Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
When it comes to weather, in Minnesota, we live in a state of extremes. That’s why we rely on our homes to provide an oasis of clean air and cozy temperatures all year long. And WestAIR Heating & Cooling has you covered. Read on to learn more about the HVAC services and solutions we offer as your local source for total indoor air comfort.
The snowy and bitterly cold winters make reliable, efficient heating systems vital to our comfort, health, and safety. WestAIR offers a full range of solutions, and our expert technicians will help you find the perfect fit for your home and provide professional installation.
While our air is extremely cold and dry, the summers are full of heat and humidity. But don’t worry—we provide the same level of experience and expertise when it comes to home cooling solutions.
Indoor air quality (IAQ) affects comfort as well as overall health. Rely on WestAIR to help ensure the air inside your home is both clean and cozy.
As your local source for all things HVAC, WestAIR also provides a full range of professional maintenance services:
Your home should be a private escape from the extremes of Minnesota weather. We’re here to help make the best decision for you and your home, as well as ensure your systems run at peak performance and efficiency.
Contact WestAIR today to learn more about our HVAC services and solutions for total indoor air comfort.
This entry was posted in AC,Air Cleaners and Purifiers,Air Conditioning,Cooling,Duct Cleaning,Energy Savings,Furnace,Health Tips,Heating,Humidifier,Humidity,HVAC Maintenance,Indoor Air Quality,Repairs,Tips,Winter and tagged Furnace, Heating, Home Cooling Solutions, Home Heating Solutions, HVAC Services, HVAC Solutions, Indoor air quality, Service, Thermostat, Tips & advice, Total Indoor Air Comfort, WestAIR, WestAIR Heating & Cooling, WestAIR Services
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Fall is in the air and sweater weather is upon us. As you prepare your house with fall decorations like signs, pumpkins, and, of course, autumn scented candles, you may want to consider putting a few other things on your fall to-do list. Follow along in our blog to learn more about what you should put on your fall maintenance checklist.
As you think about turning off your air conditioner and opening those windows, don’t forget about cleaning your HVAC unit for wintertime. The weather may be getting cooler, but you sure don’t need a broken furnace over the winter. Debris such as dust and pests can build up in your ductwork. This type of debris can be hazardous to you and to your home. So, get your ducts cleaned out for the start of winter. The same goes for your air conditioning. Unwanted debris could clog coils and damage your AC.
It’s true, you will be opening your windows more as the weather gets cooler, but once the snow starts to hit the ground, it’s time to turn the heat on. Make sure you are changing your air filters regularly. Changing your air filter helps keep a cleaner home, helps your health, it improves your HVAC system, and produces fresh indoor air.
Get your cleaning gloves ready because it’s time to shine those air ducts. Your ducts need a good cleaning because the amount of time you are spending at home inside will increase. It will also help you to save energy in the long run. An air duct cleaning will help combat allergies and asthma, and it will help fight off any other sicknesses. If you don’t think you can clean your air ducts yourself, the professionals at West AIR Heating & Cooling are here to help.
As summer comes to an end and you start thinking about all the fun things you are going to do in the next coming months, don’t forget about your annual fall cleaning. Checking your air filters, cleaning debris, and air duct cleaning are some of the things to make sure to have on your fall maintenance checklist. Contact WestAIR Heating & Cooling for all your fall maintenance needs.
This entry was posted in AC,Air Conditioning,Cooling,Duct Cleaning,Heating and tagged Cooling, Duct cleaning, Heating, Indoor air quality, WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Take a deep breath in. If you feel short-winded, pain in your chest, or maybe even a little ear or throat irritation, it may be time to think about purchasing an air cleaner and purifier. They help reduce allergies, lower the chance of getting an airborne disease, improve sleep, and so much more. Air purifiers make the air cleaner and healthier for you and your family. So, let’s clear the air. Follow along as WestAIR Heating & Cooling discusses the benefits of air cleaners and purifiers.
Health is wealth in 2022. We all want to live to a ripe old age. Air quality can be a big factor to one’s health. Oftentimes there is more pollution, pet dander, and dust mites inside rather than outside a home. Air purifiers can help kick those pesky problems out the door. Of the many health benefits of air purifiers and cleaners, some of the more significant ones include:
In addition, air purifiers are also beneficial as tension and stress relivers. Research indicates that people who live in higher-polluted areas are more likely to experience stress and other health issues. Investing in an air purifier can help keep the air inside your home cleaner while the white noise can help you get better sleep.
PEW! What’s that smell?! You don’t want to welcome a guest into your home with unpleasant odor. A scented candle or diffuser may hide the smell but not forever. And neither method can make the air clean, fresh, or safe. The best way to rid your home of unwanted odors like smoke, food, or garbage is to purchase an air purifier and cleaner.
As the body’s largest organ, the skin also benefits from investing in an air cleaner and purifier. Let’s look at some of the ways in which air cleaners and purifiers help improve the health of your skin.
At WestAIR, we want to help you and your family to experience cleaner air at home. Contact us to chat with one of our experts or to purchase an air cleaner for your home.
We offer many models of air cleaners and purifiers for many different spaces, from large living rooms to small bedrooms and everything in between.
Our efficient and effective Aprilaire Air Cleaner captures and removes harmful particles from the air and circulates clean air back into your home. This advanced system also:
Clean air helps support a healthy living environment for you and your family. WestAIR Heating & Cooling can help you determine the air purifying needs of your home. So, let’s clear the air and help you take advantage of the benefits of air cleaners and purifiers. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule service.
This entry was posted in Air Cleaners and Purifiers and tagged Air Cleaners and Purifiers, Health benefits, Indoor air quality, odor, skin benefits
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Did you know that ultraviolet (UV) light technology has been used for disinfectant purposes for over a century? While not a novel concept, the technology has grown in popularity among homeowners seeking to improve indoor air quality (IAQ). Read on to learn more about the benefits of UV light air purification.
Working in conjunction with your current HVAC system, UV lights help eliminate odors and harmful airborne pathogens. This effectively reduces the presence of allergens and improves overall IAQ.
Volatile Organic compounds (VOCs) pose a health and safety hazard if breathed in, especially with prolonged exposure. While naturally occurring, they’re also found in many cleaning and disinfectant solutions, aerosol sprays, and other common household products. UV lights target and eliminate VOCs to improve IAQ and help protect your family.
UV lights produce UV rays that break through an organism’s cell wall and sufficiently damage or destroy its DNA. As a result, the organism is unable to reproduce and cause illness or irritate asthma or allergy sufferers. In addition to VOCs, these rays attack other contaminants like viruses, mold, and bacteria—including odor-causing bacteria.
The air filter works to trap contaminants before they can enter the HVAC system. However, over time, dust and other debris naturally collect in the ductwork and throughout the system, forcing it to work harder. UV lights clear these buildups, improving IAQ as well as the airflow of your system.
As mentioned, UV lights work to remove debris buildup in ductwork, as well as your HVAC system’s pipes and cooling coils. They also help reduce moisture within the system, which can help prevent condensate drain line clogs. In the end, these factors improve airflow as well as overall efficiency, resulting in decreased energy costs.
Considering how much time we spend inside our homes, indoor air quality plays a vital role in our health and safety. And with cooling season right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the benefits of UV light air purification with your HVAC system.
Contact the local HVAC experts at WestAIR to learn more and schedule service.
This entry was posted in Energy Savings,Health Tips,Indoor Air Quality,Tips and tagged Benefits of UV Light Air Purification, Clean air, Clean Indoor Air, Energy savings, How to Improve Indoor Air Quality, HVAC Efficiency, HVAC Solutions, IAQ, IAQ Solutions, Indoor air quality, Indoor air quality solutions, WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
In a previous blog, we discussed the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ), especially as it relates to your family’s comfort and health. With the cold winter temperatures keeping people inside, we wanted to revisit the topic and offer tips to breathe cleaner air at home.
A lot of factors play a role in your overall health. One of the biggest is the air inside your home. This is particularly true right now, with more people spending time indoors to stay warm.
If your home has low-grade IAQ, you and your family may feel the effects. Poor air quality contributes to conditions including headaches, fatigue, skin irritation, coughs, and sore throats. Air pollutants can also trigger or worsen allergies and asthma.
Checking and changing air filters is a simple task you can perform to help ensure you and your family breathe cleaner air at home. Filters catch and remove contaminants as air passes through your HVAC system each time the unit runs.
Each month, check the filter to see whether it needs to be replaced. If you have animals, for instance, you may need to change the filter more often than in a pet-free home. Dirty filters can contribute to reduced air quality while putting undue stress on your heating and cooling unit.
Your home’s ductwork is the system through which air passes from the HVAC unit to heat or cool each room, depending on the season. Dirty ducts can also distribute contaminants from one room to another as particles collect within the ductwork over time.
To ensure your ducts are free of debris and harmful pollutants, schedule regular duct cleaning maintenance from a professional and trusted team. Clean ducts will help keep the air within the home cleaner and safer for your family.
Moisture also contributes to the quality of your home’s indoor air. Help control that moisture with a whole-house humidifier.
Winter air is extremely dry and can cause sore throats or scratchy skin. A humidifier adds enough moisture to make your indoor air more comfortable to breathe. Adding a bit of moisture also helps the air stay warmer, allowing you to turn down your thermostat a few degrees in the winter.
Another way to rid your home’s indoor air of harmful pollutants is with an air purifier. Working with your existing HVAC system and ductwork, an air purifier uses ultraviolet (UV) light technology to remove bacteria, viruses, mold, volatile organic compounds, and even odors.
The BreatheCLEAN UV purifiers from WestAIR Heating & Cooling offer an easy installation process and a number of health benefits, including:
The knowledgeable and experienced professionals at WestAIR Heating & Cooling want to ensure your home safety and comfort. Contact us today to learn more about our indoor air quality products and services and how they can help you and your family breathe cleaner air at home.
This entry was posted in Duct Cleaning,Health Tips,Humidifier,Indoor Air Quality,Tips and tagged Air purifier, Clean air, Duct Cleaning and Indoor Air Quality, Humidifiers, IAQ, Indoor air quality
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
As we sit back, sigh, and accept that winter has once again returned, we also realize the damage Minnesota winters can do to both our homes and our bodies. But with the right tips and tricks, you can conquer the consequences of the dry winter air. Continue reading our blog to learn about the top benefits of a humidifier and why your home needs one.
When your home has proper humidity levels, it keeps your largest organ, your skin, hydrated. Although many dermatologists will suggest thick creams and gels to keep your skin hydrated, those expensive topicals will only act as a temporary band-aid. Without the proper amount of moisture in the air, it will continue to dry out your skin and cause itchiness, peeling lips, and eye irritation.
The cold winter doesn’t only take a toll on your skin, it also increases the distance germs travel, in turn, increasing the likelihood of you contracting an airborne illness. Recently, studies have shown that higher humidity levels are proving to have a dramatic effect on most airborne viruses, making their traveling distance much shorter because of the added weight.
Dry air pulls moisture from hardwood floors, furniture, and even the general frame of your home, making it contract and shift. As the frame shifts, doors may be hard to open and close and gaps may form between the ceiling, walls, windows, and door frames.
Hardwood floors specifically take a hit when the air becomes dramatically dry. When the wood is faced with extreme circumstances, it can lead to permanent damage. The boards themselves may split and crack in the center or at the ends, damaging the finish. Unfortunately, once the finish is compromised, the boards will have to be replaced.
Not only will your home benefit from more humid air, but so will your bank account. The more humid the air, the more warmth it can hold. By using a humidifier, you’ll be able to set your thermostat lower and give your heating system a break. Although we have focused on the benefits of humid air, be careful: excess moisture may cause mold, bacteria, and mildew growth in poorly ventilated areas of your home.
To ensure these many benefits, aim for a humidity level somewhere between 35 and 55 percent. WestAIR Heating & Cooling offers whole-house humidifiers that will keep your house comfortable, even in winter. Our humidifiers will automatically work with your HVAC system to distribute moisture throughout your house. Contact us today to start living your most comfortable life. We are happy to discuss your heating and indoor air quality options.
This entry was posted in Humidifier,Indoor Air Quality,Winter and tagged Furnace, Humidifiers, Indoor air quality, Tips & advice, WestAIR Heating & Cooling, Whole house humidifier
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
During the summer months, do you find the air inside your home feeling damp? Living in Minnesota, we know exactly what an overly humid summer day feels like, even from inside. Not only is it sticky and uncomfortable, but we also see a rise in our electricity bill from our HVAC system working overtime. Humid air can also damage floors, furniture, and walls making homeowners spend even more money down the line. A dehumidifier can fix all of this. Read our blog as we discuss how dehumidifiers can improve your indoor air quality.
Dehumidifiers are the key to better air quality in your home. Not only do they help maintain your comfort, but also help prevent the growth of mold in your home, which means improved health and safety for you and your loved ones. When there is less humidity in the air, it also allows you to raise the temperature a few degrees to save on cooling expenses. Installing a dehumidifier is sure to save you money and benefit your health in the years to come. The gains of a dehumidifier are infinite!
Dehumidifiers work in one of two ways, either by refrigeration or absorption. Let’s take a look at how both methods work.
Dehumidifiers are available in a variety of different models. If you are looking to dehumidify a small space, a portable dehumidifier is the way to go. Portable models are available in different sizes, yet they all function the same by collecting moisture in a container. Whole house dehumidifiers are similar, but they empty directly into a drain.
If you are looking to dehumidify your whole home, you can purchase a system that attaches to your HVAC system. Living in Minnesota, this is a staple for living comfortably. Excessive humidity can seep into your home decreasing the indoor air quality and becoming a breeding ground for mold growth. HVAC dehumidifier attachments allow your cooling system to work efficiently and keep your home’s air quality and moisture level at your desired level.
The professionals at WestAIR are ready to assist with all your home comfort needs. Contact WestAIR Heating and Cooling today to learn more about reducing humidity and improving your indoor air quality.
This entry was posted in Cooling,Humidity,Indoor Air Quality and tagged Dehumidifier, Heating and cooling, HVAC, Indoor air, Indoor air quality, WestAIR
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
In the hottest summer months, there’s nothing quite like drinking a glass of iced tea and sitting in an air-conditioned room. But that seeming escape can actually be detrimental for your health if you have poor indoor air quality. From headaches, fatigue, and trouble concentrating to irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, indoor air contaminants have been linked to diseases like asthma. How can you improve the air quality in your home? There are a number of available solutions. We’ve pulled a few of them together here to help you decide which one is right for you. Read on as we discuss indoor air quality tips to help you breathe easy this summer.
Circulation is critical for good indoor air quality. Stale indoor air can become thick with contaminants and excess humidity, which can lead to mold growth. An air exchanger like the Venmar® Ventilation System, provides your home with a continuous flow of filtered outdoor air, reducing humidity and expelling pollutants from the home.
With an air cleaner, you can upgrade your existing heating and cooling system to help you improve the air you breathe. These systems capture airborne dust, pollen, and other particles far better than your standard furnace filter, helping eliminate pollutants in the air.
UV light technology can go beyond removing airborne particles to eliminating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and reducing microorganisms. The best part? UV air purification systems like the BreatheCLEAN UV air purifier can be easily installed into existing ductwork with no major changes to your HVAC system.
If you’re looking to breathe easier, the experienced indoor air quality professionals at WestAIR are here to help. See what our customers have to say, and then contact us to schedule a service today!
This entry was posted in AC,Air Conditioning,Health Tips,Indoor Air Quality,Tips and tagged Air cleaner, Air exchanger, Importance of Indoor Air Quality, Indoor air quality, Indoor air quality solutions, Indoor Air Quality Tips, Summer, Summer Cooling, Summer HVAC, Summer HVAC Tips, Ultraviolet Light Air Purification, UV Light Air Purification, UV lights, WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
With the recent snowfall and chilly temps, there’s no denying that winter is almost here. Time to prepare! As heating season makes its way to Minnesota, we must remember to keep the air in our home clean as well as warm. Use this guide to winter indoor air quality maintenance to keep your family cozy, healthy, and happy throughout the season.
When cold weather hits, we seal our homes to prevent the warm air produced by our furnaces from escaping. While this helps increase comfort and energy efficiency, it also traps dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants inside the home that then decrease indoor air quality. Common signs of poor winter indoor air quality include:
Escaping the bitter cold of Minnesota winters means spending more time inside our home, making clean indoor air crucial to our comfort and health. Thankfully, homeowners can improve and maintain air quality with these helpful tips.
This year has presented us all with new and unique challenges. But no matter how unpredictable 2020 has been, we know we can always plan for harsh winter weather here in Minnesota. We’re already seeing the temps drop and snow fall, so don’t wait! Use these winter indoor air quality maintenance tips to enjoy clean, comfy air inside your home this heating season.
For all your heating and cooling needs, trust the HVAC experts at WestAIR. Contact us today to learn more.
This entry was posted in Duct Cleaning,Furnace,Health Tips,Heating,Humidifier,Humidity,HVAC Maintenance,Indoor Air Quality,Tips,Winter and tagged Air cleaner, Air exchanger, Duct cleaning, Duct cleaning service, Heating, Heating Tips, Humidfier, Humidity, Humidity Management, HVAC tips, Indoor air quality, Indoor air quality solutions, Professional duct cleaning, Residential HVAC, Ventilation, WestAIR Heating & Cooling, Winter, Winter HVAC, Winter HVAC Tips, Winter Indoor Air Quality, Winter Indoor Air Quality Maintenance, Winter Tips, Winterize
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
The hottest time of year is upon us, and we all know how uncomfortable Minnesota’s humidity can be. Our home should be a cool, comfy escape on hot summer days. To help, we put together this guide to understanding and controlling indoor humidity.
Simply put, humidity measures the amount of water vapor in the air. However, since warm air can retain more moisture than cold air, we look at relative humidity (RH): the amount of water vapor present relative to the total amount the air can hold at the given temperature. RH illustrates how the air actually feels and affects our comfort. The ideal RH for a home is typically between 40 and 60 percent.
Essentially, high levels of indoor RH occur when excess moisture enters the home but can’t escape. Use these tips for controlling indoor humidity and keep your home cool and cozy this summer.
By replacing warm air with cooler air, A/C systems naturally reduce indoor humidity. Again, cool air retains less moisture, so running your air conditioner helps decrease RH in the home.
More moisture means more humidity. Certain everyday activities naturally release moisture in the air and should be altered to control RH:
Remember, higher humidity happens when moisture can’t escape, so make sure that it can:
Leaky pipes and fixtures can damage your home and also add moisture to the air, so get them fixed ASAP. Warning signs include water stains on ceilings or walls, wet spots, and irregularly high water bills. You can also wrap exposed pipes with insulators to prevent condensation.
Well designed, properly installed ductwork distributes air evenly throughout the home. Leaks create a pressure imbalance and can let humid air in or cold air out. Have your ducts professionally cleaned and inspected to make sure your system circulates air properly.
Humidity can crack or warp wood, promote rot in the home’s structure over time, and increase accumulation of dust and other irritants to asthma and allergy sufferers. Luckily, there are supplemental HVAC solutions to consider if indoor humidity is a big concern:
As we use our homes as a welcome escape from the heat, clean and cool air becomes a must. Use this guide to controlling indoor humidity to keep your family comfy throughout the dog days of summer. And remember to rely on the residential HVAC experts for all your air conditioning and indoor air quality needs.
Contact us today to schedule service and learn more.
This entry was posted in AC,Air Conditioning,Cooling,Duct Cleaning,Health Tips,Indoor Air Quality,Tips and tagged air conditioning, Air filters, Controlling Indoor Humidity, Cooling Mistakes, Cooling Season, Cooling Tips, Duct cleaning, Family Health, Home Cooling, Homeowner Education, Homeowner Tips, Humidity, HVAC Education, HVAC Safety, HVAC tips, Indoor air quality, Indoor humidity, Preventative Maintenance, Summer Cooling, Summer HVAC Tips, Understanding Humidity
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