It’s no secret that germs such as viruses and bacteria cause illnesses and diseases. Aside from constantly sanitizing your home of germs, there’s another way of combatting the scourge of airborne diseases. Installing ultraviolet (UV) light air filters is an effective way of getting rid of cold and flu viruses at home.

UV light is a reliable way to sanitize water, surfaces, and the air. Due to its germicidal properties, it is also utilized to treat tuberculosis as well as disinfect hospitals, laboratories, and kitchens.

By incorporating these HVAC products into your home’s air purification and HVAC systems, you and your family can rest assured that your home is at a lower risk of being contaminated with unwanted germs. Learn how this technology works, and how a UV light in an air purifier can improve your home’s indoor air quality.

How a UV Light Works

Like radio waves and X-rays, UV light is an invisible type of electromagnetic radiation. Air filters with this kind of technology use short-wave UV light (UV-C) to effectively eliminate airborne contaminants such as pathogens, mold spores, and viruses.

UV-C can harm cells by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA. As a result, microorganisms that are exposed to UV light are either killed or incapacitated.

To further disinfect the air, some virus-protecting air filters use hydro-peroxide plasma. The element is distributed through the duct system and swept into the living space to neutralize pollutants that may have gotten past the filtration system. On top of that, the charged plasma causes contaminant particles to coagulate, making them easier for the filter to catch.

Installing a UV light air filter will help keep your home free of all airborne particles by cutting them off at the source.

Benefits of Installing a UV Light

Of course, it can be almost impossible to remove every single germ that inhabits your house. However, a UV light is the closest thing you can get to a germ-free environment. Here are some UV light benefits that will help with your overall comfort and health:

Where Should You Install the UV Light?

Figuring out where to install a UV light in an HVAC system can be a challenge. You want to pick the place that will be most effective in killing germs. However, every home and HVAC system layout is different. To figure out the best HVAC UV light placement spot, speak to an experienced technician who can inspect your home.

Here are some of the best areas to install your light so that it can operate at its full potential:

What Is the Cost of a UV Light for an HVAC System?

UV lights come in different sizes and styles. While they offer homeowners great benefits, they are actually pretty affordable compared to other air purification equipment. Depending on your needs, a singular UV light can range anywhere from $70 to $500.

You will want to have this task completed by a professional technician to ensure its effectiveness and safety. The labor costs for installing a UV light can range between $200 to $1,000. However, it’s important to get a quote from your contractor before making any big decisions.

What Is the Best UV Light for Your HVAC System?

If you’re looking for virus-protecting air filters, the REME HALO is one of the best devices you’ll find in the market. This award-winning purifier combines UV light hydro-peroxide and zinc ions to get rid of pollutants and foul odors.

Our professional technicians at Home Comfort Experts can help you find a reliable REME HALO unit and install it for you. If you need installations for indoor air purification systems in Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan, contact us to set up an appointment.

Spring has passed, and summer is just around the corner. People usually flock to the beach or stroll in the park during warmer weather. But when you have to stay indoors, the humidity can get pretty uncomfortable. It’s a good thing there’s air conditioning you can rely on to keep things cool.

Like with any other appliances at home, you need to practice proper air conditioning maintenance because it's likely to wear out due to prolonged or frequent use. Giving it some TLC won't only assure good air quality, but it will also help your unit last longer. You can start by regularly replacing the filters. Here’s are the basics.

Why Do I Need to Change It?

Your AC makes sure that what you breathe is clean and fresh. Air filters do the job by collecting all the dust particles that go through the unit. But, after a period of time, the accumulation on the filter will be too thick and restrict airflow. This may seem like a minor inconvenience to some, but it can trigger allergies and mess up the entire system's efficiency, which may lead to you calling for air conditioning repair.

When Should I Replace Filters?

The frequency of changing your filters will depend on your environment and your lifestyle. If you stay in a place that's clean and dust-free, then you'd probably have to replace it less often. But the rule of thumb is to do it every 3 months.

You should also consider the needs of the people you live with. Those who are sensitive to airborne particles may require clean filters always so you can avoid dealing with allergies and asthma attacks in the long run.

What Size Should I Get?

The best way to determine the size of the air filter you need is by taking a look at the unit. What you're looking for is usually printed at the old filter's border. If it doesn’t have any dimensions, take out a ruler and measure the length, width and thickness of the component. You can also try asking for the replacement by looking for your specific model in a store.

How Do I Replace It?

Replacing an old filter with a new one is quite simple. All you'll need to do is to lift the locks to pry the grille open, but some units may have screws on, so check it first.

Carefully remove the old filter and try not to shake it or turn it over to avoid spreading the dust everywhere. Install the new filter, and then attach the air grille back on. Once you're done, turn the AC on to test it.

Take Care of Your AC

Sure, filter replacement is simple, but it can do wonders for your AC unit. By being a responsible owner, you'll make sure that you unit will stay in top condition for a long time. Call Home Comfort Experts if you ever need help with air conditioner maintenance. We have professional technicians who'll be happy to give you a hand.

Dust, dirt, and other allergens can accumulate inside your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts. If left unaddressed, they can cause health issues such as respiratory problems and skin irritation to members of the household.

For that reason, it’s important to always keep your air ducts clean. Unfortunately, your ductwork is hidden, which makes it difficult to determine whether it needs sanitation.

So how can you tell if your HVAC ducts need some attention? Listed below are telltale signs that you should contact service experts for heating and air conditioning for maintenance.

Presence of Mold or Mildew

Both your furnace and air conditioning unit produce condensation. It’s highly possible that mold and mildew can grow on your home’s air registers as well as inside the duct. Vacuuming and sanitizing them can help prevent mold infestation.

Skyrocketing HVAC Bills

While utility bills normally rise from year to year, a massive increase should be a cause for concern. If you receive an alarmingly high electric bill, it’s possible that your ducts are the culprit.

HVAC ducts, in extreme cases, can get so dirty to the point that air cannot flow freely through them. As a result, your furnace and air conditioner are forced to work harder than they need to. When that happens, they use up more electricity which translates to higher utility fees.

Uneven Air Flow in Your Living Space

If you notice that airflow is weaker in certain rooms, it’s possible that dust or debris is causing a blockage in your air ducts. Having them cleaned should immediately fix the issue.

However, uneven airflow can also be caused by leaky ducts due to rips and degradation. To be sure, it’s best to call service experts for heating and air conditioning.

Your Home Gets Dusty Too Quickly

All homes get dusty from time to time. However, it’s a different story when you notice the presence of dust particles a day or two removed from cleaning. For such instances, you may need to have your air ducts cleaned.

HVAC Maintenance Experts

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, don’t hesitate to contact Home Comfort Experts. We’ll be happy to provide quality air duct cleaning as well as other services like furnace and air conditioning repair. Call us today!

During the holiday season, it's common to see homeowners setting up decorations like Christmas trees, festive wall hangings, and welcoming wreaths. It's a tradition that adds a special touch of warmth and coziness to our homes. Still, sometimes, in the midst of all the merriment, we might unintentionally block a vent or two while making room for that beautifully adorned Christmas tree.

While we all love to embrace the season's spirit, it's crucial to be mindful of how our holiday decorations affect our home's heating system and energy bills. Even if it's just for a short while, an air return that’s blocked by a Christmas tree can lead to high energy bills and an uncomfortable home.

What Is a Cold Air Return Vent?

An air return vent is a part of your home's HVAC system. Unlike smaller heat registers, return vents are larger and don't blow out air. They work by taking in cool room air, which is then reheated by the furnace to keep your home comfortable. They help maintain a consistent indoor temperature without you feeling air blowing from them.

Why Return Air Vents Should Not Be Blocked

When installing a new HVAC system, technicians will carefully analyze factors such as your home's airflow, specific needs, insulation, window layout, and more. They consider metrics like CFM (cubic feet per minute), which measures how much air your furnace and ductwork can heat and circulate within a minute.

It's a meticulous process that factors in the size of ductwork, furnace capacity, the number of return air vents, and other critical variables to ensure your home remains comfortable and efficient throughout the year.

Airflow problems are responsible for 40 percent of all heating and air conditioning system failures. Cutting off your home’s airflow can make your HVAC system very inefficient. If you are blocking cold air return vents in winter, it means your furnace has to work harder. This added pressure can cause your heating system to break down more frequently and increase your monthly energy bills.

How Do You Keep Your Air Vents Working Properly?

To ensure your HVAC system runs smoothly, it's crucial to start by checking your air return vents for any blockages. Once you've confirmed they're clear, it's time to remove the vent cover and clean the grille.

Air return vents attract dust and debris. Regularly cleaning them is vital to maintaining efficient airflow. Dust and particles can accumulate on the grille, hindering the system's performance. Cleaning it will ensure that your HVAC system can draw in the right amount of air without any obstructions.

By keeping your air return vents unblocked and clean, you're taking a significant step in enhancing your HVAC system's overall performance. It ensures that it functions optimally, effectively circulating air and maintaining a comfortable environment in your home.

What Happens If a Return Vent Is Blocked?

Blocking an air return vent might not seem like a big deal, but it can have significant consequences for your home's heating and cooling system. When you obstruct an air return vent, you essentially limit the flow of air in your home. This restriction forces your HVAC system to labor more strenuously because there's less air for it to circulate back to the furnace for reheating or cooling.

If you need a professional to take a look at your heating or ventilation system, turn to our technicians at Home Comfort Experts. Our goal is to ensure that your family is comfortable and cozy during the holiday season, and to save you as much money as possible.

Contact us today at our main office at (574) 498-7017 and let us know how we can help.

MISHAWAKA/FORT WAYNE/PLYMOUTH IN; ST. JOSEPH/NILES, MI — Cooler temperatures at night mean furnace season is coming and there isn’t anything we can do to stop it.
Most people ignore their heating system until it stops working. This isn’t the best way to protect your home, said Home Comfort Experts General Manager Brian West.
Well-maintained equipment saves families money because it is more efficient. A furnace tune-up will more than pay for itself over a year by keeping fuel costs down, he said.
The heat exchanger, the box that houses your furnace fire, develops failures over time. “It isn’t a question of ‘if,’ but ‘when,’ ” West said. Experienced HVAC technicians should check your equipment several times a year, especially if it is more than 10 years old.
Even at low levels, carbon monoxide can make you sick, West said. “Because carbon monoxide poisoning has the same symptoms as the flu, many people do not realize they have been exposed.”
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) cites, “Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires; more than 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized.”
6 Tips to Lower Your Heating Bill
Fuel expenditures for individual households are dependent on the size and energy efficiency of your home and heating equipment, thermostat settings and local weather conditions. However, there are many things you can do in order to keep energy costs down.
Tune Up Your Furnace – Whether you have a gas or electric furnace, it needs to be tuned up regularly. This will help it work at peak efficiency so it uses less energy.
Your furnace’s heat exchanger is one of its most important parts. It can also be the most dangerous. Our technicians film the hidden parts your furnace with a special camera and talk to you about the condition of your heat exchanger.
Repair: Furnaces today have many complex parts, some are digital and many require individual evaluation with specialized testing equipment. The good news is, sometimes just a part needs replaced, not a whole furnace. Keeping the individual parts factory fresh keeps your bills low and your house warm.
Replace: Replacing the furnace is often the best choice if you have an older furnace or higher energy bills. This option is almost always more costly up front, but it often makes more sense than investing major repair money into an older system.
Change the Furnace Filter – Filters typically need to be changed every one to three months to keep your furnace working at top efficiency, saving you money. Furthermore, changing the filter improves indoor air quality.
Seal Leaks and Cracks – The average family wastes about $350 per year because of air leaks. Find and seal up cracks around your home, to save on heating and cooling costs each year.
If you have any other questions about how a furnace tuneup can help keep your family healthy and safe, please contact us at callhomecomfort.com

On average, our technicians are in 150 Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan homes every day. We’ve noticed, some of the same homeowner questions keep coming up.
Here’s our expert answers from Operations Manager James Olesen:

1. Should I open or close my basement registers?

Open them in the winter so you can heat the basement, but, since basements are typically cooler anyway during summer, you can shut the registers. Remember, cool air sinks.

2. My couch is blocking one of my registers. How bad is that?

Having one blocked register isn’t the end of the world, especially if there is a little space under the furniture, the air will find a way out, Olesen said. In fact, if there are several registers in a room, losing one usually won’t impact air conditioning in that space. But never ever block a cold air return. “It’s much harder on your system to pull in fresh air than to push out the cool air, so keep the returns free from all blockage,” he said.

3. What are the optimal thermostat settings for my air conditioner this spring?

“It really depends on personal comfort,” he said. “But don’t let the house heat up every day and expect your AC to drop it back to your comfort level at 5 o’clock when you come home. That is really hard on the HVAC system.”

4. Can I hose off my own condenser coil (the stuff inside my outdoor AC unit) with a hose?

You sure can. It is especially helpful to clear cottonwood fluff when that starts flying here late May. Remember to never use a pressure washer, but you can certainly rise off dirt and remove debris. Then, let your professional technician do a thorough coil clean and tuneup once a year.

5. How should my ceiling fans be set this spring and summer – clockwise or counterclockwise? Does turning on the furnace blower help?

It really doesn’t matter, because either direction mixes the air, which is ultimately what you want. But, for summer, clockwise will push air down toward you and make you feel the breeze. Less expensive and more efficient though, is leaving your furnace blower on, even when the AC isn’t running.

6. Can I sleep with my windows open?

Once we hit the high humidity of summer, you are better off leaving the windows closed at night. Otherwise, your air conditioner will have to work extra hard in the morning removing all that humidity you let in overnight.

7. Should I vacuum dust off my cold air returns?

Yes. And get a professional duct cleaning about every six years.

 

Remember Home Comfort Experts is YOUR source for cooling, air quality and plumbing news! We can help!
Call Amanda to set a time for your reporter and photographer to ride for a few hours in one of our clean vans to see the inside of furnaces, duct and dryer vent cleaning, UV light germ-killing equipment and other highly visual HVAC events.

MISHAWAKA/FORT WAYNE/PLYMOUTH, IN; ST. JOSEPH/NILES, MI — Like most people after a long Midwestern winter, you may find yourself daydreaming about sunny summer days. Keeping your home comfortably cool can be a crucial factor for summertime enjoyment. Ensure the home you return to at the end of a long hot day has a cool indoor temperature. So, before you switch your HVAC system on for the summer, have it serviced this spring.
Regular equipment service can save you thousands of dollars over the long haul in repairs and energy costs — as much as 30 percent a year.

5 Reasons Why an AC Tuneup is Important

Protecting your home’s infrastructure is an investment in your biggest material asset and can lengthen the lifespan of major systems and save money on your utility bills. Spring service to your HVAC system should be a priority to:

  1. Prevent inconvenient and costly breakdowns from happening.
  2. Get back to factory condition before HVAC companies are slammed with service and repairs during the first very hot weeks of summer.
  3. Keep your cooling system running at peak capacity and efficiency to save money and materials’ wear and tear.
  4. Keep the integrity of product warranties active.
  5. Routine maintenance on your air conditioner and furnace systems keeps them operating at the highest possible efficiency ratings.

5 Nuts and Bolts of HVAC Service

The main features of a spring maintenance focus on 5 primary areas:

  1. Inspection and cleaning of indoor coil.
  2. Checking all electrical connections.
  3. Monitoring operation of the compressor and outdoor fan motor.
  4. Checking the system’s refrigerant level and, if low, inspect for possible leaks.
  5. Replacing the filter.

RELATED READ: AC MAINTENANCE TO PREPARE FOR WARM WEATHER

Homeowners should continue to monitor filters throughout the season and change when needed. A dusty home is often an indication that the filters need to be changed. Also, checking for any leaks around the unit and being aware of any unusual noises will help trouble shoot potential problems before they become expensive.
Your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) is a complicated mass of machinery that is constantly working, keeping your home safe and comfortable for your family.
Most of the time, the heart of your house does its job invisibly. But this requires proper installation, attention and yes, regular maintenance.
Contact Home Comfort Experts today. We work to ensure your home is comfortable at all times. Tell us the challenges you are facing and we will design a solution that resolves your issues while fitting into your budget. Be sure to ask about our other specials and learn more about our financing options.

Spring is here, which means warmer weather, which means turning back on your air conditioning. You might not know you need ac maintenance until you turn it on for the first time since October, but we have some tips on how to keep your air conditioner running smoothly from now until the end of the summer months.

With around 87% of American homes having air conditioning, it’s important to keep up with your ac maintenance. As a homeowner, you don’t want the first 75-degree day to be the day that you realize your ac unit is out.

One of the first things you should do to prepare for warmer weather is to change your air filter. Your furnace might have been working overtime this winter to keep up with the frigid temps, so switching out the old, dusty filter for a brand new one will drastically help keep up with your ac maintenance.

By giving your thermostat a set base temperature, your air conditioner unit won’t be working overtime in the hotter months. Finding a comfortable temp and keeping it there will reduce the wear of your air conditioner unit. It’ll also save you money in the long run: you could potentially save up to $180 a year just by adjusting your thermostat to a base temp while you are away from your home or asleep at night.

If you’re looking to save money this spring and summer, our heating and cooling company can help with high-efficiency air conditioning installation. High-efficiency air conditioners can end up reducing energy use by anywhere from 20 to 50%.

If you need ac maintenance, don’t wait until it’s too late, contact Home Comfort Experts now to check out your ac unit and see if it can handle this year’s Midwest summer. The current temperatures may seem far off from using your air conditioner, but we can make sure you’re ready for when that day comes!

Contact our heating professionals at Home Comfort Experts today to learn about our services. We serve Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan from our 12 locations. Give us a call at (574) 255-4600 to learn about our full complement of heating, cooling, and plumbing services.

 

MISHAWAKA/FORT WAYNE/PLYMOUTH, IN; ST. JOSEPH/NILES, MI — If you are a homeowner in our area and notice you are dusting more and more to keep your home clean, there may be a reason.

Your home may be circulating bacteria, fungi, smoke, lint, animal dander, dust and dust mites, pollen, cooking grease and other contaminants through your heating and cooling system.

Homes are built much tighter than in previous eras, so families don’t experience air leaks in or out – especially in winter. The downside to modern efficiency is homes becoming a petri dish for bacteria and viruses, making family members, particularly those with allergies, asthma or respiratory illness, sick.

In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found indoor air is as much as 10 times more polluted than outdoor air. And allergy and asthma experts estimate that nearly half of all illnesses are caused by poor indoor quality.

Improving the air quality in your home can keep those upcoming springtime allergies at bay.

  1. The first and best thing you can do is install a high-efficiency air conditioner with a whole-house dehumidifier. Less moisture equals less bacteria and mold growth.
  2. Next, a quality air purifier will help keep indoor air clean and fresh. For example, hospitals use HEPA air purifiers to maximize sanitary conditions. These air purifiers can keep out: Dust, dust mites, bacteria, animal dander, pollen and mold.

Home air filtration systems are an easy and economical solution and there are many types of products on the market. Ask your HVAC professional for options.

  1. An additional step is adding an ultraviolet (UV) air disinfection system to your air purifier system to maximize home air quality. These ultraviolet light rays kill even more unwanted organisms such as as viruses, bacteria and fungi that live in the air.
  2. Another great strategy for clean air in your home this spring is getting your ducts and dryer vents cleaned.

Home Comfort Experts uses highly trained technicians and state-of-the-art machinery to eliminate construction debris, dust mite feces, pet dander and even finds small objects that have fallen into ductwork over the years.

The Benefits of Clean Air in your Home:

Combat seasonal allergies.

Stop sickness from spreading to your family.

Neutralize smoke from wood stoves and even cigarette smoking.

Remove unpleasant odors.

Trap dust and airborne allergens from pets.

 

Contact Home Comfort Experts today. We work to ensure your home is comfortable at all times. Tell us the challenges you are facing and we will design a solution that resolves your issues while fitting into your budget. Be sure to ask about our other specials and learn more about our financing options. www.callhomecomfort.com

 

Remember Home Comfort Experts is YOUR source for cooling, air quality and plumbing news! We can help!

 

Call to set a time for your reporter and photographer to ride for a few hours in one of our clean vans to see the inside of furnaces, duct and dryer vent cleaning, UV light germ-killing equipment and other highly visual HVAC events. 574.255.4600

 

 

 

 

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