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There are different types of air purifiers on the market, and air purifier costs vary between those types and the features they have. Because they do need a source of power, aka, they are electric, the cost of operating one in your home may be a factor for some people. Choosing one with more features that have a power-saving mode or time-scheduling feature would be something to consider.

Air purifiers are a technique using internal fans and filters. It pulls air from inside a home, sucks it through the series of filters and removes any airborne particles that could be harmful like bacteria, dust, and pollen. Once that air has gone through those filters, circulates throughout the room in a purified format. The process repeats several times in an hour to keep the environment clean and healthy. 

Do people really need an air purifier? 

If you are on the fence about whether to buy an air purifier for your home, here are ten things to consider:

1. Ensure the air in your home is clean for your family to breathe. With today’s pollutants in the air outside, it is hard to believe, but the air inside your home WITHOUT an air purifier is 2 to 5 times dirtier than the outdoor air.
2. Unpleasant odors are gone with an air purifier. From cooking odors to tobacco odors. An air purifier will clean the air as it eliminates any burnt food or other unpleasant odors.
3. Airborne allergens and odors from your furry family members are trapped by an air purifier, keeping them from settling in your home.
4. Fireplaces are a wonderful part of winter, sitting by them to warm up after a day in the snow. However, the smoke stinks the next day. Let’s not forget the smell that cigars and cigarettes in the house. An air purifier will trap those odors, so they don’t become absorbed in the carpet, curtains, drapes, or furniture.
5. No matter how clean you are, your home will always have dust and an air purifier will trap that dust before it has time to settle somewhere in your house and put in a change of address.
6. Again, no matter how clean your home is, there are airborne particles all about. Bacteria, mold spores, and pollen are all about your house every day. You can’t see them, but they are making your family sick. An air purifier captures those and keep them from spreading about the house.  The cycling process of an air purifier will remove 99% of those pollutants.
7. Those seasonal allergens that can make the household miserable are trapped by an air purifier and magically, it becomes easier to breathe for everyone.
8. Locked up inside the house after being out and exposed to germs will make for a sick household. An air purifier with a HEPA air filter and UV bulb will trap those airborne germs and purify the air for everyone. So, that nasty flu the kids brought home from school stops right there in your home.
9. With our consistent and constant exposure to the dander, dust, pollen, and other airborne particles, it can cause and create long-term breathing issues for a household. An air purifier will help keep the air clean inside your home, creating a healthier environment for your lungs.
10.  Air purifiers are available in different sizes with different features. It is easy to find one that fits the space you have and provides features that may be useful for your home.  

Are air purifiers worth it?

Like anything else, if you don’t buy appropriately for your needs and uses, then no, it won’t be worth your money. You should consider all factors and then determine whether an air purifier will add any value to your home.

How do I know if I need an air purifier?

To ensure that a consumer buys the right air purifier for them, they have created a measurement system. CADR is a guide that tells us the effectiveness of an air purifier when it comes to eliminating different contaminants. They base it on checking the ability of a device for eliminating dirt, odor, pet fur, and pollen. The rating guidelines of CADR also includes the different sizes of a room and what size of air purifier you need.

To determine if your home could benefit from an air purifier, you need to determine if you even need one. You may purify your air with a few simple housekeeping tips without spending money on an air purifier. A company or contractor that is selling air purifiers would rather you buy one and need it, creating happy customers than buy one, not need it, feel you were duped or ripped off.

Start by cleaning the floors, upholstery, and windows on a regular schedule can improve the air quality in your home. By vacuuming the carpet weekly, you will remove the dust that allows cold and flu germs to float around in your house. 

If you have kitchen odors that you can’t seem to get rid of, you may need to call a professional. When the weather permits, open up windows and let the fresh air in, remember earlier we stated that it has been determined the air inside your home is two to five times dirtier than the outdoor air. The big one is for smokers – quit smoking in the house!

Have your attic insulation checked and your roof inspected.  If there is any leak in these areas, they are letting more allergens in that can aggravate breathing. Getting the attic insulation increased and any roof repair done will help.

If you don’t notice a significant improvement after a month or two doing these things, then consider purchasing an air purifier. A good air purifier will do more than add to your electric bill. It can eliminate many of the contaminants found in the air of your home. Identify the contaminants in your home and then begin your air purifier research.

Is it good to sleep with an air purifier?

Yes! An air purifier will improve your sleep by trapping 99.97% of the airborne allergens that can affect your breathing. From dust to dust mites, pet dander and pet hair, mold spores and don’t forget bacteria, all causing you to be congested and keep you awake at night because you can’t sleep. An air purifier can help you fall asleep faster.

How do HVAC systems work?

There are different cooling and heating distribution systems, which we will review here: 

• A Forced Air System – With a blower, this system forces cold or hot air through metal ducts, one duct for cold, one duct for hot. Which one is being blown through depends on whether you have the system set for air conditioning or heat at the thermostat. The most frequent problem with this type of system is the blower, one of the many HVAC parts. They fail or totally quit. 
• A Gravity System – This system is installed in the basement and operates on the principle of gravity, whereas cold airdrops and hot air soars. When the unit is turned on, the warm air rises into your home to heat it, and when it is turned off, the air cools and sinks to the basement where it reheats when the system is turned on again. You can use an air conditioning system with a gravity system. 
• A Radiant System – A radiant system transports water through pipes in the ceiling, floors, and walls and heats them. Like the Gravity System, you cannot use an air conditioning system with this one either. A common issue with this type of system is the water transportation is prone to fail because of minerals in the water will wear the pipes out, much like the plumbing in your home, and is the some of the HVAC parts of the system.    

What is the principle of HVAC?

HVAC is the acronym for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. You will see it as HVACR which is the addition of refrigeration. Basically, HVAC is control of the climate in a confined space with respect to the settings of the thermostat. An HVAC system is more than just cooling or heating that confined space. It has another job to maintain the IAQ, better known as indoor air quality.  There are many HVAC parts that react to the commands of the thermostat if the cold air or heated air is needed.

What are the parts of an HVAC system?

It is easier to maintain your HVAC system when you understand how it works and the HVAC parts that make it work. This knowledge will also assist you in doing some of the work yourself instead of calling an HVAC contractor.  Here, we have listed the main HVAC parts and their purpose: 

The Heat Exchanger 

This is the housing of the furnace which absorbs heat then warms the cool air when activated by the thermostat, causing combustion that makes the heat rise. It is an important component made of temperature-resistant stainless steel with alloys that prevent it from cracking. 

Of all the HVAC parts, if this one has any problems, it can create carbon monoxide, a colorless & odorless substance. This leads to headaches, nausea, or death. HVAC contractors and experts recommend having a carbon monoxide detector in each bedroom and the kitchen. It is important to have your HVAC system checked and inspected annually by an experienced HVAC contractor. 

The Blower Motor

This is the one part of the HVAC parts that you’ll feel the air from. Once the air in the heat exchanger achieves the preset temperature, the blower starts and forces that warmed air through the ductwork, air registers, and into to each room. The combustion mentioned earlier stops prior to the fan stopping, allowing the warmed air in the heat exchanger and the ductwork to reach all the rooms. 

The Combustion Chamber

For proper combustion, oxygen is a must and comes from the furnace. The combustion chamber is referred to as the burner. With a gas-powered furnace, the heating cycle begins when a small quantity of mixed air and gas enters the chamber. At that point, another of the man HVAC parts is a glow stick or pilot light will ignite the mixture, creating a controlled fire as more air & gas enter the burner. 

The Compressor

The compressor is one of the HVAC parts that works the air conditioner and is the unit installed on the exterior of your home. It releases the heat it pulls from inside the house back outside, then compresses and condenses the refrigerant inside the unit to a cold liquid.

Simultaneously, a fan is blowing air over the compressor to scatter the heat or cool the refrigerant quicker. The HVAC system then sends the liquid refrigerant through a line (either aluminum or copper) to the evaporator coil.

The Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil is another important part of the HVAC parts for the air conditioner inside the indoor air handler. The HVAC system pulls refrigerant to a succession of expansion valves that sprays the liquid refrigerant, allowing the gas to evaporate into a gas. The heat is then absorbed and the temperature in the lowers. 

The Thermostat

There are sensors that let the thermostat know when the air conditioner or heater needs to turn on or off. It is directly connected to the HVAC system by special wires. The thermostat is one of the easiest HVAC parts to replace and homeowners with an older home will often replace the thermostat with a programmable unit. Depending on where you live, one of the common locations where to buy HVAC parts locally is the big box stores like Home Depot, or Grainger, and major manufacturers like Lennox, Trane. 

So, you may be asking, “Who sells HVAC parts?”. HVAC parts and service centers will often have HVAC parts for sale as well as providing service. Simply ask “Can I buy HVAC parts as a homeowner?” and if they can, they usually will. There are some items like refrigerant that may require them to sell only to a licensed HVAC technician.    

Why Is My Central Heating Not Working?

If your heater isn’t working, there are a number of things you can do to troubleshoot the process. The first thing that you should do is check the thermostat for power and being adjusted to the proper settings. The next thing that you should do is turn on the thermostat and set the temperature so that the heater turns on. If it does not come on, locate the circuit breaker for the central heating unit and make sure that the breaker is functional. At this point, you can turn it off and on again in case it has been tripped.

Why Is My Heating System Blowing Cold Air?

If your furnace is blowing cold air, it might be because the filter is too dirty. It’s important to understand the impact of a dirty air filter. A dirty air filter blocks airflow over the furnaces heat exchanger, causing it to overheat. When your furnace overheats, it can trip a high limit switch, which inevitably causes the furnace burners to shut off so that the heat exchanger does not crack.

How Do I Fix My Home Heating System?

If your home heating system has fallen into disrepair or has suddenly stopped working, you might wonder how to fix your heating system. Surprisingly, with a little bit of experience and troubleshooting, you can potentially fix your heating system. If, after testing your thermostat and your circuit breaker, your heater still hasn’t turned on, there are more steps you can take. One of the most important steps? Check and change your clogged filter. This is a simple and essential part of furnace maintenance, and it is one of the most common reasons why your furnace isn’t working.

What to Do if Heating is Not Working?

If your heater isn’t working, you may be in need of central heating repair. Please consult the following list of things that you should do if your heater isn’t working.

• Check the thermostat. There are two objectives with regard to your thermostat check. First, make sure that your thermostat is set to an appropriate temperature for your needs. Secondly, make sure that power is being distributed to the thermostat itself.
• Check the air filter. As previously mentioned, one of the primary causes of furnace disrepair is a clogged or dirty filter. Regular furnace maintenance will correct this.
• Leaky ductwork. While this is nearly an invisible problem, leaky ductwork can impact your HVAC efficiency dramatically. A qualified HVAC technician will be able to determine if this factor is the culprit for your heating disrepair.
• Pilot light issues. One of the things that you can do is check your pilot light to make sure that it is lit. If your pilot light won’t light, make sure that gas is flowing to it. The gas valve should be turned on. If your heater is low on fuel, the heater will not work effectively.

How to Repair Central Heating Pump

There are some very common central heating pump problems that you should be aware of. Central heating pumps are located behind the casing on the boiler. If the heating pump is running, it should be vibrating slightly. If the heating motor is extremely hot, the motor is overheated. This is common for heating systems that have been on for a while. If the component on the pump is stuck and the pump is not circulating, sometimes a gentle tap will help. Each home system in your home should be functioning correctly. This includes your sewer system. If you notice that one or more of your toilets are backing up, you may be in need of sewer line cleaning and replacement.

How to Repair Central Heating Pipes

For minor leaks and weeping joints, a leak sealer can be applied to the system. To dose into a pressurized system, rapid dose versions of this product are available. For larger leaks, an external sealant can be applied. When manifesting a heating repair, it is always recommended that homeowners consult with a professional expert.

How to Repair Central Heating Radiator

Radiators can be a difficult customer to tackle. Nonetheless, knowing how to repair your radiator can help you when it comes to heating your home. The first step is identifying which kind of radiator you have. There are hot water and steam radiators. Once you have determined which kind of radiator you have, if you need to install a new valve, there are some fairly basic steps to follow. As always, exercise caution, and get an expert whenever a repair is beyond your capacity. If water leaks from beneath the handle, turn down the thermostat and wait for the radiator to cool. You can then drain the radiator using a hose, wrap the stem using appropriate tools and methodology, then replace the valve. Receiving an expert opinion and a professional is always recommended in such circumstances.

Do you have a central heating repair on your agenda? Our friendly staff at A 100% Guarantee Heating and AC are ready to take your phone call at (707) 450-1258. Receive quality central heating repair in Vacaville, CA today!

A whole-home humidifier is an evaporative unit that attaches directly to the air ducts in your home. When the HVAC system activates, some of the air in your home is diverted into the humidifier by way of a water pad. A pipe that is connected to your home’s water pipe moistens that water pad, thus putting moisture into the air. 

Today, we are going to cover some frequent concerns and questions about home humidifiers and discuss the best way to use one to get the most home humidifier benefits from it.

Can dry air make you sick?

As we covered earlier in this article, yes, especially if you have allergies or asthma, and during flu and virus season especially. For us to breath easily, our nose needs some of the gooey mucus that it naturally creates. That mucus traps germs, viruses and other invaders as we breath. With dry air, our nostrils become dry, and we become more vulnerable to colds, flu, infections, especially sinus infections. This is amplified by cold, dry air and when there areallergens in the air, our airways become irritated.

There are things you can do to help the issues this dry air causes, such as staying hydrated, moisturize dry skin, shorten your showers, and seal up your home to keep the cold air out in the winter so that you don’t have to crank the heat.

You can also purchase a home humidifier for your house. This is the biggest asset you can have in the winter. It will put moisture into the heated air, which will keep your mouth, nose, and skin lubricated. And those static shocks are eliminated, overall, making your home comfortable again.

What is the best home humidifier?

When you decide to purchase a home humidifier, you want to make sure to get one that is large enough and powerful enough for your entire home. You’ll need to know the square footage of your home and consider how many levels your home has as well. The great thing about this is that you can do it too.

With so many on the market today, shopping for a home humidifier can be complicated and confusing. The first thing you should know is that there are three different types of humidifiers and we are not advocating or promoting one over the other. The following is a list of different types:

• Whole House Cool Mist Humidifiers
• Digital Whole House Humidifiers
• Whole House Console Humidifiers

Do whole house humidifiers cause mold?

It isn’t comfortable to live in a house with low humidity, and anything below 20% needs to be increased, therein is where a home humidifier fits the bill. However, one of the most common concerns, and with good cause, is the correlation between a home humidifier and mold. Today, a whole-home humidifier is commonplace, but if you’re not having any of the problems we’ve mentioned earlier, then why would you get one? Because while they have great benefits, they can also cause mold growth. But there are things you can do to eliminate this from happening if a humidifier is needed

• A Steam Home Humidifier – A steam model is more efficient because it will boil its own water rather than pull hot air from the supply duct for generating water vapor. These produce more humidity quicker as well.
• Use Only When Furnace Running – When a humidifier runs through cold ducts, this allows it to create and grow mold. So, by running the home humidifier while the furnace is running, the ducts will be warmed up.

How can I humidify my room without a humidifier?

 While a home humidifier puts moisture into an otherwise room with dry air, it also takes up room and increases the electric bill. With so many people looking for eco-friendly ways to live while saving money, the following tips can provide moisture in your room naturally:

1. After your bath, don’t drain the water until it has cooled down.
2. After your shower, leave the bathroom door open and let the steam escape.
3. Adding houseplants to any room will add moisture in the air as well as beauty to see.
4. Fill a dish or pot with water and place near the heat source.
5. Place water-filled vases in the window when the sun is shining in them.
6. Instead of using a clothes dryer, hang your laundry in the house or your room.
7. Purchase a relaxing indoor water fountain.

When you purchase a whole-home humidifier, how to use it properly is something you need to learn. Read the instructions and manuals, making sure you understand and follow all the directions and tips. Want a quality system for your home? A 100% Guarantee Heating and AC can help! Call (707) 450-1258 today for home humidifier installation in Vacaville, CA.

Indoor air quality and health

Outside or inside, the quality of the air around us affects our health in many ways. Keeping track of indoor air quality is just as important as staying alert to outdoor air quality. When measuring indoor air quality vs outdoor, in some instances, indoor air quality may be worse than outdoor air quality. Pollutants like pollen and other allergens such as dust and pet dander can have an adverse affect on our health, as can dangerous chemicals and gases like carbon monoxide and cancer-causing radon. Problems such as allergies, headaches, eye irritation, and fatigue can be caused by poor air quality.

If you are interested in improving indoor air quality through testing and air purification, check with the specialists at A 100% Guarantee Heating and AC. Find out how we can help by calling (707) 450-1258.

What is acceptable indoor air quality?

While air quality standards may vary from region to region, there are governmental standards and regulations to manage major contributors to poor air quality such as ventilation. Buildings and residences should be well-ventilated to maintain indoor air quality. Good ventilation includes serviceable doors and windows, as well as well maintained air conditioning and heating systems. Maintenance should include everything from keeping the air filters clean, and changing them out frequently, to making sure the ductwork is working properly 

Indoor air quality is affected by the amount of pollutants inside the building, and the humidity levels. With a good balance of both, there’s a better chance that the air quality will improve. This balance will reduce the chance of adverse health effects. 

What are the 4 major indoor air pollutants? 

There are many Indoor air quality contaminants, ranging from allergens to bacteria to gases and chemicals. But, 4 pollutants top the list. These contaminants are: 

• Carbon monoxide: An odorless, colorless gas that can cause illness or even death. It’s produced by heating systems, water heaters, and other appliances that burn gas or oil. Keeping these appliances serviced will reduce the risk of exposure
• Radon: An odorless, colorless radioactive gas that seeps into homes through cracks in the foundation or floors and walls. It can also be found in water, and can cause lung cancer.
• Mold: Grows where there is an abundance of moisture. Affects upper respiratory health. 
• Secondhand smoke: Tobacco smoke can affect the health of both smokers and nonsmokers around it. It contains more than 3,800 chemical compounds.

Other contaminants include solvents from household cleaners, as well as art supplies, and pesticides.

If you notice damp areas along the walls, floors, or ceilings, you risk mold growth, which affects indoor air quality, and you may have a plumbing leak. Clogs in areas like the kitchen plumbing can cause problems like leaks. Have a plumbing professional check your plumbing for issues like clogs and leaks. 

Once you have your indoor air quality tested, you’ll have a better idea of how to improve it. You want to do something simple like getting indoor plants, unless they cause allergies for someone in your household. Too many indoor plants can also affect moisture levels and mold growth. Opening windows and doors occasionally to let in fresh air helps as well. Cleaning regularly, including vacuuming at least once a week will help.If you have pets, you may want to vacuum more often to ensure pet hair and dander are eliminated.

Many people also choose to get air purifiers. Some are small and used for just one room. Others choose to get a whole house air purification system, which attaches to the HVAC system. While your heating and cooling system filters out contaminants, as long as it is well maintained, adding a whole house filtration system improves the air quality dramatically. They stop contaminants with a series of filters that are often combine neutralizing agents like germicidal lights.

No matter how large or small of step you take, you’ll find improving indoor Indoor air quality benefits you in many ways. You’ll have a more pleasant and comfortable environment, and lessen the chance of illness.

Are you looking to improve your indoor air quality in Vacaville, CA? If so, let A 100% Guarantee Heating and AC take you on the first step with an air quality test, and call us at (707) 450-1258.

How Often Should AC Be Serviced?

It is standard policy for heating and air conditioning equipment to be inspected, cleaned and serviced at least once a year. Optimally, the heating system should be checked in the fall and the air conditioning should be inspected in the spring. If the equipment in question is oil-fired, it should be cleaned and serviced annually, or at the first of winter or fall.

Is an AC Tune-Up Necessary?

As homeowners move into late spring and early summer, home maintenance questions arrive. With regard to the question of whether or not an AC tune-up is necessary, homeowners need to consider the possible ramifications and the lead up to the summer months. If the unit is displaying multiple problems already, then scheduling an AC tune-up is certainly within the realm of consideration. The safety and comfort of one’s home and family remain important regardless of the season. With electricity costs on the rise, making sure your AC unit is functioning flawlessly and efficiently has never been more important.

How Long Does an AC Unit Last?

With regard to how long an AC unit lasts, the truth is simple. Most technicians will stipulate that a solid average for AC unit life is twelve to fifteen years. In fact, the quality of the original unit combined with routine maintenance by qualified professionals can lengthen the life of your unit. The lifespan of a central cooling unit may be reduced if its capacity is not properly matched to the cooling load of the home. When the AC unit does finally fall into complete disrepair, it’s important for homeowners to know that they have options. If you are in need of emergency air conditioning repair, there are qualified AC repair experts available.

Air Conditioner Inspection Checklist

When an air conditioner repairman comes to your property, it is likely that they will initiate the following checklist. Below, is an abbreviated list of the potential items that will be checked on your air conditioner unit.

• Condenser Coil. This shall be cleaned because dirty condenser coils raise refrigerant pressure higher than needed. This negatively impacts the electricity bill.
• Refrigerant Charge. This aspect is checked by thermocharging, which is the process of superheating and supercooling the unit.
• Controls and safeties. Necessarily, these will be inspected and checked.
• Crankcase heater. Crankcase heaters that are malfunctioning can lead to compressor failure.
• Temperature and pressures. These will be taken and recorded. At the end of the day, an accurate report of your equipment’s vital data can indicate potential problems.
• Capacitors. Capacitor failure can lead to compressor and motor dysfunction.

Free Air Conditioner Inspection

Many heating and air conditioning companies are happy to provide free air conditioner inspections. HVAC systems should service the home according to the temperatures stipulated by the thermostat. When this does not occur, homeowners should secure a reputable HVAC company that performs free air conditioner inspections. It is likely that if there is a recurrent problem, such as short cycling, an appropriate repair can be made. It’s important for homeowners to do appropriate research into the air conditioning company they select.

Air Conditioner Is Leaking

If you have recently asked yourself the question, “why is my home air conditioner leaking water inside?”, you are not alone. When this occurs, first turn off the AC thermostat to prevent further damage to the home. Water forms in the air conditioner because of problems associated with the evaporator coil. Possible problems include a clogged condensate drain line, a damaged/rusted drain pan, a broken condensate pump, a dirty air filter, or low refrigerant. If changing the air filter on your air conditioner did not improve the problem, contacting a professional is the logical next step.

Air Conditioner or Air Conditioning

An air conditioner is a unit that either functions as a part of the greater HVAC system, or in smaller singular window units. For larger homes, it is generally recommended for homeowners to opt for an air conditioning system that functions through ducts in the home. For small residential homes, window air conditioning units are far more affordable and may be a viable option given appropriate circumstances. A reputable HVAC company may be hired to service both types of units.

If you think you need an air conditioning inspection in Vacaville, CA, call A 100% Guarantee Heating and AC at (707) 450-1258 to speak with our staff about making an appointment today!