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What are the Symptoms of Poor Indoor Air Quality?

Recognizing the symptoms of poor indoor air quality is the first step in addressing the issue. Some common signs include:

1. Allergic Reactions: Increased sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes can indicate the presence of allergens like dust mites, pet dander, or pollen.
2. Respiratory Issues: Difficulty breathing, wheezing, and exacerbation of asthma symptoms are often linked to pollutants such as mold spores, chemical fumes, and tobacco smoke.
3. Fatigue and Dizziness: Feeling unusually tired, dizzy, or lightheaded can be caused by exposure to carbon monoxide or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
4. Headaches: Frequent headaches or migraines can result from prolonged exposure to pollutants like formaldehyde and other chemicals found in household products.
5. Skin Irritation: Dry, itchy skin or rashes can be a reaction to airborne contaminants.
6. Odors: Persistent unpleasant odors, such as musty or chemical smells, often indicate the presence of mold, mildew, or VOCs.
7. Poor Concentration: Difficulty focusing or a general feeling of being unwell can be attributed to the cumulative effects of poor air quality.

What is the Most Common Cause of Poor Indoor Air Quality?

There are several factors that contribute to poor indoor air quality, but the most common cause is inadequate ventilation. Proper ventilation is crucial for diluting and removing indoor pollutants. Other significant causes include:

1. Household Chemicals: Cleaning agents, paints, and solvents release VOCs, which can linger in the air and contribute to poor indoor air quality.
2. Mold and Mildew: High humidity levels and water damage can lead to mold growth, which releases spores into the air and poses significant health risks.
3. Tobacco Smoke: Smoking indoors introduces a wide range of harmful chemicals, including carcinogens, into the indoor environment.
4. Pet Dander: Pets shed dander, which can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues.
5. Dust and Pollen: Accumulation of dust and pollen indoors can exacerbate allergies and asthma symptoms.
6. Outdoor Pollutants: Pollutants from outside, such as vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions, can infiltrate indoor spaces through windows, doors, and ventilation systems.

Can Poor Air Quality Make Me Feel Sick?

Yes, poor indoor air quality can make you feel sick. Prolonged exposure to indoor pollutants can lead to a range of health issues, including:

1. Respiratory Problems: Exposure to allergens, mold, and chemical fumes can cause or worsen conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory illnesses.
2. Cardiovascular Issues: Certain pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter, can increase the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.
3. Neurological Effects: Prolonged exposure to certain VOCs and carbon monoxide can affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and cognitive impairment.
4. Immune System Suppression: Continuous exposure to indoor pollutants can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
5. General Discomfort: Even short-term exposure to poor air quality can cause discomfort, such as headaches, fatigue, and eye irritation, which can significantly affect your quality of life.

How Do You Test Air Quality in Your Room?

Testing the air quality in your home is an essential step in identifying and addressing potential issues. Here are some methods to test indoor air quality:

1. Air Quality Monitors: These devices measure various pollutants, including VOCs, particulate matter, carbon dioxide, and humidity levels. They provide real-time data and can help you identify specific issues.
2. Professional Testing: Hiring a professional to conduct a comprehensive indoor air quality assessment can provide detailed information about the pollutants in your home and their sources.
3. DIY Testing Kits: There are various DIY kits available that can test for specific pollutants like radon, mold, and VOCs. These kits typically involve collecting samples and sending them to a lab for analysis.
4. Visual and Olfactory Inspections: Regularly check for visible signs of mold, mildew, and dust accumulation. Also, be aware of any unusual odors, as they can indicate the presence of pollutants.
5. Humidity Meters: High humidity levels can promote mold growth and dust mites. Using a humidity meter can help you maintain optimal indoor humidity levels (between 30% and 50%).

Conclusion

Maintaining good indoor air quality is vital for your health and well-being. By recognizing the symptoms of poor air quality, understanding its common causes, and taking steps to test and improve your indoor environment, you can create a healthier living space.

If you’re concerned about the air quality in your home, our professional HVAC services can help. Contact us today for a comprehensive indoor air quality assessment and solutions tailored to your needs. Breathe easier and live healthier with our expert HVAC services.

Ready to improve your indoor air quality in {nw_data field=seo_city}, {nw_data field=state}? Contact A 100% Guarantee Heating and AC today for a professional assessment and tailored solutions to ensure a healthier, cleaner living environment for you and your family. Call us at 707-689-5128 to schedule an appointment. Don’t wait – breathe better air today!

Call A 100% Guarantee Heating and AC for Your Professional HVAC Inspection in Vacaville, CA

Professional HVAC inspections offer numerous benefits, including early detection of problems, improved energy efficiency, extended equipment lifespan, enhanced indoor air quality, safety assurance, compliance with warranties, and peace of mind for homeowners. Scheduling regular inspections, typically on an annual basis, can help ensure that your HVAC system operates reliably and efficiently year-round. In Vacaville, CA, professional HVAC inspections are just a call away at 707-689-5128. We can help maintain, repair, and install HVAC systems in Vacaville, CA.

What to do if your AC just stops working?

You come home from a long day and the house isn’t cool.  Why isn’t your air conditioner not blowing cold air? There can be several things that keep it from blowing cool air, like low on refrigerant. After you’ve checked these things, if it is still blowing warm air, you’ll need professional emergency air conditioner repair. 

• Check the thermostat: If your air conditioning isn’t turning on, make sure the thermostat is on “Cool” and “Auto”, and the temperature is lower than the room temperature. 
• Check the circuit breaker: If it is tripped, flip it back on. If it flips off again, make that phone call for emergency air conditioner repair. 
• Check the air filter: If you haven’t recently changed or cleaned it, do it now. A clogged air filter will cause an air conditioner to shut off. 
• Check the indoor shutoff switch: This is located next to the indoor component and could have been accidentally turned off. Flip it back on and if it turns back off, then you’ll need to schedule that emergency air conditioner repair service. 
• Inspect the indoor component for ice buildup: If you see ice inside the indoor component, turn the system off and wait an hour or so, allowing the ice to melt.
• Check the air duct connections: Climb into the attic and inspect the air duct connections. If any are disconnected, use proper air duct tape and mend them back together. If you have several, you should call an air duct company. 
• Check the condensation drain line and pan: Make sure the drain line isn’t clogged, and if it is, clean it out. Make sure the drain pan is empty.
• Check the exterior component coils: Remove any debris and grass that has sucked up against the unit. This can impede the airflow and keep the unit from blowing cool air. If it is still blowing warm air after this, you need to call for an emergency air conditioner repair service. 
• Check the reset button: Where is the AC reset button? This is a red button that is typically located on the exterior component along the bottom edge close to the ground. If you don’t find it there, it may be next to the interior component. 

How do you cool down if the air conditioner is broken?

Even here in the Vacaville, California, the summers can warm. So, if your air conditioner isn’t cooling your home, while you wait for your emergency air conditioner repair service technician, take these steps: 

• Keep blinds and window coverings closed during the day
• Use ceiling fans and stand fans to circulate the air in the rooms
• Keep everyone hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Wear light-colored clothing
• Use cool, wet rags on the back of the neck
• Place bowls of ice in front of the tabletop fans

Does putting ice in front of a tabletop fan work?

This is a DIY trick that surprisingly works! You simply fill a bowl with ice and water, then place the bowl in front of the tabletop fans. As the fan blows across the bowl, the air is cooler.

Should you turn the air conditioner off if it isn’t cooling?

Yes, if the unit is blowing warm air or none at all, turn the unit off. While the unit is off, follow the steps we listed above, and once you’ve completed them, turn it back on and try again. If it still isn’t blowing cool air, turn it back off and make that emergency air conditioner repair phone call. 

Keeping Cool 

You can prevent needing emergency air condition repair service by practicing routine maintenance each month. This maintenance includes checking the air filter and drain line and keeping things off the exterior components. 

If you know what company installed your air conditioning system, schedule professional inspections once a year for an inspection and cleaning with them. If you don’t know what company, call around for 2 to 3 quotes and schedule an appointment with them. 

These steps will help you to have fewer, probably no emergency air conditioner repair needs. This will also prolong the lifespan of your air conditioning system by keeping it working properly. For the best emergency air conditioner repair in Vacaville, CA, call us now at 707-689-5128!

How many years should a gas furnace last?

A quality brand gas furnace that is professionally installed and has the recommended routine maintenance performed each month by the homeowner can have a lifespan of up to 20 years. This also includes having a professional inspection and cleaning at a minimum of every two years and gas furnace repairs completed whenever they’re needed. 

What are the most common problems with gas furnaces?

Conventional gas furnaces are fairly simple in design, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have occasional problems. Here are seven common problems that typically require gas furnace repair:  

• Not heating or insufficiently heating
• Cycling on and off
• Blower constantly running
• Noisy while operating
• The pilot light has gone out and won’t light
• The electronic ignition not working
• The thermostat is malfunctioning or there is a mismatch in the furnace

What is a common furnace failure?

What gas furnace repair technicians find once they get on the job site can be a complex issue, or it may be a simple fix. Often, more often than you may think, the air filter has not been changed or cleaned.  This should be done regularly, every 30 days is recommended, whether you think it needs it or not. Other components that commonly are the cause of needing gas furnace repair include: 

1. DIRTY FLAME SENSOR: This is an important safety feature that shuts the furnace off to avoid catching your home on fire.  Review your owner’s manual for on tips how to clean this sensor or have your gas repair technician show you.  

2. THE IGNITER: This component will simply wear out during normal use because it is exposed to constant contracting and expansion. This component can be damaged during power surges too. It should be repaired or replaced by a professional gas furnace repair technician.  

3. THE INDUCER MOTOR: This component pulls air through the combustion area and pushes it through the heat exchanger and then out the exhaust pipe. It is the first thing that gets activated when the furnace turns on and is essential in a gas furnace’s overall functioning an of your furnace. One of its main duties is to make sure there is a clear pathway within the gas furnace system that can ensure adequate airflow.

4. THE BLOWER MOTOR: This component is what forces air throughout your home and many things can wrong with it, including: 

• The capacitor
• The motor itself
• Bearings
• Electrical components

The capacitor is a pretty common part that gas furnace repair technicians have to replace because it is subjected to the wear and tear of the motor. If the motor gets dirty, it can cause the fan to get off-balance, which leads to odd noises and sounds, and wear the bearings, which wear the furnace out, shortening the lifespan. This is why annual inspection and cleaning are recommended by any professional gas furnace repair technician.  

5. CIRCUIT BOARD

The circuit board is the brain of a gas furnace, working like a computer, telling the furnace when to operate or shut off. If you’re wondering, “Why is my gas furnace running but not heating?”, there is a list of problems that can affect the functionality of this component, such as electrical surges and voltages, and even a dirty circuit board can cause you to call for emergency gas furnace repair service.  An annual inspection and cleaning will avoid those emergency trips. 

What is usually the first thing that fails on a gas furnace?

It is the simplest of things and can be prevented by the homeowner: A dirty air filter!  Yes, that recommendation to change or clean your air filter every 30 days, whether or not you’re using your HVAC system, is an absolute must! This will help your system run better, and more efficiently, and extend its lifespan. And best of all, avoid those expensive gas furnace repair service calls! 

How do you diagnose a furnace problem?

If your gas furnace isn’t working properly before you make that gas furnace repair service call. What should you check when the furnace stops working? Start with these six things: 

1. Inspect the thermostat and make sure it is set to “HEAT” and “AUTO”.
2. Change or clean the air filter.
3. Make sure the furnace is on at the unit itself. 
4. Check the circuit breaker is on, flip back if it’s not.
5. Make sure none of the vents are blocked or closed throughout the house.
6. Confirm the furnace panel door is securely closed.

If these six things check out okay, or the circuit breaker keeps flipping off, it is time to call for a professional gas furnace repair service. 

In Closing 

While your gas furnace is important to keep your home warm, you should keep it well-maintained for safety as well.  Here’s one common question homeowners have – can a broken furnace start a fire? Yes! A gas furnace may have gas line leaks that make it a fire hazard, but other issues can cause the furnace to start a fire too, such as broken or malfunctioning parts, along with the build-up of dirt and dust. Keep an annual maintenance contract that includes cleaning and inspection by a professional gas furnace repair company that will ensure a longer-lasting gas furnace that operates safely.

If you’ve found yourself in need of assistance with tasks such as gas furnace repair, you can always reach out to us. Just give us a call at 707-689-5128 today to get things started.

How often should a central air conditioner be serviced or inspected?

In this part of California, because the weather is pretty fair year-round, scheduling a professional central air conditioner repair and inspection twice a year is recommended. The ideal time is early fall to check the heating portion and spring to have the central air conditioner repaired, inspected, and cleaned. With this routine scheduling, you can be sure your home will be comfortable all year long. 

What type of maintenance does central air conditioning need?

For the homeowner, you should change or clean the air filter every 30 days. If your home has several pets or you live on a busy road or in a dusty area, you may need to increase that frequency to every 20 days.  This is a simple task that can extend the lifespan of your air conditioner, repairs are less frequent, maybe even eliminated altogether. 

Checking the drain pan each time you clean or change the filter is recommended also. Keeping the drain pan clean will allow the condensation line to keep draining adequately. It is recommended to check the outdoor component clear of any debris and grass that is sucked up to the unit so that the air can flow as needed. 

With the routine professional central air conditioner repair and inspection, the technician will take the following steps:

• Check the air filter, and change or clean it if needed.
• Clean the condenser fins, removing dirt and mold build-up.
• Check the freon level and pressure.
• Check the condensation drain line and drain pan, and clean, repair, or replace them as needed.
• Check all main components and moving parts, including the following: 
  • Compressor 
  • Condenser Unit
  • Evaporator Unit
  • Fan motor
  • Thermostat
• And inspect all moving parts, cleaning and oiling as necessary.

What are some signs that a central air conditioner needs to be repaired? 

Here are seven of the most common problems that central air conditioner repair technicians find on a service call: 

• Warm Airflow

If your air conditioner system is blowing warm air, make sure the thermostat is in the COOL mode, and at a lower temperature than the roof is set. If you’re still feeling warm air blowing,  it could be an issue with the compressor. A professional central air conditioner repair service call is recommended. 

• Poor Airflow

Poor airflow is an indication that central air conditioner repair may be needed. If you change the filter and it doesn’t help, a professional service technician can inspect other possible problems like the motor.

• Cycles Frequently

An air conditioner shouldn’t cycle frequently, so if it seems to be doing this, you need to schedule a professional central air conditioner repair service appointment. 

• Humid

The weather outside during the spring or summer is often humid and sticky. This is why you have central air conditioning, to get cooled and comfortable. If it is humid inside your home, your system isn’t keeping the moisture level down as it should. Scheduling a central air conditioner repair service call is needed. It may be nothing more than a simple re-calibration is needed, or it may be something more serious.

• Water Leaking

An air conditioner will generate some condensation during normal operation. However, that condensation shouldn’t be enough to puddle up on the floor. If you notice puddled water, check the drain pan and drain line. If all seems to be normal, call for a professional central air conditioner repair service after turning the system off. Leave the system off to ensure more damage doesn’t happen.

• Unpleasant Odors

Your air conditioner should have unpleasant odors coming from it, so if it does, it needs professional central air conditioner repair and inspection.

• Unusual Sounds

An air conditioning system will make low-level sounds, but they shouldn’t be so loud it is annoying and concerning, like buzzing or rattling. Call for a central air conditioner repair service to have your system inspected for possible problems after turning the system off so that it doesn’t burn the unit up. 

What are the steps to take if the central air conditioner is not working correctly? 

While waiting for the professional central air conditioner repair technician to arrive, take the following steps:

• Check the air filter, making sure it is clean
• Check the drain pan and drain line
• Check the thermostat is set to COOL and AUTO
• Check the circuit breaker isn’t tripped
• Check the air vents indoors aren’t blocked
• Check the outdoor component doesn’t have any debris or grass sucked up

After checking all of these and you don’t find a problem, turn the system off until the central air conditioner repair technician arrives.

Keeping It All Cool 

With the recommended annual spring and fall professional central air conditioner repair, cleaning, and inspection, you will avoid having frequent repairs and it will extend the lifespan of your system. Inquire about a maintenance contract with the technician and they will take preventive measures throughout the year.

A 100% Guarantee Heating and AC provides assistance with your central air conditioner in Vacaville, CA. Call us at 707-689-5128 to get started! 

What should I do if my air conditioner isn’t working?

Before you call for a professional air conditioning repair service, take the following troubleshooting steps: 

1. Check the breaker box and if the air conditioner breaker is in the off position, flip it back on
2. Check the thermostat is in the “Cool” and “Auto” positions 
3. Change or clean the air filter
4. Check the outside component and clear of any debris sucked up against it

If you don’t find any of these things to be out of place or making changes suggested don’t help, you’ll need to turn the system off, open windows, turn on fans, and call for professional air conditioning repair service.

What types of maintenance should I do regularly to prevent expensive repairs?

The best advice is to take a maintenance contract with a professional air conditioning repair service company. They will perform an annual inspection and make any adjustments or repairs needed at that time. If you have a combination HVAC system, cool for summer and heat for winter, you should have this done twice a year. In between those annual or bi-annual visits by a professional, things you can do yourself include: 

• Change the air filter every 30 days, more frequently if you have indoor pets
• Check the drain pan each time you change the filter
• Have the air ducts cleaned every 2 to 3 years
• Keep the area around the exterior component clear of debris
• Keep vents clear and open, closing one in a room will cause backup in other rooms 

What are some signs that I may need to repair my air conditioner? 

Here are six indicators that you need to schedule air conditioning inspection and air conditioning repair: 

• BLOWING WARM AIR 

If your air conditioner isn’t blowing cool air through the vents and keeping your home cool and comfortable, there are several issues that could be the cause. From low refrigerant to a bad resistor, all things that need the attention of a professional air conditioning repair service company can provide. 

• WEAK AIRFLOW 

After checking the air filter is clean, if the airflow is still weak, you need to schedule a professional air conditioning repair service. 

• LOUD NOISES 

If there are loud noises coming from your air conditioner, like scraping or squealing, the unit needs the attention of a professional service that can make any air conditioning repairs needed. 

• ODD SMELLS 

An air conditioner should not have any odor or smell coming from it! If you notice any type of burning smell, this can be an electrical issue that can create a fire hazard. Turn your system off and call for an emergency air conditioning repair service. 

• LEAKING 

What should I do if my air conditioner is leaking? Any amount of moisture leaking from an air conditioning system needs professional attention immediately. If the moisture is the refrigerant, this is a hazard! If the leaking is water, it could be the drain pan is overflowing. You can check this yourself, empty it as needed, and check the drain line isn’t clogged. 

• UTILITY BILLS SKYROCKET

Yes, summers in Texas will always result in higher utility bills. But if your bills take a huge jump in one month, it could be cause for concern. Have a professional air conditioning inspection for possible need of air conditioning repair. It may simply require thorough cleaning and inspection by a professional, but it may be something more complicated.

What should I look for in an air conditioning repair technician? 

Choose a local company that has a positive reputation. Make sure they are certified, insured, and licensed. Ask for references if you’re going to use the maintenance service going forward and follow up with those references. 

The Bottom Dollar

Does air conditioning repair cost? Absolutely! Nothing is for free these days, or if they are, there is a catch attached. How much it will cost can vary between contractors, the make, model, and age of your air conditioner, and the problem with the system.

A 100% Guarantee Heating and AC is here to help with your air conditioning repair in Vacaville, CA. Call 707-689-5128 to get started. 

How does a whole-house humidifier work? 

A whole house humidifier works by adding moisture into the air, reducing allergens and airborne viruses, thereby improving the air quality. A whole-house humidifier also reduces static electricity, minimizes dry skin, and reduces the energy used to cool and heat your home. 

What are the benefits of a whole-house humidifier? 

1. Improved Health

Low humidity dries the lungs, nasal passages, sinuses, and throat out. By having a whole-house humidifier installed, the humidity inside your home is raised to a healthier level. This will lessen the attacks of sinusitis and sore throat. For anyone in your home with asthma or allergies, a whole-house humidifier can cut back the bacteria that build up in homes and stops the spread of mold and other things that can cause problems. 

2. Better Sleep 

When the humidity in your home is too low, it dries the soft palate which triggers snoring. 

With a whole-house humidifier installed, the nasal passage, soft palate, and throat are kept moist, making it easier to breathe. 

3. Comfort

The winter is notorious for drying out the skin, making it itchy and almost painful. With a whole-house humidifier, your lips are no longer chapped, your skin is no longer itchy! 

4. Energy Cost Reduced

A whole house humidifier will enable you to lower your thermostat a few degrees, saving you money each month on utility bills. 

5. Furniture and House

Finally, a whole-house humidifier will maintain the humidity in your home and keeps your furniture from drying out and cracking. 

What type of whole-house humidifier is the most effective?

For certain, we have provided information about how installing a whole-house humidifier can help your home and family member. But you want to get the type is right for your home. The three types of whole-house humidifiers are: 

• Bypass: This type of whole-house humidifier adds moisture to warm air through the furnace by taking the warm air from the home’s heating ducts and passing it via a water tray. The air collects moisture and delivers it back through the house.
• Fan-powered: This whole house humidifier differs from the above described with a fan pushing the air through the water tray to increase water evaporation. Fan-powered humidifiers can produce up to a gallon or more of humidity daily compared to the aforementioned bypass humidifiers. This type of humidifier is more energy-efficient, using not more power than a 25-watt light bulb. 
• Steam: Hands down, this is the best whole-house humidifier. It boils the water, creating humidity as steam, that is then picks it up and pushes through the home’s ventilation system. 

What is the cost of a whole-house humidifier?

The cost of a whole house humidifier can vary on the brand your purchase. This is one area where you can be certain that you get what you pay for! In other words, if you go with the less expensive model, you probably won’t get as long of a lifespan.

How do you know what size whole house humidifier to get? 

There are two main factors to consider when purchasing a whole-house humidifier: 

• The size of your home
• The insulation level of your home

The standard output for a furnace humidifier is the number of gallons of water that is absorbed within a 24-hour period. For example, a countertop humidifier is designed to provide adequate humidity for a standard-sized room that typically holds between 1 and 2 gallons of water. A stand-alone humidifier for a whole house that is attached to a sink will usually have a ten-gallon to a twelve-gallon water reservoir.

What maintenance is required for a whole-house humidifier? 

There isn’t much to do, but what little is needed is important. A checklist to follow, which is usually included in the owner’s manual:

• Water panels. These infuse the air with moisture before circulating the air throughout a room. These should be checked periodically for clogs and debris and replaced if needed.
• Clean the reservoirs. The reservoir should be checked regularly for bacteria and mineral buildup.
• Level the humidifier. Make sure the humidifier is level at all times for proper operation. 
• Leak check. Leaking can be common for whole-house humidifiers when they have become less effective. 
• The humidistat. If the humidistat isn’t working right, the effectiveness is going to decrease too.  
• Thorough cleaning. Clean your whole house humidifier regularly according to manufacturers’ instructions.  

In Closing

Installing a whole-house humidifier in Vacaville, CA is typically taken on by a professional HVAC technician. But, can a whole house humidifier be installed as a DIY project? The answer is that it can be a doable DIY project if you’re handy with tools and have the time. You can follow the instructions that came with the unit or look for videos online, though it is advisable, for safety, time and overall benefits, to use a professional. If you live in the area, you can reach out company at 707-689-5128. Call for a consultation today! 

Does whole house humidifier use a lot of water?

We just told you that a whole house humidifier will reduce your utilities by helping the cooling and heating in your home. Then we tell you that it will use water?! Don’t worry, it isn’t like filling a swimming pool. Water usage for an evaporative whole house humidifier is between two and three gallons per hour when humidifying.  

Do whole house humidifiers cause mold?

If a whole house humidifier isn’t used correctly, it can create some issues: 

• Mold Growth.  Excessive moisture can accumulate in the air ducts, forming mold that is distributed throughout your home via the air ducts. Mold can cause allergic reactions like coughing, itchy eyes, and sneezing. 
• Damage Wood.  The excessive moisture causes condensation in the attic, which leads to roof rot. The moisture can seep into your wooden floors, causing delaminating and deterioration.
• Stain Finishes. As moisture builds condensation on windows and stains the finishes around the windows. 

Are whole-house humidifiers noisy?

There are three types of whole house humidifiers: 

• Bypass humidifiers: Instead of a fan, these humidifiers use the blower that is inside the HVAC system. 
• Fan-powered humidifiers: This type of humidifier has an internal fan to push humidity through your home even if the furnace isn’t on. 
• Steam humidifiers: This is a combination of both with an internal fan that operates with the furnace, the fan is silent with pure steam which is healthier. 

Does a whole-home humidifier also dehumidify?

A whole house humidifier measures and levels the humidity automatically, adding or removing it as needed.  On the other hand, portable humidifiers and dehumidifiers work only in confined areas.

Where is the best place to put a whole house humidifier in a house? 

The idea of a whole house humidifier is to distribute the most humidity in the largest area of your house. To achieve this, it is recommended to place the unit close to a cold air return so it the humified air can be distributed thoroughly. In most cases, the living area is the best location. 

How long do whole-house humidifiers last?

The lifespan of a whole house humidifier can last up to 15 years. Maintenance and water quality are important factors in the lifespan. 

What are common problems with humidifier HVAC?

The following list of problems with whole house humidifiers can be fixed by the homeowner: 

• Humidistat needs to be turned up
• Water valve not opening
• Bypass damper not opening
• Not plugged in
• Water panel or pad completely clogged
• Wheel pad installed in backward
• Water level too low

The following are problems that you’ll need a professional to repair: 

• Water valve clogged
• Orifice clogged
• Motor or solenoid valve goes bad
• Humidistat goes bad
• Wiring goes bad
• Float not working 

How do I find a leak in my air duct?

There are a few methods you can use to check if you need any air duct repairs. Review these options then choose the one best for your home: 

1. Inspect for any obvious leaks, or separations, in the ductwork. With a flashlight, check the most obvious areas that could need air duct repair. If you find any, mark the area with a sharpie so that you can find easily air duct repair later. Or carry mastic tape with you and make repairs as you find them.
2. Turn on the HVAC system to full blast. With the system blowing air, you should be able to find possible air duct repairs needed. 
3. Inspect the elbows and joints. Any place where air ductwork is connected to other air ductwork is a common area for leaking. If there is a connection or turn in the ductwork, it is prone to leak. 
4. Check for older air duct repair tape. If there is existing older air duct repair tape, it may be leaking. Remove the old and replace it with new mastic that will seal the duct better.
5. Use a smoke pencil. One way to check for air duct repair needs is with a smoke pencil, available at your local home improvement store. Light the pencil and slowly move the pencil over the air duct, watch for smoke swirling, that is where air duct repairs are needed.

What do you use to seal ductwork?

Hiring a professional air duct cleaning and sealing service is the best way, but it is understandable that a homeowner may want to do it themselves to save a few dollars.  The following are recommended by professionals as 3 of the best DIY methods of air duct repairing and sealing. Two ways are with air duct repair tape. What kind of tape do you use for ductwork? You can use the following types of tape, which are not “duct tape” as you may be familiar with. 

• Short-term Air Duct Repair: Using foil HVAC sealing duct tape will last up to seven years if applied as directed. This is not the ‘duct tape’ you use for repairing vinyl, it is specifically an aluminum or foil duct tape for air duct repair tasks. 

• Long-term Air Duct Repair: Using mastic air duct repair sealant tape will last longer, as short as 15 years and up to 25 years. This tape has a fiber reinforcement to the water-based, paste-like substance that hardens after being applied to the ductwork. You’ll need a paintbrush to apply.

Another method for air duct repair is:

• Matching components: Not necessarily recommended by professionals but it will work in a pinch. Using an additional like air duct material to piece two parts together. You’ll still need to use an air duct repair tape to connect the pieces together to assure there isn’t any air loss. 

Professional air duct repair services will use an aerosol air duct sealer. A newer method uses a product consisting of polymers or long molecules. When sprayed into the air ducts, they cling together, sealing up holes, leaks, and misalignments. This air duct repair method creates an efficient, tight air duct sealing from the inside.

How long does duct sealant take to dry?

In most cases, within 30 minutes, air duct repair sealant will feel dry to the touch. Instructions will advise waiting up to 24 hours before insulating around the air ducts. 

How do I stop condensation in my air ducts?

There is an air duct wrap made with inner foam insulation and an outer foil layer. By wrapping it around the air ducts and fasten with duct tape at the joints, condensation should stop. 

Age is the number one factor for energy-efficient air conditioners. The older the unit, the more power it uses. Do old air conditioners use more electricity? Absolutely!  An air conditioning system that is 20 years old will use around 6 kWh of electricity, whereas a newer system will use 1.71 kWh of electricity.

Maintenance has the next biggest effect on getting the most energy-efficient air conditioning. Keeping the filter changed or cleaned is essential and having it professionally inspected and serviced will make a big difference in having an energy-efficient air conditioner. 

The next factor in energy consumption is the air conditioners’ capacity. Yes, the bigger the system, the more power it will it use. If you have too small of a unit, it is working harder and using more energy to cool your home.  If you’re considering an upgrade for an air conditioner that consumes less electricity, you need a minimum of 20 BTUs per square foot.

A fourth factor in having an energy-efficient air conditioner is the SEER rating. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit will operate and the less energy it will use. Choose a SEER rating around 13 or 14, higher if you can find one.

The household size will have an impact on energy efficiency too. The more people in your house, the more body heat, thus the bigger unit you’ll need. Review how many other electrical appliances your home is using too. 

How do energy-efficient air conditioners work?

The higher the SEER rating (the measurement used for energy efficiency), the more energy efficient air conditioner will be. So, what makes that happen? How the unit is built makes for a more energy-efficient system: 

• The coil construction: Lighter materials are used to build newer air conditioners today for the condenser and evaporator coils. This allows the heat transfer to be more efficient, making the new units ENERGY STAR approved. 
• A multi-stage compressor: The compressor is what uses the most power in an air conditioner because that is where the refrigerant is turned into a high-pressure gas that circulates and does the heat exchange that creates the cool air. Where older air conditioners operated at one power level, they were on or off, the newer energy-efficient air conditioners adjust to lower needs using less power. This reduces the amount of power the air conditioner is using. 
• Blower fans with variable speeds: The blower fan in your HVAC system uses a lot of energy, and an older system, it usually has only one speed. With a newer system having variable speeds and over 60% of the time, it is using the lower speed, thus making it an energy-efficient air conditioner. 

How can I lower my AC bill?

Fortunately, there are a few simple tips to follow that will help lower your cooling bill, even when using an air conditioner: 

1. Professional Installation: If you’re upgrading to an energy-efficient air conditioner this summer, have it professionally installed by an experienced and trained service technician. There are companies out there that will offer free installation, question if it is with an experienced, trained technician. 
2. Prevent Direct Sunlight and Insulate: Make sure the exterior part of your air conditioner isn’t in direct sunlight. This will make it work harder and more, which will reflect on your cooling bill. Make sure all the doors and windows are shut when using the air conditioner. Letting all the cooled air escape outside will make the unit work harder and use more power. Also ensure all windows and doors are shut. If they are not, warm air from outside will enter the cooling area. This again makes your unit work harder to keep the room cool, thereby increasing your utility bills.
3. Avoid Non-Stop Use: When you use your air conditioner twenty-four/seven, it makes all the components within the system work harder, thus, using more electricity, and wearing out faster. If the weather is cooler, turn your air conditioner off and let it rest to reduce your energy costs.
4. Regular Maintenance and Service:  Ask the dealer where you purchase your new air conditioner about their maintenance and service plans, then keep the schedule they recommend. In between those appointments, makes sure you change or clean the filter every 30 days for your part of the maintenance too. A clean filter equals an energy-efficient air conditioner. 
5. Too low of a temperature setting: The temperatures during the summer get high, so yes, you’ll use your air conditioner more, lowering the thermostat. If the room is comfortable, raise the thermostat by 5 degrees and you’ll have a more energy-efficient air conditioner. 
6. Get the right energy star rating: The star rating is the best way to estimate the cooling efficiency of your air conditioner. Learn how to calculate the energy usage of an air conditioner before you go shopping so that you get the best deal for your budget and needs. 

What is the difference between an air conditioner vs fan electricity usage? 

Using ‘stand fans’ instead of the air conditioner when feasible will use a significantly lot less energy. A fan uses only one percent of the energy an air conditioner uses, so you can get 24 hours of fan cooling for the same amount of energy that 15 minutes of air conditioning use. 

However, a fan isn’t always the best option for staying cool. First, you must be sitting right by the fan for it to cool you, and that isn’t always an option.  Next, fans increase our dehydration and electrolyte balance by evaporating the moisture in our skin. If the temps are over 95 degrees, a fan is not the better choice. 

Is the energy usage of a window air conditioner less than a central energy-efficient air conditioner? Definitely!  Windows air conditioning units are very energy efficient, consuming a lot less energy than an HVA unit, in fact, a window unit uses only 1/8 of the energy!