It’s no surprise that homeowners want a living environment that is clean, healthy, and free from allergens. With seasons changing, allergies tend to be triggered by being more frequently exposed to pollen or dander.
Having a reliable heating and cooling system in your household can filter out these airborne irritants. Here are some ways to maintain the HVAC unit so it can help reduce allergens and also improve indoor air quality.
Keep the Air Filters Clean
Cleaning a reusable air filter regularly ensures that the HVAC unit takes in and distributes allergen-free air. Filters with accumulated dirt and debris impede airflow into the unit and poorly remove potential allergy triggers. If the unit uses disposable filters, make sure they are replaced every three months or when necessary.
Additionally, cleaning on a regular basis, particularly if you have pets or kids, can help. Allergens build up in the air and adhere to the HVAC air filter. Regularly vacuuming carpeted areas or rugs and mopping floors can help keep HVAC unit filters from accumulating dirt and debris too often.
Dirty filters prevent the unit from distributing clean air throughout your home. By keeping the filters clean, it ensures adequate HVAC functionality and helps keep your household free from allergens.
Upgrade the Filters
Replacement HVAC filters that have a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating of ten or above can help filter more allergens. Pleated filters are considered electrostatic since they have electrostatic characteristics and usually have a MERV rating of 8 to 13. Because of the way they are made, they naturally have static electricity, which increases the amount of dirt and allergens they can filter out.
Meanwhile, High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are another option. These have a MERV rating of about 17 to 20 and can prevent viruses, bacteria, mold, and smaller pollen from spreading throughout your household.
Maintain Clear Air Ducts
Filtered and fresh air is distributed through the ducts of the HVAC unit. Professionally cleaned ducts make sure that these airways are free from accumulated dust, dirt, insects, hair, and dander.
Home Comfort Experts at Your Service!
With an efficient heating and cooling system, you can protect your family from allergens and enjoy a more comfortable environment. Let the skilled technicians of Home Comfort Experts assist you whenever your HVAC needs servicing. Get in touch with us today!
Your Family Room Shouldn't Feel Like a Desert!
- The extreme heat will cause your air conditioner to run continuously. This will not damage your unit.
- Your unit was designed and sized for the average regional temperatures we experience 98% of the time. Turning down your thermostat will not make it blow colder air. Set the thermostat to the temperature you want to achieve and leave it set there.
- When outside temps reach near or over 90 degrees, it is normal for the temps to go up in your home during the hottest part of the day.
- Check your vents. If the unit is blowing cold air, the A/C is working as best as it can during the extreme heat.
- Once temperatures cool back down to normal summer temps, your air conditioner will catch up and resume it’s normal run cycle.
- What you can do to help stay cool:
- Close all windows, blinds, drapes, and doors in the entire home leading to the lower level.
- During the hottest part of the day, turn off anything that produces heat such as stoves, dishwashers, lights, etc...
- Change your filter! A new clean filter will help tremendously.
- For more tips on extreme heat preparedness, visit: https://www.ready.gov/heat
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 — Fall is the time to think about closing up your home, but this means a greater risk from carbon monoxide gases as well as furnace and dryer related fires.
Each winter, sadly, there are newsworthy deaths resulting from house fires. Stories of very sick people, often the elderly or children, also seem to pop up as temperatures drop. These are often because of CO leaks from not only the home furnace, but any gas-burning device.
6 COMMON SOURCES OF CARBON MONOXIDE
- Gas furnaces
- Gas water heaters
- Portable generators
- Idling automobiles
- Kerosene heaters
- Wood or gas fireplaces
CO poisoning doesn’t always result in death or an emergency room-level illness. Often, symptoms appear as though you have the flu, migraines, disorientation or dementia. What the home may need is fresh, clean air.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas created by burning. When fueled appliances are poorly maintained or improperly vented, leaking CO builds up over time in a person’s bloodstream because it’s in the air you breathe. CO doesn’t just “work itself out” by going for a walk outside, either.
Home Comfort Experts wants builders and homeowners to know there is a difference between the hardware store CO detector and a professional-grade CO monitor.
A CO detector will not alarm until it has detected between 75 to 100 ppm in the air you breathe for a full hour — at which point many in the household may already be feeling symptoms.
A professional-grade CO monitor, available for installation by Home Comfort Experts, continuously monitors the smallest CO levels in the home starting at five parts per million, alerting you before problems exist.
Monitors are the best way to go to protect your family from CO poisoning.
Additionally, homeowners should preschedule a dryer vent cleaning to prevent dryer fires, a key cause of house fires.
In the meantime, a precision furnace tuneup and safety inspection will look for furnace failures and keep you toasty warm all season. Also, at the time of your visit, ask your technician to check your water heater.
If you have any questions about how a carbon monoxide monitor can help keep your family healthy and safe, please contact us at callhomecomfort.com
Now that summer is over and fall has arrived, it is time to start preparing for the winter. Winter can be a dangerous time for your HVAC system. With the changing temperature, extended use of heating, and growing energy costs, it is important to ensure your HVAC system is working properly before the cold winter comes.
System Recovery
During the summer, HVAC systems work extra hard to ensure you are getting the proper cooling you need in your home. This extra work puts a strain on your system and can cause issues if not properly maintained.
Along with having to work harder to maintain a cool home, your HVAC system builds up more and more dirt and debris while in use. Having your filters inspected and replaced after a long summer can do wonders for the longevity of your HVAC system.
Be Prepared
Preventative maintenance is a large factor when it comes to the health of your heating and cooling system. With the extreme weather of the winter, your heating system will have to work harder and use more energy if it is not properly maintained. When your HVAC system receives fall maintenance it will be better prepared to handle the extra winter workload. This increases the longevity of your system and reduces costs in the long term.
What Fall Maintenance Does
Receiving maintenance on your HVAC system ensures the system is taken care of and always ready to use. If you receive fall maintenance from an experienced and licensed professional, you can be sure they cover most of the basics of maintenance.
-
Check Air Filters
Your air filters build up dust and debris over time. After a long summer that has your air conditioning system working harder, you will need a professional to inspect, diagnose, and replace the air filters in your system.
-
Calibrate Thermostat
Sometimes, the temperature that you think you are making your home is not the actual temperature. Thermostats need regular calibration to ensure the right temperature is being produced by your HVAC system. This saves money and energy.
-
Inspect and Diagnose
Your HVAC professional will inspect, diagnose, and repair any problems that you may have with your heating and air conditioning system. Many HVAC problems are not visible to the untrained eye. Having a professional and experienced technician ensures your system always runs smoothly.
-
Cover Your Air Conditioner
Today’s air conditioning units are made to withstand the rigors of Indiana and Michigan weather, autumn leaves, cottonwood fluff in the spring, small rodents and neighborhood dogs. Tightly cap just the top to prevent major collection of leaves and other debris and ice formation inside the unit.
Contact a Professional
Basic HVAC maintenance typically includes all of the above issues. However, if you contact the experienced, friendly, and professionals at Home Comfort Experts, they will perform their signature 20-point maintenance and safety inspection. This in-depth inspection goes further than any competitor to ensure every single part of your system is thoroughly inspected and serviced. Ask about joining the Comfort Club, Home Comfort Expert’s exclusive membership that guarantees appointments and provides valuable free services and discounts on repairs.
Contact the heating and cooling professionals at Home Comfort Experts today to learn about the ways we can help you. We serve Northern Indiana and Southwestern 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.
Problems with your HVAC system can grow into major costs if left untreated. Having proper maintenance of your heating and AC system is a great way to keep costs down in the long run and ensure everything is always running smoothly.
One of the biggest problems when it comes to HVAC maintenance is taking care of your air ducts. As an often overlooked part of the HVAC system, having dirty air ducts can lead to many unforeseen problems.
From diminished indoor air quality to damage to your HVAC system, there are many benefits of getting your air ducts cleaned. Take a look at the top five benefits and learn the basics of cleaning your home’s air ducts:
1. Prolongs the Life of Your HVAC System
Your heating and air conditioning system builds up toxins and dust with use. Having your air ducts cleaned regularly will eliminate problems that may build up over time. In fact, regular air duct cleaning may significantly improve the lifespan of your heating and air conditioning systems.
The dirtier your HVAC system becomes, the harder it must work to push air through the ducts and keep it circulating. You may have to replace compromised ducts if you do not clean them as needed, as the dirt and debris can build up. With the costly nature of having a complete HVAC system replacement, having regular air duct maintenance can significantly prolong the life of your HVAC system.
2. Improves Indoor Air Quality
When dust and debris build up in your heating and air conditioning system, it can significantly reduce indoor air quality. Having poor air quality can be dangerous and lead to breathing and respiratory problems after long exposure.
Fungi and bacteria can build up in air ducts, which can lead to allergies, discomfort, respiratory problems, and more. Air duct cleaning gets rid of pollen and impurities in the air. This improves breathing quality greatly and can improve health in the long term.
3. Saves You Money
Energy is wasted if your HVAC system has to work harder because of debris and contaminants. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, heating and cooling make up 43 percent of a typical home utility. With proper maintenance, you can cut your energy costs by 20 to 50 percent.
Replacing a complete HVAC system can become extremely costly. Regular maintenance allows your heating and air conditioning system to prolong its lifespan and save you money. When air ducts are clean and the system works without obstructions, heating, and cooling operations are much more efficient. When equipment is working efficiently, it will use less energy as it does not struggle to work. Clean air ducts will do wonders for your energy bills.
4. Allows for Easier Diagnosis of Larger Problems
Regular air duct cleanings for your heating and air conditioning system can assist a licensed professional in identifying significant problems before they escalate into catastrophic issues.
When dust and debris accumulate in your heating and cooling system, it heightens the risk of a fire, potentially leading to devastating consequences. Moreover, inspecting the ductwork allows your technician to pinpoint potential leaks and address them proactively before they become more substantial and costly concerns.
5. Protects Against Insects and Rodents
Unfortunately, insects, pests, and rodents love to make themselves cozy in HVAC systems. Air ducts can be a particularly cozy place for critters to call home. With regular air duct cleanings, you can ensure an infestation doesn’t build up. This not only brings you and your family peace of mind, but it also can have great medical benefits by preventing these insects and pests from spreading diseases and viruses.
Does Duct Cleaning Work?
Air duct cleaning is an effective way to remove harmful particles from your home. Since air ducts are more difficult to reach without the proper tools and equipment, having professionals handle the task offers many benefits.
These experts possess the specialized tools and expertise necessary to thoroughly sanitize your air ducts, ensuring the removal of dust, allergens, mold, and other contaminants that may accumulate over time. By harnessing the skills of professionals, you not only enhance indoor air quality but also promote a healthier living environment for you and your loved ones.
Reap the Benefits of Duct Cleaning Today
From saving you money and protecting your heating and cooling systems to protecting you from harmful invaders like germs and rodents, you can see that there are many benefits of cleaning your air ducts.
It is important to call a trusted professional to perform regular air duct cleanings on your HVAC system. Our team at Home Comfort Experts is here to perform thorough cleanings, so you don’t have to worry about any harm from the ducts you rely on daily.
Contact us today to learn about the ways we can help you. We serve Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan from our 12 locations. Give us a call at (574) 319-9247 and schedule an appointment to have your air ducts professionally cleaned and sanitized.
Taking the steps to install an HVAC system in your home can be complicated, especially when faced with the price tag. Questions naturally arise: is this a worthwhile investment, or should I roll up my sleeves and attempt a do-it-yourself approach?
The reality is the average cost of a new HVAC system is a considerable investment–typically spanning from $6,000 to $12,000. This financial commitment can leave homeowners overwhelmed, weighing the value against the cost.
By understanding the breakdown of these costs, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision about the investment in your home's comfort and climate control. From taking a look at the price of furnaces and AC units to determining how they will work with the ductwork, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how to purchase a new HVAC system.
The Central Furnace and AC Unit
Deciding to replace your furnace and AC on your own may seem like a cost-saving move, but the reality could be a bit different. Attempting to install a new system alone will end up costing you more compared to hiring an HVAC service company. These professionals often have direct ties with manufacturers, securing better deals on the units that will save you money.
Opting for professional AC and furnace installation comes with added perks, such as the expertise of workers well-versed in permits and codes linked to HVAC systems. This ensures compliance without unexpected expenses.
Additionally, without consulting a professional technician, homeowners may opt for the cheapest units available, attempting to save money. However, the truth is that this apparent short-term savings may turn into a long-term financial drain.
Choosing a slightly pricier HVAC unit initially may cost more for installation, but its improved efficiency often means lower energy bills over time. Despite the higher upfront cost of HVAC installation, this choice proves financially wise in the long run, delivering both environmental benefits and ongoing savings for budget-conscious homeowners.
The Ductwork
Designing ductwork for a new home is no walk in the park. The overall cost of ductwork is dependent on the home's size, starting at roughly $1,000 for smaller houses and steadily increasing with the size of the house. That, along with the average cost of an HVAC system, means it’s beneficial to work closely with technicians who will save you money.
It's important to note that this task is not for the DIY enthusiast; it's a job that demands the expertise of HVAC professionals. Attempting to learn it on your own through online resources won't cut it. Even small mistakes during installation can lead to leaks, ultimately increasing your heating and cooling bills.
The Cost of Mistakes
If you attempt a DIY AC or furnace installation, you will be vulnerable to mistakes. An improperly installed heating and cooling system can cut your home’s HVAC efficiency levels by 30 percent. While you think you’re saving money, you’ll actually spend more on costly repairs to your system.
This project is best left to the experts who know the ins and outs of HVAC systems. Trusting professionals ensures your home stays cozy without sacrificing your wallet, making it a smart investment for long-term comfort and efficiency. Don't gamble with DIY when it comes to something as vital as your home's heating and cooling system.
Get the best HVAC system costs by enlisting the professional contractors at Home Comfort Experts in Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan. Our team will make sure you buy a high SEER-rated, energy-efficient model and carefully install it in your home. Our goal is to decrease your costs and increase your comfort.
Contact us today by calling us at (574) 205-0606. Tell us about your heating and cooling needs, and we’ll help you save money on a reliable system.
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.