Experience the Benefits of a Humidifier

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.

Hydrate Your Skin

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.

Stay Healthy

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.

Protect Your Home

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.

Save Money

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 , , , , ,

Winter Energy-Saving Tips

Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

It’s the season of heavy snow, biting wind, and frosty windows. In the freezing temperatures, you may notice your energy bills spike as you try to heat your home. WestAIR is here to help. Follow our winter energy-saving tips to keep cozy:

  1. Insulate your windows with heavy curtains. Keep the curtains closed at night and open in the day for free solar heating.
  2. If the warmth in your home sneaks away the moment the furnace cycles off, you may be losing heat through drafty windows. Use caulk, weather stripping, or draft stoppers to seal leaks around doors and windows.
  3. Seal air leaks in plumbing penetrations, gaps around the chimney, recessed lights, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets. Insulate the attic or crawl space and other areas of the home according to recommendations for your region.
  4. Reverse ceiling fans so they run clockwise. Hot air rises, so the fans will push the warm air back down to you. Running them in the winter can save up to ten percent in energy costs.
  5. Move furniture and other items away from vents so the heat can travel from the ductwork to your rooms.
  6. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, keep the damper closed when it’s not in use so the warm air doesn’t escape out the chimney.
  7. Change filters. Dirty, clogged filters make your heating system work harder, which puts stress on your equipment and increases energy bills.
  8. Avoid using exhaust fans, which will suck out the warm air.
  9. Recycle oven heat. When you finish baking something and turn the oven off, leave the door open to warm the kitchen.
  10. Install a whole house humidifier to combat the dry air. Relative humidity makes your home feel warmer at lower temperatures, so you can turn the thermostat down and still feel comfortable.
  11. Turn the thermostat down when you sleep and when you leave, but no more than five degrees. Your furnace may spend more energy starting up again than it does keeping the home within a steady temperature range.
  12. Invest in a programmable thermostat, so it can adjust the temperatures for you. According to Minnesota Energy Resources, you could save up to $180 dollars a year just by upgrading this simple accessory.
  13. Don’t heat unnecessary spaces. Learn how you can control where the heat goes in your home with automatic zoning.
  14. Schedule service for your heating system.

WestAIR is committed to keeping your home warm this winter. We understand the stress that Minnesota winters place on your heating system and pocketbook. Check out our Heating 101 guide for more seasonal HVAC tips.

Contact us for more information.

This entry was posted in Energy Savings,Heating,Tips and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dry Indoor Air + Humidification

Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Dry indoor airWinter is already uncomfortable enough with the freezing temperatures, so why not make the most of your cozy indoor living space where you can escape the dry and brittle cold air? Lower temperatures mean lower humidity levels because cold air can’t hold as much moisture as warm air. Here are two simple reasons your dry indoor air needs humidification:

Your comfort

Overly dry air can make your skin and respiratory problems flare up, from asthma and allergies to eczema and acne. If your home air is too dry, it could cause bloody noses, chapped lips, and itchy skin. Your respiratory system is lined with moist membranes in your nose and throat that prevent bacteria, viruses, dirt, and dust from getting into your lungs. If they are dry, they won’t keep particles out effectively, making you more vulnerable to sickness.

In addition, dry air increases static electricity, which produces painful shocks and zaps when you walk around on the carpet or touch metal surfaces. It will also make your hair more difficult to maintain and cause your clothes to stick to you uncomfortably.

Your belongings

Dry air will pull moisture from hardwood floors, furniture, and even the walls, doors, and general frame of your home, making it contract and shift. As the frame shifts, doors may be hard to open and close, or gaps may form between the ceiling, walls, windows, and door frames.

Books, artwork, and even the paint or wallpaper on your walls can get brittle, warped, or wrinkled in dry air. If you have musical instruments, they may lose their shape and tune. Humid air feels warmer, so moderate levels of humidity can allow you to set the thermostat lower and give your heating system a break. That way, you can live comfortably and save money on your heating bill and maintenance. But be careful: excess moisture may cause mold, bacteria, and mildew growth in poorly ventilated areas of your home.

You can keep an ideal, comfortable humidity level between 40 and 60 percent with a whole home humidifier. WestAIR Heating & Cooling offers whole house humidifiers that will keep every room of your home comfortable, even in the dry winter. Our humidifiers will automatically work with your HVAC system to distribute moisture throughout your home’s entire duct system. We offer programmable thermostats that come with a built-in humidity sensor so you can test and regulate home humidity and avoid going overboard.

Contact us to learn more about your heating and indoor air quality options.

This entry was posted in Energy Savings,Furnace,Health Tips,Heating,Humidifier,Indoor Air Quality,Tips,Winter and tagged , , , ,

Four Benefits of a Humidifier During Cooler Months

Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Winter is here, and so is crisp Minnesota air. As the temperatures drop, so does humidity levels which can cause poor indoor air quality in our homes and negative effects on the body’s immune system. If you’re concerned about your health and comfort this season, consider using a humidifier during the cooler months.

  1. Dry air dries out your sinuses, nose and throat making it harder for your body to fight off unwanted germs. A humidifier increases humidity levels in your home, helping you breathe easier. Small portable humidifers work well for one room, or consider installing a whole house humidifier which works in conjunction with your HVAC system. Whole house humidifers also benefit allergy and asthma sufferers by keeping the throat, lungs and sinuses well lubricated.
  2. Whole home humidifiers also regulate indoor air quality to ensure the proper balance of humidity in your home.
  3. If you or someone you know suffers from eczema or other skin conditions, you know first-hand how dry air affects them. Moisturizing the skin helps, in addition to maintaining the proper humidity levels in your home.
  4. Have you ever woken up in the morning with a dry, sore throat? Your throat, chest, nose and mouth become progressively drier during the winter months. Maintaining the proper humidity levels in your home can help manage the air, giving you a better night’s sleep.

To learn more about indoor air quality, whole home humidifiers, or to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable WestAIR service techicians, call us today at 763-498-8071

This entry was posted in Indoor Air Quality and tagged , , , , , , ,

Dry Winter Months

Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

During the Upper Midwest winter months the air inside of our homes tends to get etremely dry. There are simple signs such as dry skin, dry nose, and dandruff. A humidifier is the best solution to combat dry winter air in your home.

Portable humidifiers are like a piece of furniture taking up extra space in various rooms. They also involve the inconvience of always having to be refilled with more and more water. Even with this type of humidifier, you may still experience dry skin and dry air at times. Coming home to a dry house is just as unpleasant as coming home to a cold house after a long day at work or a weekend away.

A whole house humidifer is the number one solution to all of the discomforts and hassles of dry winter air. No more refilling the humidifier with water and no extra furnitiure in rooms throughout the house. Our whole house humidifiers involve a simple installation and will deliver healthier air to you and your family. If you would like to read more information about Aprilaire humidifiers please visit our website via the following link: WestAIR Whole House Humifidiers. Give us a call today for a free estimate on a whole house humidifier designed just for your home.

This entry was posted in Indoor Air Quality,Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , ,

Preparing Your Furnace for Spring

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 , , , , , ,

It’s Time to Change Your Air Filter!

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:

  • A dirty filter slows down the air flow and in turn makes your system run harder to keep your home cool (or warm in the winter months). This not only wastes energy, but it also drives up your energy bill.
  • Changing your filter can also increase the life of your HVAC system for similar reasons. If the system doesn’t have to work so hard to push air through, it can run for a lot longer. A clean filter can also prevent dust and buildup from clogging your system, which can lead to expensive repairs.
  • But most importantly, a clean filter helps to keep you and your family healthy. By changing your HVAC or furnace filter on a regular basis you help improve your home’s indoor air quality by eliminating dust, mold, pollen, spores, and other pesky contaminants that can worsen allergies and asthma or potentially cause sickness.

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 , , , , , , ,

Ductless Air Conditioning-Is it right for You

Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

If you own a home, cabin or apartment without built in duct work; air conditioning is still not out of reach. Lucky for you WestAIR installs and services ductless air conditioners. The installation process is easy and there is no duct work needed. One great advantage is that with a ductless AC there is a zoning capability that allows for only occupied spaces to be conditioned instead of the entire house. Multiple areas may also be conditioned with mini splits or dual, tri and quad zones. Not sure if a ductless system is right for your home? Call WestAIR Heating and Cooling today for a free estimate.

Proudly delivering the “Quality Service you expect” for 25+ years. Contact WestAIR Heating and Cooling today for a free estimate (763)498-8071. Location: 11184 River Road NE Hanover, MN 55341

This entry was posted in AC,Cooling and tagged , , , , , , ,

Humidifiers for Your Health and Home Health

Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

With winter finally set in you or other family members may be experiencing health symptoms such as: dry or sore throat, dry skin and runny noses. These symptoms sometimes lead to colds or the flu.

You may be wondering why does this always happen during the winter months here in Minnesota? The answer is dry air! During the  winter the air is much colder than it is in the summer. Because of this it is not able to hold as much moisture or any at all. All of the moisture has been sucked out of the air and froze.

This happens in our homes because the air is trapped inside.  The amount of air flow is very low since we don’t open our windows during the winter. The solution to all these dry air problems is a humidifier.  An inline whole house Aprilaire humidifier helps maintain the moisture levels within your home.  Thus creating a comfortable and healthy atmosphere for you and your family.

Aprilaire 600a

At WestAIR heating we proudly install Aprilaire whole house humidifiers.  This is the better option over a portable humidifier. Why? Whole house humidifiers have the ability to automatically control your entire homes humidity levels 24/7 with a continuous automatic digital control, annual minimal maintenance required and energy savings.

Specials are available if you schedule your installation with other furnace or Indoor Air Quality services. Call us today to schedule a simple installation of an energy saving Whole-Home Humidifier.

Proudly delivering the “Quality Service you expect” for 25+ years. Contact WestAIR Heating and Cooling today for a free estimate (763)498-8071. Location: 11184 River Road NE Hanover, MN 55341

This entry was posted in Indoor Air Quality and tagged , , , , , , ,

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