How to Monitor the Indoor Air Quality in Your Home

When you think about air quality, you may think about outdoor pollutants like emissions and greenhouse gases. However, your home can be far more polluted than the air outside. Many risk factors can contribute to unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ). Three Main Types of Pollutants Before you begin testing your indoor air quality, it can be helpful to understand the three main types of pollutants that may be affecting your environment: Biological Chemical Combustion Examples of biological pollutants include things derived from other living sources such as dust mites, mold, and pollen. These pollutants are commonly found in the average household and may contribute to health issues like sort throat, nasal congestion, eye irritation, and asthma symptoms. Chemical pollutants may not cause immediate symptoms, but long-term exposure can cause damage to the nervous system and internal organs. Common types of chemical pollutants include VOCs, formaldehyde, radon, and lead. Unfortunately, these pollutants are often found in popular household cleaners and building materials. The last type of pollutant that may have a negative effect on your home environment is combustion pollutants. These pollutants can come from things like tobacco smoke and carbon monoxide. An odorless, colorless gas, carbon monoxide can be released...

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Why Are Some Rooms Colder Than Others?

There are a number of factors that could explain why some rooms in your home are colder than others. While these types of issues can usually be resolved, you may require professional help. Obstructions to Airflow Some rooms may be cold because there are obstructions to the flow of warm air. For example, the ductwork leading to those rooms may have built-up dirt and other debris. Air filters, if they are not replaced (they should be changed every three to six months), will also get dirty and reduce airflow. The problem could be as mundane as an article of furniture blocking an air vent. Lack of Insulation Poorly insulated rooms will naturally be colder because the warm air will more quickly escape from them. You’ll want to ensure a good amount of insulation in the attic and wall cavities. The insulation should be highly resistant to heat penetration; the higher its R-value, the more resistant it is. A Poorly Maintained Unit Packaged systems, heat pumps, furnaces, and mini-splits all wear down over time, and this can lead to uneven heating. The technicians at in Puyallup, WA, can provide yearly tune-ups that cover all the basics. Among these are duct cleaning...

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3 Thermostat Best Practices for Fall

Fall can be a confusing time for your home’s heating and cooling system. As the daily temperature jumps from warm to chilly and back again, you may find yourself constantly adjusting your thermostat. To make things easier, the technicians at recommend following a few thermostat best practices this season. 1. Stick to a Schedule If you have a programmable thermostat, it’s beneficial to program the temperature settings early in the fall and stick with them. A consistent schedule helps your control system work at peak efficiency and comfort. This is because your thermostat has a chance to gradually rise to your desired temperature as opposed to having to accommodate a sudden, drastic change. 2. Get a Programmable Thermostat If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, fall is the perfect time to upgrade to one. Fall and winter are the most active seasons for your furnace, and adding a new thermostat will reduce your energy consumption and utility bills. Plus, you’ll have more control over your home’s heating needs to maximize your comfort during cold weather. Newer “smart” units have additional features like Wi-Fi connection, so you can update your settings on the go. 3. Replace the Batteries Most wall-mounted thermostats...

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