Category: Home Maintenance

The quality of your indoor air has a big impact on your health. Indoor air is full of pollutants, contaminants, allergens, microorganisms, gases, and indoor ozone (O3). There are also bio-contaminants such as bacteria and viruses that live on most surfaces and can easily be breathed into your respiratory system. Ultraviolet light air purification addresses the infectious microorganisms and viruses that can be spread through the air. Ultraviolet light disinfection has been used in the medical field for years to prevent drug-resistant bacteria from spreading hospital-acquired infections.

How does UV lighting purify the air?

The UV lighting in a UV air purifier works to disinfect potentially infectious bacteria and viral material from flowing through the filter. UV light works by destroying bacteria and viral matter DNA, much the same way damaging UV rays from the sun can damage skin cells and cause skin cancer.

UV radiation makes it so that bacteria can’t reproduce, which prevents them from growing and forming colonies in your body that can lead to infectious diseases. Radiation inactivates the DNA and RNA material in viruses so that they can’t attack organic cells.

Most residential air purifiers don’t use UV lamps, but it’s a good idea for homeowners in humid environments. A professional HVAC technician that specializes in indoor air quality services can assess your indoor pollution sources and recommend the most effective way to mitigate air quality issues. Trustworthy professionals have years of experience installing UV light technology that’s ozone-free and results in the reduction of airborne pathogens, bacteria, and viruses. The best companies offer installation, repair, and service of commercial and residential HVAC and plumbing systems. Professional technicians can design custom cooling systems that match your specific needs to ensure your system runs efficiently and reliably.

There are different types of UV light.

There are different types of UV light and UV sources, but only some are used in UV lamps and purifiers. The three main forms of UV light can be distinguished by their wavelengths and effects on organic matter. UV-A has the longest wavelength and light particles that vibrate faster than those in visible light. UV-A rays come from the sun and are the most likely type to penetrate human skin and cause skin cancer with long-term exposure.

UVB has shorter wavelengths than UV-A, but their light particles vibrate even faster, making them more damaging to DNA. This UV source typically can’t pass through the atmosphere, but those rays that do are linked with skin cancer. UV-C light has the shortest wavelengths and is the kind of UV light used in UV air purifiers. These UV rays transmit the most vibrational energy, giving them high efficiency in killing bacteria and viruses.

How does UV light technology work?

UV light doesn’t neutralize airborne pathogens or surface contaminants instantly. It takes sufficient exposure time and energy for UV light to destroy viruses and bacteria. Different pathogens and contaminants require different exposure times to be effectively destroyed by UV radiation. The efficacy of UV light depends on the exposure time and wavelength range. It can take anywhere from 6.6 seconds to effectively destroy the influenza virus to 60 seconds to effectively destroy SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 coronavirus).

UV lights effectively kill mold and bacteria, but they don’t have any impact on dust, pet dander, or other allergens. UV lamps are typically installed near the coils of the HVAC unit to prevent mold and bacteria from growing. UV radiation kills growths in the air as the air passes through the coils and filter.

Ultraviolet lamps effectively kill airborne pathogens, bacteria, and viruses in the air before passing through the air filter.

For homeowners, the proper maintenance of the household’s air systems is one of the most important tasks. Aside from providing their family with needed safety and comfort throughout the years, a broken air conditioner or heating system can lead to large expenses in a homeowner’s wallet. With that in mind, many HVAC professionals recommend regular maintenance of a household’s air systems for numerous reasons.

Whether you live in an older house or are a first-time homebuyer, responsible care of your HVAC system should be a top priority. Here, we will look at some of the most important ways air conditioner maintenance impacts your home.

HVAC Systems and Indoor Air Quality

Although there are many reasons that your home’s HVAC system needs to stay well-maintained and operational, a family’s health and safety are the number one concern to most homeowners. It’s important to remember that your indoor air quality is directly affected by the air system’s functionality no matter what type of HVAC you have at home. One of the best reasons to schedule air conditioner maintenance to ensure that your living space is always circulating clean, healthy air for its occupants.

According to HVAC professionals, your home’s indoor air quality is linked to the AC unit’s filtration system. The best time to replace each air filter is approximately every two months. The numerous filters throughout your unit’s ductwork and ventilation system catch all of the dust, debris, and allergens coming from the outside air. Over time, the dirty filters can become clogged with those various contaminants, preventing normal airflow. Not only does this blockage prevent the air conditioning unit from producing the needed cool air meant to circulate throughout your home, but it also allows incoming allergens and biological toxins from entering your indoor air. Any family members with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems may first notice poor indoor air quality. Over time, however, it will affect everyone.

Although changing out your HVAC’s dirty air filters for clean ones is a relatively easy task for homeowners to perform independently, a proper HVAC maintenance plan will include this task as part of its comprehensive preventive maintenance checklist.

HVAC Maintenance and Energy Efficiency

The main reason homeowners choose to purchase a professional maintenance agreement is the peace of mind that the routine HVAC maintenance provides year-round. Aside from annual checkups, a maintenance plan includes preventive maintenance for the entire system. Both the HVAC and heating system receive the needed inspections, allowing a professional technician to spot the potential problems that could lead to costly repairs or complete unit breakdown. In addition, a maintenance plan also covers needed emergency repairs, as well as an inspection of your home’s thermostat.

However, the financial savings that an HVAC maintenance plan provides is, perhaps, the greatest additional benefit. For example, the proper functioning of your air conditioning unit and heating system increases your home’s energy efficiency. Your air filter changing needs are taken care of with regular service calls, your thermostat is perfectly connected to the dual units, and any replacement energy sources (such as fuel or natural gas) are refilled and inspected for hazardous leaks.

This type of priority service ensures that your systems are always functioning safely, guaranteeing that your home’s energy consumption is a peak efficiency. This is immediately noticeable with lower energy bills. Keep in mind that ventilation blockages within an air filter force families to pump their AC units to higher capacity, quickly spiking their energy bill. In the same way, leaks or cracks within the ductwork waste high levels of cool air that they’re paying for in their utilities. An HVAC maintenance plan is one of the best investments that a homeowner can make.

Summer is rapidly approaching, and it’s important to have your home air conditioning running on all cylinders. Most homeowners are used to the issues that come with turning an AC unit back on after the winter, but other problems can rear their heads at any time. Regular maintenance can ensure that your air conditioner from an HVAC system to a window unit can keep the cool air coming well through to the fall.

Keep it clean.

It doesn’t hurt to invest in air conditioner maintenance to help your bottom line. The truth is regular cleaning can have the greatest impact on the life of your system. If you have a window air conditioner, you want to clean or replace your air filters regularly. These filters accrue dust and other allergens over time with use, with those contaminants recycling back into the air. This can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. Changing filters seasonally is a proper step of a preventive maintenance plan.

If you have a larger HVAC system, be sure to regularly clean ductwork and vents where dust may be building up. If you have a ductless HVAC with an outdoor unit, it’s important to clear away any debris that could be blocking the proper airflow. Shutting down power and taking a garden hose to scrub away any crud on these outdoor systems. This is a simple way to assure that energy efficiency remains paramount, as dust and debris can end up blocking air conditioning, making you run for the thermostat to lower the temperature. This increases energy consumption and puts more pressure on the unit.

Consider indoor air quality.

Lack of maintenance can negatively impact indoor air quality and turn an air conditioner into a breeding ground for mold. Built-up moisture can linger within an HVAC, ductless, or window unit. Along with higher humidity levels, you can easily create mold and mildew. If you notice a musty odor that lingers when you turn your air conditioning on, it’s time to turn off the power and scrub out your system. Soap and water are the easiest solutions for air conditioner maintenance.

This cleaning regimen is a small investment to assure that your AC can provide the comfortable temperature you seek, and a quick inspection can provide some peace of mind. The introduction of outdoor air is also helpful in creating better household ventilation during the cooling season. This can be done through natural means, like opening windows, which obviously translates to energy savings with your air conditioner being turned off. You can also do this through mechanical means through ductless HVAC systems.

Calling in the Pros

While you may fear running up a larger bill with costly repairs, bringing in an HVAC technician is actually a smart thing to do as part of annual maintenance. It’s recommended to have a professional come in and inspect the unit from top to bottom. Regular HVAC maintenance includes checking equipment throughout the unit for any loose or corroding parts. This also includes an inspection of ductwork, evaporator coils, and even the thermostat. It’s also important to have a pro on hand to deal with any replacements or any issues with refrigerants that need to be handled by the proper authorities.

Preventive HVAC maintenance can locate the issues with an air conditioner before becoming more significant and leading to a breakdown. A technician can also make sure that the service life of an HVAC unit or standard air conditioner surpasses the average. Book appointments in advance as part of routine maintenance. This will help build a rapport with a technician who can jump to the rescue in emergency repairs.

Your home is undoubtedly one of the most costly and essential investments you’ll ever make in life. Therefore, this investment must last well beyond the monthly payments you’ll be making for the next few decades, ensuring that you obtain maximum value from your property.

Nevertheless, it’s vital to realize that homeownership comes with a lot of responsibility, and it takes significant money and time to maintain a house properly. That said, budget constraints are a harsh reality that causes many homeowners to consider whether particular home repairs are worth spending on. Here are three crucial household repairs you should never ignore, no matter what.

1. Plumbing Leaks

Noticing water spots and small leaks around your home might seem like no big deal, but they can cause some serious damage if you don’t conduct immediate repairs. Your plumbing system‘s tubes run behind your walls, so any minor leaks or pipe bursts can get your drywall wet and ruin it completely. Plumbing issues can also cause damage to fixtures like your faucets and showerheads, and you could end up needing to replace these fixtures if you don’t address these problems promptly. Mold issues and flooring damage can also arise out of plumbing leaks, so it’s always best to avoid putting off dealing with a plumbing issue. Lastly, neglected water leaks will result in astronomical water bills, so hiring great leak detection and repair professionals is your best bet to save money.

Dependable leak detection and repair teams such as King Heating can help with this need. King Heating provides a broad range of heating and air conditioning services to residents in the Chicago area. They’re also a trusted Chicago leak repair service, helping homeowners find and address hidden leaks. Even the most minor leaks can cause severe water damage to your home, especially when they’re concealed in ceilings or behind walls. As such, King Heating’s skilled plumbers use professional-grade equipment to locate your leaks and quickly fix them in the best way. What’s more, they repair all water pipe leaks, are available round-the-clock, and don’t charge extra for weekends, nights, and holidays.

Exterior design and maintenance services are equally important to your home’s aesthetics and functionality as roof repairs. Therefore, you can also consider investing in landscape architecture, design, and property care services. Lifescape Colorado is a Colorado landscape service that can offer a broad range of services to make your outdoor space dreams a reality. Their landscape design, construction, and outdoor property care services cater to residential and commercial buildings alike. Also, their landscape architects are renowned for their unique design and craftsman-level constriction. What’s more, Lifescape Colorado is an industry pioneer in maintenance practices, water-saving initiatives, and sustainable building since their mission is creating and preserving outdoor spaces that conserve planetary resources besides enriching clients’ lives.

2. Gutter and Drainage Repair

Your home’s gutter and drainage are undoubtedly vital, so you need to address any issues with these systems immediately. A poorly functioning gutter and drainage system can affect your home’s foundation since water will leak straight from your roof and soak the ground directly around your home. Frequent moisture level changes in this area can cause your foundation to contract and expand, affecting your home’s stability. Consequently, consider installing new gutter guards to keep your gutters free of leaves and other debris. Also, replace your downspout extender to disperse your runoff efficiently. Properly diverted runoff will protect your driveway and, therefore, your car from damage caused by rising water and wet leaves or debris. If you’re in the market for a car, it’s always necessary to find the best deals from trusted car dealers. Leading online auto auction sites such as Auto Auction Mall can handle these concerns.

Auto Auction Mall is the biggest dealer car auctions online platform for salvage and insurance, pre-owned and used cars. You can find great auction cars in Ghana from some of the world’s leading brands like Hyundai and Chevrolet at fair prices. Ghanaian buyers can find used cars under various price limits, ranging from $5000 to $500. To buy and ship clean cars to Ghana, you can begin with a simple search of your preferred model on their website. Some of their vehicles are “buy now,” meaning you can readily purchase them after making a full payment. You’ll have to deposit and schedule an auction for some cars, though, and must bid a minimum of $600 on your vehicle to get started.

3. Roof Repairs

It’s no secret that a leaky roof can cause severe problems down the line if ignored over a long period. However, many homeowners forget about their roof since it isn’t an area they see daily until major roof problems start showing up. Several things can go wrong with your roofing, including missing shingles, leaks, and storm damage. These issues can lead to further problems like structural damage, mold, and damage to other property inside your home. As such, it’s prudent to find a roofing contractor to handle any roof replacement or repair work as soon as you detect problems with your roof system. Reliable home improvement companies such as MLMHI will come in handy when seeking great roofers in the Arlington area.

MLMHI is a leading home improvement company offering a broad range of exterior renovation and remodeling services to clients. Siding, replacement windows, gutters, replacement doors, and roofing are some of the vital services their experienced contractors cater to. They’re also one of the best Arlington roofing companies, helping many homeowners in the area with diverse roofing needs. Their highly-trained technicians offer residential and commercial roof installation services, whether you need a roof for home upgrades or new building construction. Also, MLMHI does a great job when it comes to roof replacement, with an accurate inspection and cost estimate guarantee.

Furthermore, they have an A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and offer roofing materials and products produced by Owens Corning, one of the top brands in the industry. After attending to your roofing needs, consider investing in quality self-care since roof repairs and home maintenance, in general, can be stressful. If you want to treat yourself after taking care of roof repairs or water leaks, you can purchase glam eyelash extensions that come in various materials, lengths, styles, and shapes. Vegan or mink eyelashes, cat eyelashes, and monolid eyelash extensions are some options worth considering, depending on your specific desire.

Certain home repairs demand immediate attention to prevent more costs and troubles in the future. The points above are three prime examples of repair work you should readily conduct to guarantee long-term savings and peace of mind.

For every homeowner, one of the most important tasks is monitoring the household’s air system. Both the heating unit and HVAC system are delicate machines requiring year-round upkeep as the seasons change.

However, whether you’re an experienced homeowner or currently moving into your first home, it’s crucial to know the basic rules of maintaining the airflow and integrity of the HVAC system. Here, we will look at two common HVAC mistakes to avoid, helping to give your unit longevity and keep your energy bills low.

1. Air Filters and Ductwork

The first common mistake many homeowners make with their air conditioner is forgetting to change out the dirty air filters. One of the main reasons for poor air conditioning is the airflow blockage caused by a dirty filter. In general, dust, debris, pet dander, and all kinds of allergens can become caught in your AC system’s filters, which can lead to a number of issues. The basic rule of thumb is to replace them every few months.

Keeping in mind that your family’s health is the top priority, remember that a dirty AC filter doesn’t properly prevent dangerous or hazardous natural pollutants from circulating throughout the household. Quite simply, the most important job of your unit’s filter system is to prevent that poor indoor air quality from circulating. If any of your family members have health problems, such as asthma, clean filters are an absolute necessity.

In addition, when your air filters are clogged, it forces you to increase both the use and power of the air conditioner unit. In effect, more energy is being used for the amount of cool air you should already be getting, which quickly increases the amount of money you’re spending on your monthly utility bills.

For this same reason, your air conditioner’s ductwork is of equal importance. While the air filters purify the cool air as passes through the ventilation system, the air ducts are the actual means of airflow distribution for each room of the house. Your duct system gets a lot of daily use, and leaky ducts have a way of releasing the cool air before reaching the targeted areas. Much like a dirty air filter, this will cause less energy efficiency and a higher monthly bill. To play it safe, have a professional HVAC technician inspect your duct system once a year at the very least.

2. Regular Maintenance Throughout the Year

Perhaps the biggest mistake that most homeowners make when it comes to their air conditioning unit is avoiding preventative maintenance. Scheduling check-ups from an HVAC technician is an important part of responsible HVAC care, yet many people avoid it. This could be for a number of reasons. Some homeowners fear the cost of each HVAC technician’s visit or the potential expenses that may come from discovered problem areas.

However, without a professional’s keen eye, common problems can easily become worse, and significantly more expensive. Likewise, a professional technician can easily notice breakages or leaks within your home’s ventilation, vents, or any other issues that could lead to poor indoor air quality.

The best course of action to avoid expensive HVAC repair is to purchase a maintenance program agreement. For an annual fee, your home would be eligible for multiple visits from an HVAC technician throughout the year. In addition, a technician will monitor your air conditioning unit’s upkeep, clean the ductwork, change out the air filters for you, and make important suggestions regarding the unit’s lifespan. In the event of complete system failure, a professional technician can also advise you on the best and most cost-efficient replacement air conditioning unit. If you’re truly concerned about the longevity of your HVAC system, it may be worth the investment of an ongoing maintenance agreement for your home.

For homeowners gearing up for the hotter summer months, now is the best time to check on the household’s air conditioner and air system. It’s best to ensure that the HVAC is running smoothly and is ready to pump cold air throughout the house. During the rest of the year, a good practice for any homeowner is to have regular maintenance on the air system, monitoring both the HVAC and the heater to inspect for possible problems.

However, before the seasons change, this is the most important time to be sure that air conditioner is ready to keep your family comfortable and safe. Here, we will look at just three of the most common HVAC problems and how you can fix them yourself.

1. Your HVAC isn’t blowing cold air.

The most common issue with an air conditioner unit is if the machine isn’t blowing cold air throughout the house. Unlike a similar issue, such as a heat pump that isn’t blowing warm air, checking on a traditional HVAC system is a slightly easier task. With a more modern heat pump, the unit is removing the outside air, cooling it, and distributing it throughout the home. With a traditional air conditioner, however, the most likely issue for cool air solutions has to do with the air filters or refrigerant. Before you call a technician for a maintenance call, check your unit’s air filters. Those filters are responsible for catching and removing debris, dust, and other harmful allergens from the air and purifying your family’s indoor air quality. To ensure this doesn’t become an issue, you should be swapping out your dirty air filter for a clean one every few months. Not only does this improve the air quality, but your machine will get better air flow and use less energy, lowering your monthly energy bills.

However, if the air filters aren’t the issue, double-check your HVAC system’s refrigerant levels. If possible, give your home’s ductwork a quick glance and be sure there isn’t a refrigerant leak. If there is a leak, you may be losing cold air. While this will require the assistant of a professional technician, it’s not an expensive repair. A refrigerant charge is pretty cost-efficient by comparison.

2. Your HVAC doesn’t hit the right temperature.

As the weather gets hotter, you may be noticing that your home isn’t hitting the right room temperature that’s stated on your household’s thermostat. If your thermostat is at a set temperature, yet you don’t feel the cool air circulating around your home, check the smaller unit itself. The good news is that replacing the batteries of your thermostat is significantly cheaper than repairing your HVAC. If possible, try not to adjust the levels of your thermostat too often, as the wear and tear of AC system can lead to larger issues. However, if it’s easier to keep this tip in mind, your family may benefit from a programmable thermostat, ensuring that your monthly energy bills remain consistent the entire season that the air conditioner is in use.

3. Your utility bills keep going up.

If you’ve noticed that your monthly energy bills are higher than usual, or continue to go up, there are a number of ways to figure out the solution. The above-listed tips are the first order of business. Be sure to change out your dirty air filter for a clean one, thus removing any blockages within the vents and ductwork that are hindering your airflow. When the airflow builds up, your family is forced to run the air conditioning unit more frequently and at higher levels. This will immediately drive up your utility bill.

Likewise, keeping your thermostat at a consistent level should help ease the financial burden of cooling your home throughout the summer. If you’ve taken these steps already, yet still see an increase in your home’s energy use, it may be time to call a professional HVAC technician. While you may not have any major issues with your air conditioner, a tech will be able to tell you immediately what’s driving up your bill.

While it’s rarely an ideal situation, sometimes you have to install a new boiler or replace your old one. Boilers often cost a fair deal, and depending on the boiler system you choose; you could pay even more for additional features.

When you’re preparing for a boiler installation or a boiler replacement, you want to ensure that you get the most value for your money. Before you spend on a new boiler, take a look to verify that the boiler has some key features and benefits of a new installation.

1. High efficiency is a must-have feature.

Out of all the features of a new boiler installation, this is perhaps the most important. Especially for gas boilers, natural gas can rays prices. You want your annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) to remain high. It’s also a good idea to look into rebates for boilers with higher efficiency rates. An efficient boiler typically holds an Energy Star rating which indicates greater efficiency. While homeowners often pay more upfront for boilers with higher efficiency rates, the overall energy savings even out over the years. If you’re interested in increased efficiency rates for your new boiler installation, discuss it with your contractor or technician.

2. Look for cost savings from reduced boiler repairs.

Though your boiler should provide savings on your energy costs, there are ways outside of energy bills that homeowners can save money. A high-efficiency boiler not only wastes less energy but also reduces the costs incurred by repairs and ongoing boiler maintenance. An old boiler might have issues with its valves or thermostat, which means regular repairs and regular expenses. A high-efficiency boiler often means you’ll have to call the technician with less frequency. As cost savings accumulate for your hot water boiler, steam boiler, or gas boiler, you’ll notice added deductions on fuel costs, maintenance expenses, and more. It’s beneficial for homeowners at all income levels to invest in a boiler that requires less overhead due to frequent repairs.

3. Your boiler should offer lifestyle improvements.

You know how noisy, clunky, and bothersome an older boiler can be. Combined with low boiler efficiency and you have a problem on your hands. Newly installed boilers are more efficient, but they also provide greater levels of comfort and relaxation. Compared to a standard boiler, modern boilers are less noisy, smaller, and usually more versatile. Whether the installation is for a new home or is replacing an older model, these modern boilers can prevent heat loss, thrive in a cold climate, and help maintain your home ecosystem without temperature fluctuations. When you factor this in, the additional cost for an updated boiler seems as though it pays for itself.

4. Modern boilers feature safety and reliability improvements.

No matter the type of boiler, it’s going to become less reliable as time passes. Old boilers, unfortunately, impact the ambient air and expose you to risks such as fire hazards and respiratory problems. Naturally, this isn’t ideal for new construction, but older homes shouldn’t endure the risk either. The installation cost for your boiler helps ensure that it meets modern safety and reliability regulations and that the system is installed in compliance with local and state regulations. Ultimately, the risks of holding onto an older boiler far outweigh the expenses of a new one.

When you’re ready to buy a water boiler or install a new conventional boiler, you want to look for these key features to help you make the right purchase. Take the time to verify the boiler’s efficiency, ask about radiant floor systems, and request more information on how modern boilers prevent carbon monoxide leaks and maintain water temperature. It’ll help you make a more informed purchase for your home.