside air into your home.
Bring The Outdoors In
Houseplants like aloe vera, mums, bamboo palm, golden pothos, ficus, Chinese evergreen, peace lillies and even Gerber daisies help filter allergens and pollutants from the air. Consider keeping plants in areas of the home where toxins are the strongest such as the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room.
At WestAIR Heating & Cooling, we have the knowledge and experience to ensure you and your family are breathing healthy air into your home throughout every season. Give us a call at 763-498-8071 today to learn more.
This entry was posted in Indoor Air Quality,Tips,Uncategorized and tagged Air cleaner, Allergies, Dust, Filters, Indoor air quality, Mold, Service, Tips & advice, WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
The start of a new year is a great reminder to change your furnace air filter.
A filter removes dust and dander from the air we breathe in our homes, and eventually becomes laden with dirty particles. Build-up reduces the efficiency of your furnace, making the fan work harder and shortening the lifespan of your unit.
The frequency of changing your air filter depends on several factors including how many people live in your home, how many pets reside there, if it’s a smoking home, or if you live in a particularly dusty area. The more various factors are present, the more frequently you’ll need to replace your filter. WestAIR Heating & Cooling suggests a replacement schedule of 30 to 60 days (for 1″ filter) or annually (for air cleaner filter).
We have a variety of humidifier and air cleaner filters in stock and ready for shipment:
Click here to complete our online order form. Once submitted, you will be contacted within 24 hours to confirm your order and pricing.
This entry was posted in Furnace,Indoor Air Quality,Tips,Uncategorized and tagged Air cleaner, Aprilaire, Buy filters, Dust, Filters, Furnace, Indoor air quality, Tips & advice, WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Remember that improper care of your furnace may be lessening its efficiency.
Follow these tips to extend the life of your HVAC equipment and help prevent breakdowns.
As your furnace continues to battle the Cold Days of Winter, remember to call your local professional at WestAIR Heating & Cooling if your furnace is giving you any trouble. We’d be happy to come out to your home and personally assess your heating system. We want you to be comfortable in your home, all year long. Contact us today at 763.498.8071
This entry was posted in Energy Savings,Furnace,Heating,Tips,Uncategorized and tagged Energy efficient, Energy savings, Filters, Furnace, Heating, Setback thermostat, Thermostat, Tips & advice, WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Following up from last week’s post on benefits of a Whole House Air Purifier to help with alleviating stubborn allergies, we want to give a friendly reminder to change your furnace air filters! A simple and yet extremely effective way to help keep the air in your home clean and keep your system running smoothly. Here’s a few reasons why changing your HVAC or furnace filter is so important:
Many filters these days are washable or replaceable. Not sure what your system takes? Call WestAIR Heating & Cooling to learn more about changing out your HVAC air filters. We always have air filters in stock and are happy to help you with any questions you may have. Call us today at 763.498.8071
This entry was posted in Energy Savings,Spring,Tips and tagged Air filters, Allergies, Changing your HVAC air filter, Energy savings, Filters, Indoor air quality, WestAIR Heating & Cooling, Whole house humidifier
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
With spring here early and being chased away by summer weather, allergy season has jumped out sooner than expected. You may not realize it, but indoor air may be significantly more polluted than outdoor air. In this case of pollution due to pollen, dust, pet dander and mold. If anyone in your family suffers from allergies in the spring or even anytime of the year, ask yourself these questions…
Keeping you and your family healthy beginning with the air you breathe everyday! Proudly delivering the “Quality Service you expect” for 25+ years. Contact WestAIR Heating and Cooling today for service and free estimates (763)498-8071. Location: 11184 River Road NE Hanover, MN 55341
This entry was posted in Indoor Air Quality,Repairs,Uncategorized and tagged Air cleaner, Allergies, Dust, Energy efficient, Filters, High efficiency electronic air cleaner, Indoor air, Indoor air quality, Mold, Pollen, Pollution, Service, Thermostat
With RSS feeds, you don't have to visit our site everyday to keep up to date. Simply subscribe to our blog via RSS or Email and our posts will come to you!