Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that can leak into your home and cause life-threatening symptoms. Since this gas doesn’t have any color or smell, it can be difficult to detect on your own. Read on to find out more about carbon monoxide poisoning, including how to lower your risk of this dangerous condition.
carbon monoxide poisoning , Carbon monoxide detectors , CO detectors , co poisoning
A warm garage makes accessing vehicles parked out there more comfortable on cold days. In many homes, however, garages also double as a workshop, a recreation room, or some other inhabited space where creature comforts in the winter are very welcome.
heating options , warm garage , garage climate , garage heating
It’s not rocket science: Upgrading home energy efficiency reduces electricity and natural gas consumption and lowers monthly utility bills. Of course, an initial investment in purchasing and installing appropriate energy-saving upgrades comes first. Fortunately, rebate programs are available to make that up-front cost more affordable.
energy efficiency , energy-efficient , tax rebates , energy efficiency rebates , energy rebates
All that bathroom moisture from running water in sinks, flushing, and long showers can wreak havoc on your home. It sets up the perfect conditions for mildew and mold, which can damage wood framing and drywall. What's more, it can increase the overall humidity level throughout your house, making you feel uncomfortable. To avoid home humidity problems, be sure to learn more about proper bathroom ventilation.
ventilation , bathroom ventilation , bathroom exhaust fans , bathroom fans , bathroom vents , bathroom hvac
The lingering smell of smoke indoors from the kitchen, an extinguished candle, or cigarettes can be exasperating. Air fresheners, sprays, and scented candles only mask the smoke smell temporarily. Even the time-honored tradition of opening the window only dilutes the odor without removing the smell permanently. Thankfully, there are ways to get rid of the odor permanently.
indoor air quality , IAQ , VOCs , cooking smells , filtration
Basements tend to be damp and musty because they absorb moisture from the surrounding soil and through water leaks. High humidity levels in your basement can cause health issues resulting from mold growth, structural damage to your house, and damage to stored items. The good news is you can avoid these moisture issues by using a dehumidifier — but only if it's suitable for basement environments. Here's a quick guide to finding the right basement dehumidifier.
dehumidifier , basement humidity , dehumidification , basement dehumidifer
You may think all candles are created equally, but some candles should probably not be burned inside the home at all, as they aggravate respiratory problems and contribute to allergic reactions. Fortunately, there are candles that are not that harmful to your indoor air quality, and the good news is you can even make them yourself.
Constructing a new home includes dozens of different topics that you must consider in the design phase, and several of those are connected with your heating and cooling needs. For example, a forced air vs hydronic systems discussion must absolutely be on your to-do list because it's an important decision. To help you get started, we're going to highlight a few of the benefits of hydronic systems.
heating system , heating options , hydronic heating , forced air heating
Home safety is a relevant topic for every homeowner, and it is essential that you take HVAC emergency preparedness seriously in the event of a violent storm or other emergency. To give you a head start, here are some quick tips that will help keep your home and loved ones safe and sound:
HVAC safety , storm preparation , emergency planning , hvac emergency preparedness
Fall is here! Time to break out the autumn decorations and Halloween accessories. Before you get too much into the fall spirit, though, have you thought about how these decorations are impacting your indoor air quality? Here are a few fall IAQ concerns to be aware of.
hvac maintenance , fall maintenance , IAQ , VOCs , fall indoor air quality
The HVAC industry welcomes diversity in terms of a person's background, gender, and ethnicity. Even so, there has always been a shortage of women who have decided to make it their career. To illustrate the impact that women in HVAC history have had on the industry, we would like to discuss two important standouts - Margaret Engels and Alice Parker.
hvac industry , HVAC history , women in HVAC history , alice parker , margaret ingels
Keeping your home as dust-free as possible can help prevent you from experiencing health issues. Dust can accumulate in many areas of your home, leading to poor indoor air quality (IAQ). Learn more about the connection between IAQ and dust, so you can make your northeast Indiana home healthier.
HVAC system , indoor air quality , air purification , dust , IAQ
While heat pump heat is reliable and efficient, it’s also versatile. Unlike a standard gas-fired or electric furnace, a heat pump can generate comfortable warmth in several modes. While extreme temperature conditions may affect system performance, this is increasingly uncommon as today’s new heat pumps are more efficient to produce adequate heat—even if temperatures outside fall well below freezing. Here are three heating modes that ensure your home stays comfortable no matter what the outdoor conditions may be.
heat pumps , heating systems , heating season , heating options , heat pump heat
The indoor environment in your home can cause a variety of effects on hardwood floors. How these factors impact flooring depends to some extent on the operation of your HVAC system.
Wood is an organic material and, even when installed indoors, continues to respond to natural influences, particularly humidity. Here’s how this specific factor causes certain effects on hardwood floors, as well as some ways your HVAC system can limit them.
indoor humidity , humidity , effects on hardwood floors , indoor climate
Your heating system needs annual maintenance to increase its dependability and life cycle. Many homeowners only start thinking about their furnace when the outside temperatures begin dropping. Unbelievable as it may sound, late summer and early fall are the best times to have a professional inspect your heating system.
hvac maintenance , furnace maintenance , heating system , heating season , scheduling furnace maintenance , furnace service
Painting your air conditioner may improve its aesthetic appeal, but it could cause other issues if it’s not done carefully. Basic surface prep, followed by a couple of coats of spray paint may restore a pleasing appearance to an aging unit. However, it’s important to realize that painting your air conditioner won’t turn back the hands of time when it comes to the system’s cooling performance, efficiency or reliability.
outdoor condenser unit , A/C unit , outdoor unit , painting your air conditioner , air conditioner unit , hvac paint
Your indoor air quality can be compromised by many things -- pet dander, pollen, dust -- and among the worst offenders, volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. VOCs can be harmful to the health of all living creatures, so they should be contained whenever possible.
These substances are found in many things, including pressed wood, solvents, fragrances, household chemicals and paint. That's right -- paint is one of the worst offenders when it comes to off-gassing VOCs.
indoor air quality , VOCs , IAQ concerns , painting indoors , interior paint
Replacing insulation may enhance indoor comfort and increase energy savings. The question is: When is replacing insulation actually required?
Under normal conditions, insulation materials don’t “wear out” or simply deteriorate. However, when affected by specific events, insulation may degrade and no longer effectively inhibit heat transfer. Also, other factors must be considered such as advances in composition and manufacture of insulating materials now on the market.
insulation , energy savings , replacing insulation , home envelope
There’s a proven connection between indoor air quality and the performance and efficiency of your HVAC system. While your air conditioner and furnace might seem to be principally designed for comfort-control, actually, the system as a whole plays a major role in reducing airborne particulates and allergens, as well as controlling humidity inside the house.
Have you ever considered the benefits of installing a heat pump in your home? Heat pumps are an efficient choice for heating and cooling, and these days are being seen more and more in homes, businesses and lodging.
Read on for an evaluation of heat pump benefits, so you can decide if this technology might be for you.
HVAC system , heat pumps , Heat Pump , heating system , HVAC unit
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