Archive for the ‘Indoor Air Quality’ Category
07.24.2023
Why Duct Sealing Is Critical For Your Indoor Comfort
Did you know that around 30% of your conditioned air is likely being released into your attic or crawlspace through leaky ductwork? Not only do leaky ducts let your cool air out, but they let dust, allergens, and other contaminants in. Leaky ducts also drastically reduce your system’s efficiency, increasing energy bills and decreasing comfort. Stop throwing away money in your attic and crawlspace and start saving it instead! Our team of professionals will fully analyze your ductwork, find the exact source of any leak and seal your ducts to ensure you’re getting comfort from all the air you’re conditioning. Want a free estimate on Duct Sealing? • Call 770-271-7511 • Book an appointment here
03.15.2023
20 Pollen Tips to Help Reduce Spring Allergies
As clouds of pollen continue to descend on our area, these 20 pollen tips will help you survive a beautiful spring season with less of the accompanying allergy symptoms: 1. Save outside activities for after a rainfall when the pollen will be cleared from the air. Avoid dry, windy days when pollen swirls most. 2. Tempted to open your doors and windows on a beautiful spring day? You’re letting clouds of pollen into your home. Keep them closed as much as possible. 3. Wear sunglasses when outdoors to help prevent itchy, watery eyes. 4. Your dog’s fur and paws are like pollen magnets. Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe down your pets and their paws after being outside. 5. Keep outdoor activities to the evenings when pollen counts are lowest. 6. Much of the pollen in your home enters on your shoes. Keep a door mat at each entrance to your home and wipe your feet. 7. Encourage family & visitors to remove their shoes as soon as they come indoors. 8. Remove clothes worn outside, and shower to rinse your skin and hair. Otherwise, that pollen will end up on your furniture and in your bed. […]
01.27.2023
Radon 101: What is Radon and is Your Home Safe?
Did you know radon, an odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States? Additionally, between 1990-2019, almost 30% of homes and buildings in Gwinnett tested positive for elevated rates of radon. Radon can become trapped in a house whether it is new, old, has a basement, crawlspace or slab. We want to help you become better aware of this important health issue and learn how to test for it in your home. Winter is the ideal time for accurate testing, as your doors and windows will be primarily closed. What is Radon? Radon comes from the breakdown of naturally-occurring radioactive elements (such as uranium and thorium) in soils and rocks. As part of the radioactive decay process, radon gas is produced. The gas moves up through the soil to the surface, where it can enter homes, schools and the workplace through cracks and other holes in the foundation. It can also enter the home through well water. Uranium is often found in high concentrations in granite and rocky soils, which are common in Gwinnett and the surrounding area. Radon can build up to dangerous levels inside homes, schools, and other buildings. Radon is […]
09.17.2022
Why Your Air Conditioner May Be Causing Your Sore Throat
Indoor air quality and your overall comfort can be improved with the help of air conditioning units. However, when not maintained regularly, these can cause sore throats and other respiratory problems. If your air conditioner is giving you a sore throat, here are the possible reasons: Your Air Conditioning Unit Is Dirty Sore throats are just one of the many illnesses that a dirty air conditioning unit can cause. Every three to six months, the unit should be cleaned and maintained. If you have frequent sore throats, you should consider maintaining your air conditioner more often. A Problem with Your Air Filter A dirty filter is one of the most common causes of a sore throat due to a problem with your AC. When they are not cleaned, the filter can collect dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne pollutants. This can cause throat irritation, dryness, and soreness. The filter should be cleaned and replaced at least once every three months and more frequently if you have other respiratory conditions (or pets who shed). This is why investing in regular AC cleaning and maintenance is essential. There Is Something in the System If you have a new pet or if […]
03.23.2021
15 Pollen Tips to Help Prevent Spring Allergies
Keep these 15 pollen tips in mind as you try to reduce spring allergy symptoms: 1. Download a free app like the WebMD Allergy to monitor allergy and pollen levels. You’ll get convenient notifications for high levels of pollen from trees, grass, ragweed and more. 2. Although you might be tempted to open your doors and windows on a beautiful spring day, you’ll simply be letting clouds of pollen into your home. Keep them closed as much as possible. 3. Save outside activities for after a rainfall when the pollen will be cleared from the air. Avoid dry, windy days when pollen swirls most. 4. Ask friends or family members who don’t suffer from allergies to help out with lawn mowing, weed pulling, and other outdoor chores that can stir up allergens. 5. For days where you are active outdoors, keep your activities to the evenings when pollen counts are lowest. 6. Much of the pollen in your home enters on your shoes. Keep a welcome mat at entrances to your home and encourage your family to wipe their feet and remove their shoes just inside the door. 7. Remove clothes worn outside, and shower to rinse your skin and […]
02.28.2021
The State of HVAC and How it Affects You
With 2020 thankfully behind us, here’s what we see ahead for 2021 concerning your comfort and air quality systems. Knowing you rely on us as your HVAC provider, we want to share important information of what we see as upcoming challenges. 1) Possible Equipment Shortages COVID has had an ongoing impact on manufacturing, and we saw regular shortages of systems and accessories industry-wide last year. We’re already starting to see minor disruptions in 2021, and want to make sure you can get the equipment you need. If you are in a situation where the loss of air conditioning will create a health emergency, we strongly encourage you to schedule maintenance early. Our techs can advise if a replacement is in your best interest. If you’ve been holding out for a new system, it would be wise to get an estimate soon so your order can be placed and scheduled. We currently have a full inventory of a wide variety of components so if the above relates to you, please request a free estimate today and be first in line while all options available. 2) Maximize Indoor Air Quality at Home & Work For over 25 years, we’ve been delivering cutting-edge […]
01.08.2021
National Radon Action Month: How to Test Your Home
Did you know radon, an odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States? Additionally, between 1990-2019, almost 30% of homes and buildings in Gwinnett tested positive for elevated rates of radon. The Environmental Protection Agency has designated January as National Radon Action Month, and we want to help you become better aware of this important health issue and learn how to test for it in your home. What is Radon? Radon occurs naturally when uranium breaks down to form radon. Uranium is often found in high concentrations in granite and rocky soils. Radon is released into the soil and can easily enter a home through the foundation and well water. It can build up to dangerous levels inside homes, schools, and other buildings. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after tobacco smoke. Radon kills nearly 21,000 people each year, more than 800 of them in Georgia. Smokers are at an even higher risk of radon-induced lung cancer than nonsmokers. Testing Your Home for Radon A short-term radon test kit should be hung in the lowest lived-in part of your home (basement or first floor) for […]
08.04.2020
What’s the Best Way to Control Humidity in My Home?
When it’s muggy outside, it’s muggy inside. And excess humidity can make you miserable. Plus, daily activities such as cooking, cleaning and showering can add as much as 25 pounds of moisture to your home. You can literally see, feel and smell it: Indoor condensation appears on windows, mirrors and cold drinks Your house becomes a breeding ground for insects Wood floors, trim and wood furniture warp or rot You experience uncomfortable sweating at normal indoor temperatures Skin feels sticky in summer/clammy in winter Rooms smell musty, especially basements While these problems might be bad, the health issues that can arise from excess moisture are even worse. Without controlling humidity in your home, excess moisture can cause: Mold and mildew to grow Dust mites to thrive These contaminants can trigger asthma, allergies and other ailments in your family. How to Control Humidity? A Whole-Home Dehumidifier While your air conditioner primarily controls temperature in your home, you need full humidity control to maintain comfortable, healthy conditions. The best way to control humidity is a whole-home dehumidifier. A whole-home dehumidifier is installed as part of your home’s heating and cooling system. It works in conjunction with your air conditioner, or independently as needed, […]
03.12.2020
How Can You Combat Airborne Viruses like the Coronavirus in Your Home?
Due to the spread of Coronavirus and respiratory infections, there is an increased conversation surrounding the topics of health and safety, especially indoor air quality and the promotion of Healthy Air. Many of us are looking for ways to minimize our risk. Particulate Size of the Coronavirus According to the United States National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health, the Coronavirus nominally has a particle size of .125 microns and most airborne viruses range from .03 to .3 microns. For comparison, human hair is nearly 120 times the size of an airborne virus, with a nominal size of 75 microns; nearly invisible to the human eye. Protecting your family from the Coronavirus Our whole-home Aprilaire 5000 Electronic Air Purifier is our most effective product to capture and kill airborne viruses. It is 87-93% effective at trapping airborne particulates including airborne viruses like the Coronavirus. You can even run the 5000 from your smartphone, marrying comfort and convenience in the palm of your hand. Aprilaire Model 5000 features: • Performs silently and invisibly 24 hours a day on demand • Eliminates 98% of airborne bacteria-sized particles and fungi • Removes 98% of pet dander and respirable dust, which can trigger asthma • […]
03.07.2018
7 Top Pollen Tips for Better Breathing & Indoor Air Quality
According to the National Institutes of Health, about 35 million Americans are sensitive to pollen. With clouds of yellow pollen blowing all over our community in Gwinnett County, here are 7 top tips to help you reduce your pollen exposure and keep it out of your home! Tip #1: A good quality welcome mat will help keep pollen out of your home. Much of the pollen in your home enters on your shoes, so wipe them carefully before entering and remove them just inside the door. Tip #2: Did you know your pup’s fur is a pollen magnet in the spring season? Leave a damp cloth or paper towel by the door and wipe down your pet after a walk. This keeps a considerable amount of pollen out of your home! Tip #3: Keep your exercise and cardio regimen *indoors* with a treadmill or exercise bike at home or at the gym this time of year. If you want to exercise outside, do it in the evenings when pollen levels are typically at their lowest. Tip #4: If you have outdoor plans, take your allergy medication or antihistamine before going out. Don’t wait until you have symptoms. Tip #5: Are your eyes […]
