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Whole-House Fan in Bastrop, TX Whole-House Fan in Bastrop, TX

How a Whole-House Fan Can Save You Money This Summer

Written by Kevin on July 21, 2023. Posted in Indoor Air Quality. No Comments on How a Whole-House Fan Can Save You Money This Summer

If you’re looking for ways to lower your energy bills this summer, installing a whole-house fan can be a great investment. Whole-house fans are a great alternative to running your air conditioning and can be an extremely effective option for keeping your home cool whenever the temperature outside isn’t too hot. To help you understand why, here is everything you need to know about how whole-house fans work and how much money this type of fan could save you this summer.

Understanding How Whole-House Fans Work

Whole-house fans are always installed in the attic and have a large air duct that connects to a vent in the ceiling. This vent should be centrally located in the building and is often placed in a main hallway or the stairwell leading to the top floor. These fans work by drawing hot air out of the living spaces and venting it into the attic where it then flows back outside through the attic vents. At the same time, the fan pulls fresh, cooler air in through open windows to create a nice breeze.

Whole-house fans are extremely effective as many of them can move around 6,500 cubic feet of air per minute. Let’s say that you have a 2,000-square-foot home with standard 9-foot ceilings. The total air volume of this size of home is 18,000 cubic feet. In this case, a whole-house fan could pull all of the hot, stale air out of the building in under three minutes. As long as the air outside is cooler than the air inside the home, the fan should cool your home to whatever the outdoor temperature is in under an hour.

The only real issue with whole-house fans is that they only work when you have at least a few windows slightly open. This means that you won’t be able to use the fan during the hottest parts of the year or on overly humid days as otherwise all it would do is pull lots of hot, moist air inside. That being said, a whole-house fan is perfect for milder weather and can make it so that you never need to use your AC during the spring or fall.

There will also be many days even during the hotter months when the temperature is cool enough in the evenings and mornings for the fan to work effectively. Any time that the temperature outside is around the same or lower than what you normally have your thermostat set to, you can shut off your AC and turn on the whole-house fan to both cool your home more effectively and greatly reduce your energy costs.

Whole-house fans are most effective when you only have a few windows cracked a few inches open. If you open too many windows or have them open too far, the fan won’t work as well as it won’t be able to create the pressure needed to draw hot air up into the attic effectively. It is also essential that your attic has adequate ventilation to ensure that all of the hot air can easily be vented back outside. The best way to use a whole-house fan is to cool certain rooms or areas at a time. For instance, you may want to start by opening the windows in your living room and kitchen in the evening and then closing these windows and opening the ones in your bedrooms before going to bed.

If no windows are open, the fan will have almost no effect since it won’t be able to draw cool air in from outside. Having at least a few windows open when the fan is running is also important for safety reasons. If no windows are open, the fan will start to draw air in through other sources such as a chimney or exhaust flue. If your home has any gas-burning appliances like a gas water heater, the fan could easily start to pull or “backdraft” carbon monoxide and other combustion fumes back into the home. The only way to ensure that this doesn’t happen is to only ever run the fan with a few windows open. If your home has a fireplace, it is also important to close the louver on your chimney before turning the fan on, or else it will draw soot and ash inside.

Whole-House Fan Energy Savings

Calculating exactly how much money you can save by using a whole-house fan can be somewhat difficult. The energy savings depends in large part on how many hours per day or how many months you have the fan running instead of using your AC. The size of your AC unit also plays a role since the larger the unit is, the more energy it will use.

On average, a whole-house fan uses around 90% less energy than a central air conditioner or heat pump. If you were to typically run the fan instead of your air conditioning for 12 hours per day, say from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., you could potentially cut your energy costs almost in half. Of course, there may be many days from June until at least August when it’s still too hot and humid in the evening to use the fan and you’ll need to keep your AC on instead.

Nonetheless, studies have shown that a whole-house fan will still typically save you a few hundred dollars a year compared to having to constantly rely on your AC system to keep your home cool. This is especially the case if you rely solely on the fan during the spring and fall when the temperatures are cooler, but your home can still get quite hot without some sort of cooling.

How a Whole-House Fan Can Improve Indoor Air Quality

Another major benefit of installing a whole-house fan is that it can greatly improve your home’s indoor air quality. Indoor air pollution is often a major problem in the summer since most homes have all of the windows closed and the AC running constantly, and this can quickly lead to the air becoming stale and the concentration of VOCs and other pollutants greatly increasing.

Unless your home has some type of mechanical ventilation system, you really have no way to draw all of the stale, polluted air outside. Running the exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom can help, but exhaust fans still aren’t all that effective since they can’t bring fresh, clean air inside. This is the reason that whole-house fans are such a great choice for improving indoor air quality since they will both pull the stale, polluted air out of the building and constantly replace it with fresh air from outside. Again, when used correctly, the fan will be able to fully replenish all of the air in your home in just a few minutes so that you can breathe more easily. A whole-house fan can also keep your home smelling fresh since it will constantly pull the musty, bad-smelling air outside as it runs.

Expert HVAC and Indoor Air Quality Services

At Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating, we are proud to be the most-trusted HVAC contractor in the Bastrop, Round Rock, and Austin areas. Whether you’re looking to have a whole-house fan or whole-home air purification system installed or you need any cooling or heating services, our team is always ready to help. Give us a call today if you have any questions or to schedule any cooling, heating, or indoor air quality service.

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How Important Is Whole-House Air Purification This Summer?

Written by Kevin on June 20, 2023. Posted in Indoor Air Quality. No Comments on How Important Is Whole-House Air Purification This Summer?

Your indoor air quality (IAQ) is a year-round concern. This is especially true if there are people with chronic respiratory ailments living in your Bastrop, TX, home. While keeping your HVAC air filter clean will limit airborne contaminants, summertime brings many season-specific IAQ concerns. These concerns make it worth investing in air purification devices that will benefit your home not only during the summer but throughout the rest of the year as well. Read on to learn why air purification is important during the summer months and what you can do to make improvements.

Understanding the Limitations of Your HVAC System

Central heating and cooling systems have multiple purposes. They regulate indoor temperatures, but they also control indoor humidity and filter out allergens and contaminants. With a clean air filter, your HVAC system can extract a fair amount of dirt, dander, pollen, and other particulates from your indoor air. If you choose to upgrade your standard HVAC air filter to one that has a higher maximum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating, it will capture and retain a larger variety of contaminants and reduce the presence of indoor pollution.

The most important thing to know about HVAC air filters is that they exist to protect HVAC equipment. The limited IAQ benefits they provide are a pleasant side effect of their primary function. Regularly replacing air filters helps them keep dust and other particulates from settling on internal components, such as your air conditioner’s evaporator coil and blower fan. In this way, clean and high-functioning filters prevent overheating, condensation, short cycling, and many other common HVAC problems. With equipment protection as their ultimate goal, standard air filters allow many micro-fine contaminants to pass right through them.

To a degree, the limitations of HVAC air filters even extend to the different upgraded options that exist. As MERV ratings go up, filtration capabilities increase. However, airflow at the interior of HVAC systems experiences a relative decline. Choosing the highest-rated filter that you can find might mean having fewer contaminants in your living environment, but it can also leave you with an under-performing air conditioner.

Filters with incredibly high MERV ratings sometimes create humidity regulation problems that result in building interiors feeling damp and heavy. This unfortunate consequence of increased HVAC air filtration actually limits the ability of consumers to use certain high-rated filters without having their HVAC systems modified first.

Whole-house air purifiers are designed to pick up the allergens, pathogens, and contaminants that standard and even upgraded air filters cannot. Best of all, they can do so without causing significant AC system stress or creating indoor humidity concerns. These air purifiers are installed directly onto HVAC ducting, and they’re streamlined to seamlessly coordinate with the activities of heating and cooling equipment. If you want to improve the quality of your indoor air during the summer months, having a whole-house air purifier installed is the safest and most effective way to go.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Having an Airtight Home

Spring in Bastrop is a great time to open your windows and doors and ventilate your home. Periodically letting outdoor air flow through the building clears out contaminants that would otherwise remain. However, during the heating and cooling seasons, it can be beneficial to maintain an airtight home. In addition to shutting all windows and doors, you should consider sealing up cracks and gaps in building materials, adding insulation, and taking other efficiency measures. This can prevent conditioned air from escaping outdoors, which has the potential to reduce your home energy bills, decrease your carbon footprint, and reduce HVAC system stress. Unfortunately, an airtight home can also increase indoor air pollution.

In summer, outdoor pollen counts can be very high. The ground is drier, and loose dirt is more likely to get kicked up. The density of pollution inside buildings rises as these allergens and contaminants increase in abundance, especially when airflow throughout homes is reduced. Having supplementary IAQ measures in place is highly recommended.

What Air Purifiers Can Do That HVAC Air Filters Cannot

Air purification and air filtration are two different things. Although air purifiers can remove the same airborne particulates that air filters can, they also clean indoor air. Air purifiers can remove pathogens and viruses that cause illness. They can eliminate chemical contaminants that come from burning candles and using chemical-based cleaners and solvents. Air purifiers can even eliminate the chemicals that are released by unsealed particle board, paint, flooring and furniture adhesives, and general building materials.

It’s important to note that although off-gassing, cooking, and surface cleaner use are year-round contributors to IAQ concerns, they can have a much greater impact on your indoor air quality during the summer. The chemicals that float through your indoor air can become more prevalent based on the humidity levels, which are often an issue during the summer months.

Who Benefits Most From Proactive IAQ Measures in the Summer?

The installation of integrated IAQ equipment like whole-house air purifiers, air scrubbers, and media filters is guaranteed to benefit everyone in your household throughout the summer. This equipment can eliminate common and season-specific indoor contaminants that are left unaddressed by HVAC air filtration. However, proactive IAQ improvements can be especially beneficial for aging adults, those with terminal illnesses, infants, and small, vulnerable pets. These building residents are less resilient against constant exposure to indoor contaminants. However, they often benefit from the use of cooling equipment when temperatures start to rise in the summer.

For residents with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and allergies, the elimination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), exhaust chemicals, allergens, and off-gassed chemicals often results in symptoms that are both less frequent and less severe. It’s also important to note that even if your HVAC air filter is removing pet dander, pollen, and other common allergens, an air purifier will have the capacity to remove even more throughout the heat of the summer when you’re keeping your windows closed more often.

Summer Brings a Heightened Risk of Wildfires in Bastrop

Although only 25% of Bastrop has a moderate to high wildfire risk, these natural disasters affect the air quality of everyone in the area when they occur nearby. The smoke and contamination that result from a fire don’t remain contained to a limited area. During wildfires, residents are advised to shelter in place and use their air conditioners for cooling only after they’ve closed their air intake dampers and set their units to recirculate the air indoors. Turning air conditioners off when temperatures are in the upper 90s can be uncomfortable and downright dangerous.

Unfortunately, even efforts to prevent the intake of contaminated outdoor air won’t protect air conditioners or building residents from the effects of wildfires entirely. Although massive wildfire events don’t occur every year, having an air purifier in your home can make life a lot easier when they do. Whole-house air purification systems can eliminate the airborne contaminants that both standard and upgraded HVAC air filters cannot. They can also limit the impact that smoke and smoke odors have on home cooling equipment.

Bastrop’s massive wildfire of 2011 was a lesson in preparation. Increasingly high summertime temperatures and frequent drought conditions make it important to streamline your home for safety and comfort before the unexpected occurs.

We’re committed to helping residents of Bastrop, TX, improve and protect their indoor air quality. In addition to advanced indoor air quality solutions, we also provide air conditioner, heat pump, ductless mini-split, and furnace services. To find out more about the benefits of air purification or to schedule an appointment, contact Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating today.

Eliminate Sticky Indoor Air and More …

Written by Kevin on June 1, 2023. Posted in Blog, Indoor Air Quality. No Comments on Eliminate Sticky Indoor Air and More …

With a Whole-Home Dehumidifier!

As we’re writing this blog, it’s 72 degrees outside with 93 percent humidity. In other words, it’s another hot and humid day in our little corner of Texas. And, with the official start of summer arriving on June 21, there’s even more heat and humidity in store.

Speaking of humidity, do you have the right weapon in your home to keep the humidity at ideal levels? Even when your thermostat is set to the proper temperature, high humidity can cause you to feel sticky and uncomfortable. It can also force your AC to work overtime, increase your energy bills, promote mold growth and adversely affect your health. The solution? A whole-home dehumidifier!

At Blue Ribbon, our HVAC technicians are the experts you can rely on to recommend the best whole-home dehumidifier for your unique needs. Once you choose your favorite option, we’ll also install it seamlessly and answer all of your questions about how it operates.

For most of our customers, we typically recommend a whole-home dehumidifier over a portable unit. Here are some of the reasons why:

It will address problems in every room in your home, not just the room where it’s located. A whole-house system works closely with your HVAC ventilation system, pulling in air for your entire house and then, using the HVAC vents, pumping dehumidified air into every room.

It can cut your energy bills. When the humidity level in your home is lower, you might be able to increase the temperature setting on your thermostat. Even though a two- or three-degree difference might not seem like a lot, it can be significant enough to lower your monthly energy costs.

It will help prevent mold growth. Mold is a very tough fungus that will use the humidity in your air as its water source. Decreasing the moisture in your air makes it much more difficult for mold to develop and grow. This is another area where a whole-home dehumidifier helps protect every room in your home, not just one.

It will help you avoid going buggy. There are many different types of bugs that use mold as a food source. When your home gets infested, it can cause health problems for household members, especially people with allergies. Your dehumidifier can help prevent mold, which helps prevent mold-eating insects.

It often involves less maintenance. When you have a portable dehumidifier, you need to empty its tank regularly. Whole-home dehumidifiers require much less maintenance. They get rid of the water they collect through a hose that is connected to a drain.

Here’s another tip: If you want to make sure your indoor air is as fresh and clean as possible, a perfect partner for your dehumidifier is an air purifier or air filtration system. Are you ready to improve the humidity levels in your home with a whole-house dehumidifier? Call us at 512.866.9151 or contact us through the convenient form on our website.

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How Often Should You Have Home Air Quality Tested?

Written by Kevin on April 17, 2023. Posted in Indoor Air Quality. No Comments on How Often Should You Have Home Air Quality Tested?

European and American studies reveal that 80% to 90% of our time is spent indoors. Time at home, time at work and school, and other indoor activities make it necessary to devote some thought to the air we breathe inside.

Indoor air pollutants such as allergens, volatile organic compounds, and other particulates circulate daily, potentially wreaking havoc on your health. Prolonged exposure to indoor air pollution can cause respiratory issues, fatigue, headaches, and other chronic conditions if contamination levels are not adequately addressed and reduced.

Contributing Factors to Poor Indoor Air Quality

Some of the most common contributing factors to poor indoor air quality in your home are surprisingly easy to fix. Taking quick action to reduce or eliminate these issues will protect your HVAC system, preserving your health and that of your loved ones. Here are some of the most common situations where indoor air quality would be impacted.

Poor Ventilation

A home that is locked up tight holds stagnant, saturated air that circulates through your system. Insufficient ventilation in your home leads to an excessive buildup of pollutants like carbon monoxide, radon, and volatile organic compounds.

Mold and Moisture Buildup

Humid, damp conditions in your home will quickly lead to the growth of mold, mildew, and other harmful fungi that release spores. These spores are hazardous to your health, particularly for those with asthma or other pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Use of Household Chemicals

Common household cleaning agents, pesticides, air fresheners, perfumes, and body sprays can release volatile organic compounds into the air you breathe. All-natural cleaners such as essential oils, vinegar, and water reduce levels of harmful substances in your home.

Combustion Byproducts

Wood-burning fireplaces, gas stoves, and other off-gassing appliances release harmful particles into the air. Proper ventilation of your home is necessary to offset the effects of these devices.

Dust and Allergens

Pet dander, dust, and rodent droppings quickly accumulate in your home and ductwork, contributing to poor indoor air quality that causes uncomfortable symptoms.

Signs of poor indoor air quality include:

Sneezing, coughing
Itchy, watery eyes
Respiratory issues
Fatigue
Headache
Nausea
Trouble sleeping

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s time to consider having an indoor air quality assessment to ensure you provide the best indoor environment for you and your family.

What Is an Indoor Air Quality Test?

An indoor air quality test is a comprehensive assessment of the air quality in your home. Its purpose is to identify potential sources of indoor pollution and determine if the air is optimal to breathe.

Air tests involve the collection of several air samples that are analyzed in a laboratory for various contaminants and pollutants like radon, carbon monoxide, allergens, and dangerous chemicals present at unsafe levels. Air quality tests may also evaluate your home’s current temperature, humidity, and ventilation levels. These tests require a professional to collect and analyze the air to prevent accidental contamination.

Testing indoor air quality is done for distinct reasons, including identifying the source of health issues, evaluating the effectiveness of your HVAC filtration system, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. In addition, these tests provide valuable information to help you address and correct indoor air quality issues.

What Types of Indoor Air Quality Tests Are Available?

There are Indoor air quality tests for various pollutants and contaminants, even some you may not know exist.

Tests can be run for the following items:

Radon
Volatile organic compounds
Allergens
Mold and Mildew
Household chemicals

Professional services for indoor testing range from simple assessments to more in-depth evaluations. Experienced indoor air quality specialists can provide a detailed analysis of your home and identify the root causes of your quality issues.

Trained and certified professionals conduct indoor air quality testing using advanced methods. Simple testing kits only offer a small number of pollutant results, whereas a detailed professional test can accurately determine the full range of pollutants that are present in your indoor air. A trained professional usually conducts a site inspection at your home to identify potential sources of pollution like mold growth, water damage, and poor ventilation. Then, air and surface sampling will be performed to ensure that all areas of your home are in good condition and contribute to a healthy indoor environment.

Professional indoor air quality assessments include detailed reports that summarize the findings of the testing process and recommend steps for correcting deficiencies to improve your home environment.

How Often Should I Have Indoor Air Quality Tested?

The frequency at which you should have your indoor air quality tested depends on several factors. If you are experiencing symptoms or moving through some of these life situations, consider having your air quality tested as soon as possible.

Moving to a New Home

If your home has recently undergone renovations or you’ve moved into a new home, it’s a sensible idea to have a test performed to ensure that indoor air quality is safe to breathe.

Suffering From Health Issues and Concerns

If you or any household member has developed respiratory issues or other health problems related to poor indoor air quality, perform an air test to identify pollutants and rule out other probable causes of poor health. Finding the underlying cause of air quality issues and taking steps to correct them will be integral to protecting health in the future.

Planning for Regular HVAC Maintenance

As part of a home and HVAC maintenance plan, testing indoor air quality annually is the best defense for protecting your heating and cooling system and your health. In addition, this helps to identify and correct potential issues before you experience more severe consequences.

Special Circumstances

If you have pets, live with smokers, or use specific products in your home that release harmful byproducts, it may be necessary to have an indoor air quality test more often than once yearly. Certain circumstances contribute to excessive levels of pollution in the air, and doing what you can reduce and eliminate these situations will contribute to a cleaner home environment.

Choosing the Right Schedule for You

If you are unsure how often to schedule your indoor air quality test, start by speaking with an HVAC professional. Begin with an inspection and evaluation that will reveal the condition of your system and your home. Then, a qualified HVAC professional can recommend products and services that will improve your home’s comfort and efficiency and clean up indoor air quality in accessible and sustainable ways. Professionals can also recommend a periodic testing schedule.

Outstanding Indoor Air Quality Services

Providing exceptional services for valued customers in Bastrop and beyond, our team at Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating offers furnace and AC repair, installation, and maintenance as well as indoor air quality assessment and solutions. Your home’s comfort and energy efficiency are our top priorities. If you suspect air quality issues in your home, contact us today for an assessment and recommendations that will improve your indoor environment and protect your family.

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How Often Should a Mechanical Ventilation System Be Cleaned

Written by Kevin on March 19, 2023. Posted in Indoor Air Quality. No Comments on How Often Should a Mechanical Ventilation System Be Cleaned

Having adequate ventilation in the home is important as it helps to lower indoor air pollution and bring fresh air inside. In most older homes, the only type of ventilation you’ll find are bathroom exhaust fans that draw heat and steam outside and kitchen exhaust hoods that draw out smoke and pollutants from cooking. Older homes typically don’t need additional ventilation as the exterior structure isn’t all that well sealed, which means that air can easily flow in and out through gaps in the structure.

Newer homes are typically much more well-built and have an exterior envelope that is almost completely airtight. While this is great in terms of energy efficiency, it can also create issues with high humidity and indoor air pollution. As such, many newer homes require some type of mechanical ventilation system that will occasionally run to draw the stale, polluted air out of the building and bring fresh, clean air inside. If your home does have any type of mechanical ventilation such as an energy recovery ventilator (ERV), heat recovery ventilator (HRV), or whole-house fan, it is always a good idea to have the system fully cleaned twice a year.

Why Cleaning Mechanical Ventilators Is Important

Most mechanical ventilation systems are fairly similar in design. They have one internal fan that spins clockwise to draw air out of the building and a second fan that spins counterclockwise to bring air in from outside. These systems also have internal filters that are designed to trap any allergens and other airborne particles from the incoming air stream, which is important as the system would otherwise bring in lots of pollen, dust, etc. However, the filters aren’t all that effective and are mostly designed to prevent dust and debris from damaging any of the system’s internal components.

This filter should generally always be cleaned or replaced twice a year as otherwise it can become clogged. If the filter does get clogged, it can result in almost no air being brought inside. A clogged filter will also make the fans work much harder and could cause a fan motor to burn out or the system to fail much more quickly.

Even though the filter should trap most dust and larger particles, some will always still get inside the system. Over time, the dust can build up on the fan blades and other components to where the fans start spinning much more slowly or won’t spin at all. If the fan blades can’t spin, then the fan motor could quickly start to overheat and possibly burn out. This is why it is also important to have the system fully cleaned out every six months as it ensures that the system is working correctly and helps to prevent most issues.

Whole-house fans are slightly different as they only have one large fan that is installed in the attic. This fan draws stale air out of the building and pumps it outside. However, a whole-house fan only works when you have at least one or two windows open as it needs to create a strong draft that pulls air in from outside. If all of the windows were closed, the system wouldn’t be effective as it would have no way to bring fresh air in.

In cooler climates, whole-house fans typically only need to be cleaned and serviced once a year since they are mostly only used during the warmer months. However, in Texas, you may want to have your fan serviced every six months since you may use it throughout most of the year.

How Do Mechanical Ventilation Systems Work

Energy recovery ventilators and heat recovery ventilators don’t simply bring air in from outside. If they did, then the incoming air would quickly cause your home to heat up during the warmer months and cool down the home in the winter. To prevent this, both ERVs and HRVs work to capture heat from either the incoming or outgoing air stream and transfer it to the other stream.

During warmer weather, the heat from the incoming air is removed and transferred to the outgoing air to ensure the incoming air doesn’t heat up the home and force your air conditioning system to work harder. The process works oppositely during colder weather as the heat from the outgoing stream is used to raise the temperature of the air being drawn inside.

The fact that ERVs and HRVs essentially preheat or precool the air coming into the home means they can help improve air quality without increasing the strain on your heating and cooling system. As such, having one of these systems will often help to slightly lower your energy costs. This is one of the reasons that these systems are typically a better option than whole-house fans.

A whole-house fan is mostly only ever used during the evenings when the weather cools down or else they would bring in lots of heat and humidity. These systems should also only be used when your HVAC system isn’t running, as having your heat or AC on with the windows open would waste lots of energy.

HRVs can only capture heat and are usually only used in areas where the outdoor humidity level always stays fairly low. If you were to use an HRV in a more humid area, it would bring in lots of moisture and quickly lead to the humidity level inside the home becoming much too high. This is why ERVs are always the better choice in humid climates as they can also capture humidity.

During the warmer, more humid parts of the year, an ERV absorbs humidity from the incoming air and pumps it back outside. During the colder times when your heating system is on, the ERV will absorb any remaining moisture from the outgoing air to help keep the home from becoming too dry.

Both ERVs and HRVs are typically installed in either the basement or the attic. These systems usually have their own ductwork to draw stale air out of some parts of the home and bring fresh air into other rooms, but they can also be set up to use your existing HVAC ducts.

For systems with their own dedicated ductwork, the exhaust vents where the air is drawn out are usually located in places like your kitchen, laundry room, and bathrooms. The intake vents that supply fresh air are usually located in bedrooms and living rooms. However, both the intake and exhaust vents can really be placed anywhere depending on the specific needs of the home.

Expert HVAC Services

If you’re looking for ways to improve your home’s air quality, a mechanical ventilation system can be a great choice. At [company_name], we can help if you’re looking to upgrade your home with a mechanical ventilation system or other indoor air quality units like a humidifier, dehumidifier, air purifier, or air filtration system. We also specialize in a full range of other HVAC services, and our expert technicians repair, service, and install air conditioners, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, and furnaces. For more information or to schedule any indoor air quality or HVAC service in the Round Rock or Bastrop areas, give us a call today.

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Why You Need Winter Air Purification

Written by Kevin on February 20, 2023. Posted in Indoor Air Quality. No Comments on Why You Need Winter Air Purification

Staying on top of indoor air quality in the wintertime is especially important. In the colder months, we tend to spend more time indoors, leading to issues with contaminant saturation and poor air circulation. As we breathe in recycled air, it can cause a variety of health problems, including:

Respiratory issues

Skin rashes and allergies

Headaches

Anxiety and depressive symptoms

Poor sleep quality

Nausea

Fatigue

These problems are exacerbated as we close our doors and windows, trapping pollutants inside the house. Taking steps to maintain your HVAC system and adding other means of air purification and filtration will increase your HVAC’s efficiency and improve indoor air quality.

How Winter Affects Your Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air can become saturated with pollutants in the winter due to a number of different factors. Throughout the year, large concentrations of indoor pollutants, such as pet dander, dust, mold, and mildew, build up inside our homes. As we fire up our heating systems, these particles circulate through the HVAC. Exhaust from cooking fumes and cleaning products can also clog indoor air with carcinogens and harmful chemicals.

Adding an Air Purifier to Your Home

Adding an air purifier to your home has significant health and energy benefits, especially in the winter. The difference can be felt almost immediately, with reduced concentrations of pollutants allowing you to regain vitality as you enjoy clean, pure air. Here are some solid reasons why air purification in the winter is the way to go.

1. Reduces Allergy Symptoms

People who suffer from allergies quickly begin singing the praises of air purification after installation. Models designed to filter out the most common allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and pollens can significantly reduce uncomfortable symptoms and provide welcome relief for allergy sufferers. High-tech HEPA filters may eliminate nearly 99.7%of microorganisms that could negatively impact your health.

2. Eliminates Pet Dander

Regardless of how neat and tidy your pets may seem, know that you have invisible pet dander flying through the air in your home. Pet dander is one of the most popular triggers for allergies, and it is why many people cannot handle having a pet in their home. Even if you don’t manifest symptoms of allergies, you could still be at risk of developing health issues from high levels of pet dander in your home. Installing an air purifier will clean up stagnant air and have you and your family breathing easier with pets around.

3. Reduces Cold and Flu Symptoms

Winter is statistically a time when many people suffer from cold and flu symptoms. We carry germs into our homes that become airborne and circulate throughout living spaces, increasing our chances of developing an illness. By running an air purifier in your home, these potentially harmful microorganisms are dealt with via filtration and other means of purification, keeping you and your family healthier all winter long.

4. Improves Respiratory Health

Those with asthma and other respiratory issues must be very careful about exposing themselves to allergens. You may keep a clean house, but an air purification system will keep it as allergen-free as possible.

5. Keeps Children Healthier

Children can be sensitive to changes in indoor air quality. Kids with respiratory issues are the first ones to suffer from the effects of indoor air pollution, developing adverse reactions to viruses and bacteria that may be present in your home. Using an air purifier is one way to ensure that you keep your children as healthy as possible while they grow.

6. Reduces Pollution From Smoking

Regardless of how tolerant you are about the issue of smoking, the smell that lingers in the air after someone smokes can be rather unpleasant. Studies point to the alarming fact that breathing in secondhand smoke is just as dangerous as the act of smoking itself. Choosing an air purifier intended to eliminate smoke particles and stale air from your home will keep harmful tar residue and nicotine from getting into your respiratory system and causing poor health.

7. Reduces and Eliminates Odors

Chemical smells from carpet and paint, fumes from cooking, and other unpleasant odors can quickly overtake your living spaces in the wintertime. Having the proper air filtration system working with your HVAC reduces these unsavory odors, keeping your environment smelling better each time you use it.

8. Reduces Kicked-Up Pollution From Carpets

Your carpet is a final resting place for toxic chemicals, pet dander, and even your own dead skin cells. Even if you vacuum daily, you are at risk of breathing in these particles as they are kicked up and circulated throughout your living spaces. A high-quality air purifier will trap these particles and keep them from resettling on other surfaces in your home.

9. Reduces Dust and Dirt

Do you constantly see dust and dirt on surfaces in your home, regardless of how often you dust them? This could be due to indoor air pollution and a clogged, dirty HVAC system working against you. Clean up your home with the help of a good HEPA filter or ionizer to reduce the number of particulates in the air, and you’ll likely see progress with your dusting efforts as well.

10. Reduces Debris From Fireplace Use

Fireplaces are cozy additions to any home, but they do a thorough job of emitting plenty of smoke and wood debris into your living space! Enjoy those crackling flames a bit longer this winter, knowing that you can fire up your air purifier to take care of odors, smoke residue, and ash that may linger in the air long after the flames have gone out.

Air Filter Options For Your Home

Several types of residential air purification technologies exist for you to select. Mechanical filters use a physical barrier, like a HEPA filter, to trap particles and pull them from circulation. Activated carbon filters are able to absorb odors and chemicals from the air.

More advanced technologies include UV-C ultraviolet light filters, which are able to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in the air. Ionizers release negatively charged ions into the air that attach to positively charged particles, making them fall to the ground and allowing them to be swept or vacuumed up and out of circulation.

Ozone generators release a highly reactive gas into the air to neutralize odors and kill microorganisms. These are generally not recommended for indoor use because the gas can have harmful health consequences. Even with the most advanced filtration technologies, you may not remove all pollutants from your home. Taking several steps to improve indoor air quality in the wintertime is the best defense against allergies and other health issues that may arise from constant contact with pollutants.

Breathe Free and Clear This Winter and Beyond!

Blue Ribbon Cooling and Heating has HVAC and air quality solutions that work for your home, your family, and your budget. We offer heating and cooling installation, repair, and maintenance; heat pump maintenance and service; and indoor air quality assessment and device installation. Contact Blue Ribbon today for a thorough check of your indoor air quality today!

7 Reasons Why You Need a Humidifier in Your Home This Winter

Written by Kevin on February 10, 2023. Posted in Indoor Air Quality. No Comments on 7 Reasons Why You Need a Humidifier in Your Home This Winter

As temperatures drop during the winter months, you might notice the air in your living space becomes very dry. This is because cold air holds onto less water vapor. A significant drop in humidity levels makes your home uncomfortable and can even worsen your family’s health. A humidifier releases water vapor into the air to increase moisture and comfort levels. Here are seven reasons why you should use a humidifier in your home this winter.

1. Helps Moisturize Dry Skin

Normal humidity levels in your surrounding environment should range from 30% to 50%. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, especially during the cold months. Cold and dry conditions degrade your skin’s moisture barrier and lead to all sorts of issues, including cracking, itching, peeling, and flaking. Since human skin isn’t designed for low-moisture conditions, you may notice the first signs of dry skin on your palms because they have fewer oil glands. Your lips might also chap quickly because they have more tender skin. Other effects of drier air include scaly elbows and bloodshot eyes.

Don’t wait till your skin is in bad shape this winter. Instead, be proactive and get a humidifier. Running a humidifier adds much-needed moisture to the surrounding air. As a result, your skin stays naturally rehydrated, which helps maintain that supple and vibrant look on the outside.

2. May Relieve Allergy Symptoms

In most cases, indoor allergies increase when there are cold weather conditions. As a result, you’ll likely notice an increase in irritants such as dust mites, mold, and animal dander during winter. Since you spend most of the time indoors, the buildup of these unwelcome guests irritates the throat and nose tissues.

Although using a humidifier will not eliminate all the harmful particles, it adds moisture to the air, keeping your nasal passages functioning smoothly. For the newer humidifier models, you can set them at lower levels to prevent adding too much humidity to the air. While breathing in, the extra water vapor helps to calm any allergy-induced inflammation. This also keeps your throat tissues moist, which prevents constant coughing.

3. Make Your Home Feel Warmer

Although humidifiers don’t heat your home like a furnace, they make your space feel warmer and more comfortable. When adequate moisture is in the air, it holds heat closer to your skin, which makes you feel extra warmth. Despite the temperature decline, you and other occupants will still feel comfortable.

Keeping your humidifier running throughout the frigid months can also go a long way in cutting down on your heating costs. This is because you don’t have to put extra strain on your heating unit trying to keep up with the cold and dry air.

4. Prevent Wood Damage

Furniture and wood are highly susceptible to dry air. If you look closely at wooden floors and furniture, you’ll realize they tend to squeak during the winter season, unlike the hot months. This results from dry air pulling out moisture from the wood, leading to shrinking and contracting. In some cases, the arms and legs of wooden chairs in your kitchen and dining area may start to wobble, and wooden doors may change in size and become difficult to close or open. Other wooden items, such as picture frames, may splinter or crack. Also, the joints on wooden floors can easily loosen, making planks pull apart.

Wood needs an environment with adequate moisture to function and look its best. In fact, hardwood floors need about 50% relative humidity to perform at their best. When the air around wood is too dry, dehydration kicks in, negatively affecting its structure. Using a humidifier during cold days will increase the relative humidity, which will help to protect your investments.

5. Stop the Spread of Viruses and Germs

As winter time approaches, you probably get worried about the common cold and flu experienced in many households. Airborne illnesses and respiratory infections spread easily in low-humidity conditions. Increasing moisture levels reduces the capability of viruses and bacteria to cause infections by approximately 85%.

Running a humidifier this winter is an effective way of keeping you and your loved ones healthy. This is because higher moisture levels make it difficult for viruses to survive. When germs get into contact with the moisture in the air, they simply drop to the ground because they become too heavy to float in the air.

6. Improves Sleep

Have you noticed your snoring gets worse as temperatures drop? This is because the low humidity levels during winter significantly affect your sinus passages. It becomes difficult to breathe through the nose and can even cause headaches and sinus pain. When this happens, you’ll start breathing through your mouth while sleeping, which causes your throat to dry out. This leads to disturbed sleep because you may wake up in the middle of the night with an itchy, dry throat

Consider using a humidifier to keep snoring at bay and improve sleep. Adding moisture into the air helps to lubricate the throat tissues. Additionally, moist air encourages mucus to dry out, which is vital in opening nasal passages.

7. Prevent Static

During winter, it’s common to experience static shocks. This shock may come up every time you touch a metallic surface or brush your hair. It gets even more annoying when wearing clothes such as coats that can easily invite sharp static shocks. When there are extremely high static levels, they can damage sensitive electronic gadgets. In some worse cases, the static buildup can create sparks that can easily ignite flammable gas.

Fortunately, you can prevent static charges by restoring moisture in the air. When there is enough moisture in your room, it eliminates the necessary conditions for these shocks. This way, there will be fewer risks of damage caused by static shocks. Also, dressing and making your hair will be much easier and more comfortable.

Your Humidifier Installation Team

As you look for ways to keep your space warm through the winter months, don’t forget to add a humidifier to your shopping list. Running a humidifier maintains relative humidity levels in your home, so you’ll never have to worry about the risk of infections, dry skin, and allergy symptoms. Humidified air also helps you and your family sleep better and prevents wood damage and the buildup of static shocks.

Whenever you are ready to add a humidifier to your home, seek assistance from Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating in Bastrop, TX. Our team of indoor air quality specialists will help you choose the right humidifier and install it correctly. Your comfort is our priority, so we always go the extra mile to ensure we provide exceptional services for every customer. Owing to our commitment to quality services, we have received positive reviews over the years, which are evidence of our hard work. You can also rely on our professionals for other services, including heating and cooling maintenance, repair, and installation for furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and ductless mini-split systems.

Call Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating to book a service with our team today.

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Does cooking Lower My Homes IAQ?

Written by Kevin on January 11, 2023. Posted in Indoor Air Quality. No Comments on Does cooking Lower My Homes IAQ?

Cooking is something that is not only necessary but also a pastime you may enjoy. However, the unintended impact on your indoor air quality, or IAQ, might hinder that enjoyment.

Keep in mind that airborne contaminants go beyond particulate matter that gets caught by filters. Rather, this category can also include gases and biological substances. Discover exactly how cooking affects your indoor atmosphere, the contaminants it can release, and what you can do to improve your IAQ.

Consider Your Heat Source

The first thing to consider for possible airborne contaminants while cooking is your heat source. Whether you’re using a cooktop or your oven, how it generates heat may add contaminants to the air that may be problematic.

The most obvious example is when you’re burning any sort of fossil fuel, which is most commonly natural gas. Fossil fuels produce gases that become toxic at high enough concentrations.

Electric element stovetops and ovens may seem like cleaner options than their gas-burning counterparts. While they do not produce contaminants every time you turn them on, they will produce them if there’s anything on the element that burns off when it heats up. This is especially true for self-cleaning ovens, whether gas or electric.

Burning Food

Cooking until your food is properly heated through makes it safe to consume, but the cooking process itself also releases a small amount of biological contamination. Actually burning any sort of food while preparing it releases far more airborne contaminants.

Food is considered organic material, and all organic material has carbon as its base. When carbon-based materials get hot enough, they release toxins that contribute to household air pollution. When you burn these materials in a confined space, such as a kitchen, those pollutants can linger, posing problems for extended periods.

Consider Your Ingredients

There is nothing more comforting than walking into a space and smelling some food that has been prepared. On the other hand, the smell of other food cooking may repulse you and even cause problems such as allergies.

Some ingredients are more obvious than others, but the key to remember is that many ingredients can release particles and gases while you’re preparing them. Keep in mind that it’s also not just the smell in your kitchen; airborne contaminants from food will collect on clothing, upholstery, paint, carpeting, and so much more.

This is why you may have aromas that linger for days at a time when you cook with strong ingredients. The more you use those strong ingredients, the more impact they’ll have on your home environment. Residual contaminants can even impact how future foods come out, affecting everything from how sourdough starter ferments to how some foods taste. This is because your olfactory sense is deeply integrated with the gustation sense.

Your Dishes

Your dishes play an integral role in both serving and storing your food; however, they can also contribute toxic contaminants to your air. It’s common knowledge that many dish materials will leach various chemicals into your food when you heat them up, including using them to serve food.

What is not so commonly considered is the release of these chemicals into the air. Plastic products are notorious for off-gassing when they heat up, allowing contaminants to leach into your food and into the air you breathe.

Frying

There’s nothing more comforting to many people than fried foods. Whether you like fried cheese, French fries, or bacon, the frying process can contribute to degrading your air quality.

The oil that’s used for frying becomes hot enough that it releases chemicals into the air. These chemicals can have a number of effects on your body. Further, the oil can become airborne for a short time, most often affecting your range hood and fan. Over time, the buildup of this oil can degrade the exhaust fan’s performance, reducing its ability to effectively ventilate your kitchen.

Air frying is a better alternative to oil frying for many reasons, including not contaminating the air with many of the pollutants released from cooking oil. However, that doesn’t mean it won’t affect your IAQ in any way. While you’re not using additional oil or fat to fry the food, many of the foods you’d normally fry already contain a lot of fat. The high heat used by air fryers can melt that fat, resulting in it becoming airborne and causing some of the same issues as frying with oil.

Your Cookware Is Important Too

The dishes you use to cook are also prone to off-gassing, depending on the kind used. Teflon is especially challenging, off-gassing toxic particulates starting at temperatures of around 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which your pan will reach between the medium and high settings.

Cooking’s Airborne Contaminants

There is a multitude of airborne contaminants your kitchen may produce through your cooking endeavors. Here’s a highlight of some of the more prominent ones you should consider as you think through mitigation options.

Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that can lead to asphyxiation and death in high concentrations. This is one of the chief concerns over using a gas stovetop or oven, especially if it’s not burning the fuel as efficiently as it should. Your burner flame should be blue when it’s working correctly. A yellow flame indicates the burner is likely producing carbon monoxide, and you need to have it evaluated before continuing to use it.

Another potential contaminant from using a gas cooktop is nitrogen dioxide, raising NO2 levels an average of 25% to 33% in the summer and 35% to 39% in the winter. Nitrogen dioxide can cause respiratory irritation, lead to bronchitis, and exacerbate asthma.

Formaldehyde is a chemical most people are somewhat familiar with because of its preservative use in biology classes. However, it’s also found in various things around your kitchen, including some very common ones. It occurs naturally in various food like meat, fish, and even produce and coffee. When cooking, or brewing in the case of coffee, you may release formaldehyde into the air as it warms up.

How to Improve Your IAQ and Still Cook at Home

There are several steps you can easily take to control your home’s air quality so that you can continue using your kitchen for whatever it is you enjoy cooking. Start by making sure you have sufficient ventilation in your kitchen. Use your range hood vent fan whenever you’re cooking.

Next, start using an air purification system. You can use a smaller room-sized purification unit; just make sure it’s suitable for the size of your kitchen. Alternatively, you can install a whole-house unit as part of your HVAC system. Activated charcoal is exceptionally effective at removing odors from the air. You’ll also want an efficient filter to remove all of the particles.

Another option is an ultraviolet light purifier, which can work to purify the air moving through your HVAC system. These special purifiers use UV-C light to break the molecular bond of the particles that cause odors, making them inert. The beauty of ultraviolet purification is that it’s also extremely effective on viruses and bacteria.

For more than 20 years, when people around Bastrop wanted to improve their indoor air quality, they’ve turned to our experts at Blue Ribbon Heating & Cooling. Our team provides a full range of IAQ solutions, from humidity control to air purifiers and scrubbers. We also perform IAQ, heating, and cooling equipment installation, repair, and maintenance. Call us today to schedule your consultation with one of our indoor air quality experts.

Tips For Great Indoor Air Quality

Written by Kevin on December 1, 2022. Posted in Indoor Air Quality. No Comments on Tips For Great Indoor Air Quality

9 Tips for Maintaining Great Indoor Air Quality

The quality of the air inside your home can have a direct impact on your family’s overall health and well-being. In fact, according to studies conducted by the EPA, indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. There are a number of factors that can contribute to poor indoor air quality, such as pets, smoking, household cleaning products, and even certain building materials. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to improve the quality of the air inside your home.

1. Never Smoke Indoors

Cigarette smoke is packed with harmful toxins that can wreak havoc on your health. These toxins include carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, lead, and arsenic. Exposure to these toxins can cause a wide range of health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

In addition to the health risks posed by toxic particles, cigarette smoke also exacerbates respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis. If you smoke indoors, you put yourself and your loved ones at risk of exposure to harmful tobacco chemicals.

2. Invest in an Air Purifier

An air purifier works by circulating the air in your home and filtering out harmful contaminants such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. Some models also contain ionizers that release negative ions into the air that attach themselves to positively charged particles like dust and pollen, causing them to fall to the ground instead of floating around in the air where you can breathe them in.

Air purifiers come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit any budget and any space, from small bedroom air purifiers to large whole-house systems. Some models are designed for specific needs such as allergies, asthma, smoke removal, or chemical sensitivities. No matter what your needs are, there’s an air purifier out there that’s perfect for you. You can also speak to us if you need assistance finding an air purifier for your space.

3. Minimize Use Of Harsh Cleaners

Harsh cleaning products are full of chemicals that can pollute the air and contribute to poor indoor air quality. When these products are used, the chemicals are released into the air, where they can be breathed in by anyone in the vicinity. In addition to causing health problems, these chemicals can also damage household furnishings and negatively affect the environment.

Fortunately, there are a number of alternatives to harsh cleaning products that are just as effective at getting your home clean. For example, vinegar and water can be used to clean most surfaces in your home. Baking soda is also a great all-purpose cleaner, and it can even be used to remove stubborn stains. If you’re looking for something a bit more heavy-duty, there are a number of green cleaners on the market that are safe for people, pets, and the environment.

4. Replace Your AC Filters

While a clean air filter is essential for ensuring the efficient operation of your AC unit, it also plays an important role in protecting your family from harmful airborne particles. A dirty filter can allow mold, dust, and other allergens to circulate through your home, potentially causing respiratory problems or aggravating existing allergies. Replacing your air filter on a monthly basis is one of the simplest ways to ensure great indoor air quality for your family.

5. Stock Up On Houseplants

Indoor plants play a vital role in purifying the air in our homes. They do this by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen — two gases that are essential for human life but that often become imbalanced indoors.

In addition, plants help to filter out harmful toxins and chemicals that can be found in household cleaning products, paint, and other common items. When choosing plants for your home, it’s important to do your research so that you select those that will be most effective at improving your indoor air quality.

6. Install a Ductless Mini-Split System

Traditional AC systems are not always the best option when it comes to indoor air quality. One of the main problems with these systems is that they rely on ducts to distribute cool air throughout the home. However, over time, these ducts can become filled with dust and other particles, which are then re-circulated back into the house every time the AC is turned on. This can cause a significant deterioration in air quality, as well as aggravate allergies and respiratory problems.

One alternative to traditional AC is a ductless mini-split system. These systems don’t rely on ducts to distribute cool air, which means there’s no risk of re-circulating dust and other particles back into the home. If you’re concerned about indoor air quality, then installing a ductless mini-split system is an excellent option to consider.

7. Install Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers are devices that work to remove moisture from the air. By reducing the level of humidity in a room, dehumidifiers can help to improve indoor air quality. During the summer months, humidity levels often rise as warm air holds more moisture. This can lead to a number of problems, such as musty odors, damp floors, and mold growth. In addition, high humidity levels can make it difficult to breathe, aggravate allergies, and contribute to static electricity.

By using a dehumidifier, you can help to alleviate these problems and create a more comfortable living environment. Dehumidifiers can also help to protect your furniture and clothing from damage caused by excessive moisture. In addition, they can reduce energy costs by making it easier for your air conditioner to maintain a comfortable temperature.

8. Install Humidifiers

Low humidity levels can also cause a lot of problems, including bloody noses, dry sinuses, and cracked lips. By installing humidifiers, you can improve your indoor air quality and make your home more comfortable. Humidifiers work by releasing water vapor into the air. This vapor helps to increase the level of moisture in the air, which can help to reduce the occurrence of nosebleeds, sinus infections, and other respiratory problems.

In addition, humidifiers can also help to reduce static electricity and keep plants healthy. There are many different types of humidifiers available on the market, so you can choose the one that best meets your needs. With proper maintenance, a humidifier can provide years of service and significantly improve your indoor air quality.

9. Do a Deep Cleanse

By doing a thorough cleaning at least once a year, you can help to remove air contaminants and make your home a healthier place to live. However, it’s critical to remember that simply cleaning surfaces is not enough — you also need to address the air itself. One way to do this is to schedule regular HVAC maintenance.

A trained technician will clean the ductwork and replace filters, ensuring that your system is running efficiently and circulating clean air throughout your home. In short, a deep cleanse is an important part of maintaining a healthy home—but it’s not the only step you need to take.

Contact Professionals Today!

At Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating, we provide a full range of air conditioning, heating, and air quality services. We serve Caldwell County and the surrounding cities, and we offer 24/7 service. Our team of certified technicians will work with you to find the best solution for your specific needs. Contact Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating today to learn more about how we can help you improve your indoor air quality.

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Why Do I Need To Change or Wash My Air Filters?

Written by Kevin on September 6, 2022. Posted in Indoor Air Quality. No Comments on Why Do I Need To Change or Wash My Air Filters?

Your air filter is an essential yet often overlooked part of your home’s heating and cooling system. What are air filters? What is their function? Why do we need them? Find these answers and other important information below.

What Is an Air Filter?

An air filter is a multi-layered screen that is a replaceable or washable part of your HVAC system. It helps clean and purify the air while circulating throughout your home. They serve as the first line of defense against airborne contaminants and pollutants that could potentially impact your health.

As air passes through your filters, particulates such as dirt, dust, pollen, allergens, and pet dander become trapped in its layers. Over time particles build up, eventually saturating the filters. Every so often, you will have to replace or wash your filters to keep indoor air clean and your HVAC system running efficiently.

MERV Ratings

There are various types of filters you can choose from to use with your
HVAC system. All filters have a MERV rating, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values. MERV is a method used to assess the efficiency of an air filter based on how effective it is at catching particles of differing sizes. Essentially, the higher the MERV rating, the greater the air filtration abilities of a filter. Therefore, choosing a filter with a high rating is more likely to trap allergens and particles that could potentially impact your health and cause damage to your system.

Fiberglass Filters

Fiberglass flat panel disposable air filters are an economical option for many consumers. They do a good job of catching larger particles. However, if you or another household member have allergies or other respiratory issues, you may have to consider a more robust option.

Electrostatic Filters

When purchasing an electrostatic filter, you can choose between disposable or washable options. Both disposable and washable electrostatic filters cost more than the fiberglass flat panel types but are much more efficient at trapping troublesome particulates that can lead to respiratory issues. Those who have pets and those who smoke should also consider adding this extra layer of protection for indoor air quality. An electrostatic filter will also help your heating and cooling system run more efficiently.

Pleated Filters

Pleated filters can also be washable or disposable. Unlike fiberglass flat panel filters, they have folds that offer more surface area to catch debris. They can also capture very small organisms, such as mold spores and dust mites. While they may require frequent replacement or washing because they catch more debris, they are an excellent way to ensure that you and your family breathe clean air.

HEPA Air Filters

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are the standard for medical facilities and hospitals. Most home HVAC systems are not designed to support HEPA filters. However, if anyone in your household suffers from severe allergies or a compromised immune system, this type of filter may be necessary. High-efficiency filters are an excellent way to improve your indoor air quality.

Are Clean Filters Really Necessary?

The simple answer to this question is yes! Clean filters are necessary to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system and protect your and your family’s health. Following are some reasons why changing or washing your heating and cooling system’s air filters is essential.

Clean Filters Improve Efficiency

Dirt and other particulates can quickly clog up a filter, particularly during winter and summer when your system is working hard. Air cannot pass easily through a dirty filter, so your system must work harder, putting additional strain on all of its components. Stress can cause significant damage to your HVAC system, leading to early wear out and expensive repair and replacement bills. Cleaning or replacing filters is a simple yet effective step to ensure that free-flowing air will extend the life of your system.

Air Filters Improve Air Quality

If your home’s indoor air quality is poor, household members may experience poor sleep, difficulty breathing, and a general lack of energy. Those prone to respiratory issues or autoimmune conditions may experience even more severe health consequences. Replacing or washing your filter according to the manufacturer’s directions will keep dust, debris, and allergens at bay, allowing you and your family to breathe cleaner, healthier air.

Pets Impact on Air Filters

Furry family members contribute to your house’s dust, dirt, and dander build-up. All of this extra debris gets trapped in air filters, keeping them from circulating fresh air throughout your home. The efficient function of your HVAC system depends on regular care and maintenance, so if you have pets changing out or washing filters frequently is a must.

Clean Air Filters Can Reduce Your Energy Costs

A clogged filter causes your system to work harder. You’ll see this on your monthly utility bill as prices skyrocket and your system remains overtaxed. Your heating and cooling systems account for at least half of your utility costs, so changing out or cleaning your air filter frequently increases the efficiency of your HVAC system, translating to energy savings for you.

Clean Air filters Contribute to a Cleaner Home

HVAC systems with clean filters let less debris circulate through your home. This contributes to a cleaner living environment for you and your loved ones. You’ll find yourself dusting, vacuuming, and mopping less often, as there will be less dirt in your home. A recently replaced or washed filter does a much better job of catching dust and debris before it can land on your furnishings and floors.

Clean Air Filters Promote Peace of Mind

Taking steps to make sure your HVAC system’s air filters are clean gives you peace of mind. Simple steps such as regular maintenance of your HVAC system and changing your air filters will ultimately save you the headache of a breakdown and reduce the stress of repair and replacement costs.

How Often Should Air Filters Be Changed or Washed?

When deciding when and how often to change out or wash your home’s air filters, there are several considerations. Air filters with higher MERV ratings need replacing or washing more often because they catch more debris. You’ll likely need to change or replace filters more often during peak use seasons, whatever filter type you decide to purchase. Those living in households with pets or smokers will need to change out or wash filters more frequently, as filters tend to accumulate more detritus in these circumstances. Always follow your manufacturer’s recommendations for replacing or washing filters, and pay close attention to lifespan when purchasing filters for your system.

Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating: Meeting All Your HVAC Needs

In addition to ensuring your air filters are clean, regular maintenance by a professional is essential to preventing breakdowns and extending the lifespan of your HVAC system. Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating is a superior choice for all your heating and cooling needs. We offer our customers the Blue Ribbon Champion Plan, which includes a biannual visit by one of our technicians to service your HVAC system.

You can also talk to one of our indoor air quality (IAQ) experts if you are concerned about poor air quality in your home. Our professionals will test your IAQ and offer solutions to improve the quality of the air your family breathes. Contact Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating today to get started. We look forward to providing you with superior service.