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Improving Your Heating and Air Conditioning System

Your furnace and ductwork can become contaminated with dust, dirt, pollen, and other debris. When this happens, these contaminants circulate around your home and can cause asthma, allergies, and other symptoms.

Lexington Heating and Air uses electricity and refrigerant to turn air into warm air in the winter and cool air in the summer. This process is based on the principles of thermodynamics.

heating and air

You breathe in about 11,000 liters of air a day, and it’s important that the air inside your home or business is healthy. If it’s not, then you might experience a variety of symptoms like irritated eyes and throat, fatigue and even respiratory problems. The good news is that taking proper steps to improve indoor air quality helps alleviate these symptoms and prevent them from developing into more serious health issues down the road.

One of the most common ways to improve your indoor air quality is to control humidity. Having too much humidity leads to excess moisture, which can promote mold growth and increase dust mite populations while also attracting pests. While having too little humidity can cause itchy, flaky skin and static shock while increasing dust levels. A properly functioning heating and air conditioning system balances the level of moisture in the air, ensuring that it is neither too dry nor too humid.

Improving your indoor air quality can help with allergies too. Airborne allergens such as pollen, mold spores, animal dander and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are known to trigger allergic reactions in building inhabitants. Good ventilation systems remove these irritants from the air, helping reduce the amount of allergy symptoms that people experience such as sneezing, coughing, itching and irritation.

Other factors that can affect indoor air quality include temperature and humidity control, ventilation rates, the use of odor-reducing cleaning products, and the operation and maintenance of HVAC systems. Having these systems working as they should can make a significant impact on your indoor air quality and ultimately help you achieve a more comfortable home or office.

With summer approaching, the 60 million Americans that suffer from seasonal allergies will be battling their symptoms. Tree pollen, neighbor’s mowing lawns and professional golf on the television are just some of the reasons you may find yourself reaching for a tissue or running to your medicine cabinet to relieve itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, coughing and nasal congestion.

These allergens can make their way into your home on your shoes and clothing, as well as through the ventilation system and even through your pets, who shed pet dander. You can significantly reduce the amount of allergens in your home by regularly dusting, vacuuming and mopping. A filtration system is also a must, and a humidifier can help keep the air in your home at a healthy relative humidity level.

These allergens can enter your house through the ventilation system, your clothing and shoes, your pets’ hair, and even through your pets themselves. By routinely vacuuming, mopping, and dusting your home, you can drastically reduce the number of allergens present. In addition, a humidifier can assist in maintaining a healthy relative humidity level in your home’s air. A filtration system is also essential.

Unfortunately, these strategies only go so far. Your HVAC system can help reduce allergy-causing airborne pollutants in your home by providing an effective filtration and cleaning process. Regular filter changes, a high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA filter and duct cleaning can dramatically increase your indoor air quality and eliminate many common allergens such as dust mites, mold spores and mildew spores.

It is also important to keep your windows and doors closed when pollen counts are high, and you should avoid using fans that stir up dust and pollen from surfaces in your home. An air conditioning unit with a UV sanitizer is another great addition to your HVAC system because it kills bacteria, viruses and mold spores in the ductwork. An air purifier with a MERV rating of over ten is another helpful device to combat airborne pollutants that your furnace and standard air filters cannot.

When pollen counts are high, it’s also critical to keep your windows and doors closed and to stay away from fans that could potentially stir up dust and pollen from surfaces inside your house. Another fantastic addition to your HVAC system is an air conditioner with a UV sanitizer, which destroys mold spores, viruses, and bacteria in the ductwork. Another useful tool to fight airborne pollutants that your furnace and ordinary air filters cannot handle is an air purifier with a MERV rating of more than ten.

Many people use pesticides to eliminate bugs that scurry into air conditioning vents, and while these sprays can effectively kill the pests, they cannot reach all of the bugs hiding within. Plus, spraying a home with fungicides causes those chemicals to recirculate throughout the house, exposing people and pets to harmful levels of poisonous substances.

Most often, bugs move into AC vents because they have easy access to a resource: water. Cockroaches and other insects are especially drawn to water leaks because they provide a moist environment where they can reproduce easily. So, if you notice any leaks in the walls or ceiling around your home, make sure to seal them as soon as possible.

In addition, if you have outdoor air conditioning units, it is important to keep the area surrounding these clean and free of overgrowth. There should be a 3-foot clearance between the outdoor unit and bushes, flowers, trees, and shrubs to prevent insect migration through these vents into your home.

Another simple way to stop bugs from entering the air conditioning system is to cover all vents with mesh screens, which can be found at most hardware stores and are a cheap and effective solution. Additionally, it is important to explore the outside of your house and check for any cracks or crevices that could allow bugs to enter. Fill these areas with caulk that is safe for your home’s wall material. Finally, if you have a garden, be sure to regularly sweep up leaves and debris to prevent them from accumulating near your home. This will also help deprive critters of their preferred food source and discourage them from moving up to your air vents.

When your HVAC system isn’t running properly, it has to work harder and use more energy. That extra strain costs you in higher electric bills. A yearly AC tune-up by professional technicians will help you save money over time with a well-functioning system that uses less energy to heat and cool your home. You can also save by keeping up with the basic maintenance, like vacuuming your ductwork regularly and keeping furniture away from registers. Also, consider a smart thermostat that allows you to control your air conditioning with a mobile app from anywhere.

According to the Energy Department, your HVAC system consumes 12 percent of your household energy – more than a quarter in hot, humid states. You can reduce your energy consumption by installing a high-efficiency unit with a SEER rating of 16 or higher. Upgrading to a new system will save you more than $660 a year, or $13,000 over 20 years at today’s electricity rates.

Many utility companies offer incentives for homeowners who are willing to go green. If you upgrade to a high-efficiency system and take other energy-saving measures, your utility bill will plummet, and you’ll have a home that’s more environmentally friendly. That’s an investment that will pay off in both the short and long term of homeownership and will improve your home’s value if you ever decide to sell. You can even qualify for tax breaks on your new HVAC system if it meets certain criteria. Contact your local utility company to find out more about their discounts, energy efficiency programs and budget billing options.

Why You Should Leave Water Heater Repair to the Pros

Repairing your water heater yourself can be dangerous, especially if it involves electricity or water. It’s best to leave it to the professionals.

Water Heater Repair

If you’re experiencing a lack of hot water, it could be as simple as a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. Check your breaker box and reset the thermostats and high-temperature cutoff switch. Click Here to learn more.

One of the main reasons to get your water heater repaired is that it can save you money in the long run. Not only will the repairs keep your energy bills down, but they can also help extend the lifespan of the unit and possibly put off the need to replace it.

Some steps you can take to reduce your energy costs on your own, such as lowering the temperature dial (consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to safely do this). This can help you save around 5% on your electricity bill every time you lower the temperature.

Other steps, such as flushing your tank and checking the anode rod (also called the sacrificial rod) can also save you money on your energy bills. Keeping these parts clear of sediment can allow them to work more efficiently, and they’ll last longer as well.

The dip tube is another part of the water heater that can save you money by preventing cool water from being mixed in with hot water. This small part can be fixed for relatively cheap, and it can make a big difference in your energy savings.

Of course, the most important way to save money on your water heater is to avoid major problems. Repairing the unit before it fails can help you avoid a costly repair bill, as well as the hassle and cost of being without hot water for a few days or more while waiting for a plumber to arrive. It’s worth noting, though, that if your water heater is very old and no longer efficient it might be cheaper to just upgrade to a new unit altogether. A qualified technician can help you perform a cost-benefit analysis of your options and provide suggestions for you.

Saves You Time

There’s no question that water heater repair can be a time-consuming ordeal. But there are ways to save yourself some time and hassle in this process. One way is to hire a professional plumber that has extensive experience with your type of water heater. This will help ensure that the problem gets fixed quickly and correctly.

Another way to save yourself some time is to schedule regular maintenance for your water heater. This will prevent many minor technical issues from ever becoming serious problems that require repairs or replacement. It also means that your water heater will work more efficiently, resulting in savings on energy bills and other expenses.

Finally, if you’re struggling with no hot water at all, there may be a simple solution that doesn’t involve the water heater at all. In some cases, there’s simply a lack of hot water because the pilot light is out or the circuit breaker has tripped. A licensed plumbing expert will know how to test the pilot light and other elements in your home’s electrical system to determine if these are the source of your problem.

Water heaters can last for years, but if they’re not properly maintained, they can start to break down and malfunction over time. There are some clear signs that your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, such as leaking or sediment buildup. If these problems are preventing you from getting a constant supply of hot water, it may be worth investing in a new unit. A plumber can help you decide whether to repair or replace your existing unit. If you choose to get a new unit, a plumber can also help you pick the right model for your home.

Saves You Stress

Water heaters are under constant stress from round-the-clock use throughout the year. It’s no wonder that they break down from time to time, but it can be a real pain to deal with a malfunctioning unit. Especially when it leaves you without hot water!

Many homeowners ignore the early warning signs that their water heater is going bad until it’s too late. Then they find themselves facing costly repairs or even the prospect of a total replacement. But if you make a habit of scheduling routine maintenance checks, you’ll likely catch your water heater at a much earlier stage and avoid the hassles of dealing with a broken water heater completely!

For example, if you notice that your hot water runs out faster than usual, it could be a sign of a malfunctioning thermostat or sediment build-up. A professional will be able to diagnose the problem and advise you on what needs to be done.

Another common issue is a leaky tank. This is typically a sign that the unit is on its last legs and will need to be replaced. If you don’t get it fixed, your home may experience serious water damage.

Finally, if you notice a strange smell or discoloration in your water, it could be a sign that there’s an issue with the water source or that the water heater itself is deteriorating. A plumbing technician will be able to identify the problem and offer a solution. So if you’re tired of waiting around for hot water or planning your showers around your family’s schedule, schedule a water heater repair today! It could save you a lot of stress in the long run.

Saves You Energy

If your water heater runs out of hot water faster than normal or fails to produce any at all, the problem is likely with one or both of its heating elements. Fortunately, replacing the heating elements is inexpensive and straightforward, with a 90 percent chance that it will resolve the issue. To perform the repair, turn off your electric water heater and remove the access panel, insulation and plastic safety guards. Next, disconnect the wires from each element. Remove the old element and replace it with a new one, being sure to match the voltage rating on each one (typically 120 degrees). Finally, reconnect the thermostats, using a noncontact voltage tester to ensure that they are at the same setting.

If you find that your water has an unusual smell or is discolored, this may be due to sediment build-up. Not only is this a health risk for you and your family, but it can also be a source of water contamination. Performing regular maintenance, such as draining the water heater, can help prevent this from happening.

While there are many reasons to repair your water heater, it is important to weigh the cost-benefits carefully before making a decision. If your water heater is nearing the end of its expected lifespan, it may be more cost-effective to replace it. In addition, newer models are up to 20% more energy efficient than older ones, which can save you a significant amount of money in utility costs over time. A professional plumber can help you decide whether repairing or replacing your water heater is the smarter choice for your home.

Saves You Money in the Long Run

Most homeowners don’t think much about their water heater, until it stops working. Without a functioning unit, hot showers become a thing of the past. Dirty dishes pile up, and laundry gets left to soak all day. The good news is that you can often save money by getting prompt repairs done on your water heater.

Licensed plumbers are well versed in everything from relighting a pilot light to installing new piping. They can also help you with issues like rusty water, low water pressure and strange noises that might indicate there is something wrong.

A professional can diagnose the problem quickly and fix it efficiently. This ensures that you don’t get any further problems down the road, saving you from having to pay for costly replacement costs. A plumbing company can also make sure that you are using your unit correctly, which can extend its lifespan by up to 9 years.

It’s important to note that if you have an older water heater, it might be more cost-effective to replace it than to try to save it with a few quick repairs. The higher the age of your unit, the more likely it is to break down completely if it’s not properly maintained.

It’s a good idea to have your water heater drained every year to keep it running well. To do this, you’ll need to turn off the power to your unit (look for a breaker in your service panel labeled “water heater”). You’ll also want to disconnect your water supply and remove the access panel and insulation from the upper heating element on your tank to prevent accidental contact with any wires or electrical terminals.