One of the most important aspects of maintaining your HVAC system is changing the air filter. This task may take all of five minutes, but it is one of those do-it-yourself jobs that you may neglect. This is a big mistake, as a clean filter is one of the best ways to ensure air quality, fuel efficiency and furnace longevity.… read more »
The efficiency of your air filter for capturing airborne particles is important to your health, comfort, and for the efficient operation of your heating and cooling system. Use MERV ratings when you're upgrading your filter to ensure your home circulates clean air both this season and all year long.… read more »
The Allergy Foundation of America reports that one in five Americans suffers from allergies, and allergies cost sufferers billions every year. Outdoor pollen counts, dust mites in linens and furniture, pet dander, mold spores, and many other airborne particles can irritate allergies.… read more »
The quality of your indoor air has a profound effect on your overall health. Breathing in contaminants that are present in the air can affect spring allergy symptoms, as well as increase the abundance of headaches, nausea and fatigue.… read more »
If you are a homeowner who values the health of your family, then carbon-monoxide detectors are not something you should continue to let your household go without. Because carbon monoxide (CO) is a completely colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, there's virtually no way to notice its presence without having a working detector installed.… read more »
If winter's cold and flu season is usually tough on your family, consider a UV-light system for your home, which effectively cleans and kills pathogens in your home's air. Ultraviolet (UV) lights have long been used in medical buildings and large institutions to clean the air, and now you can have the same protection in your home.… read more »
Is a lack of whole-house humidification causing problems for your household? Low humidity can cause uncomfortable health issues like dry sinuses, allergy flare-ups and itchy skin. Dry air also has a damaging effect on your home's structure and furnishings, causing cracked trim and floorboards, furniture that may fall apart as solvents dry, or cracks that emerge in protective coatings or the wood itself.… read more »
Attached garages can be convenient and they're pretty popular here in the Cincinnati area. Homeowners should be aware, however, that with this convenience comes some risk to your home's indoor air quality and your family's health.… read more »
Dust is a common household nuisance, and it can contribute to or aggravate allergies. Besides, dust is unsightly, collecting on household surfaces and contributing to uncleanliness. Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely eliminate all sources of dust, because most dust comes from fabric, people and pets. You can, however, improve dust control in your home by following these tips:… read more »
A well-insulated and properly sealed home is a two-edged sword. Although it allows your HVAC system to work most efficiently, which saves money on your utility bills, it also compromises indoor air quality. When you think of air pollution, your thoughts may conjure images of automobile exhaust and smoking factories. Surprisingly, indoor air pollution is one of the top five environmental health risks, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.… read more »
Need relief from dry winter air this year? If you haven't explored a whole-house humidification system, the time to do so is now – as this type of system can provide relief from high energy bills, increase home comfort, and protect your home.… read more »
When it comes to improving indoor air quality, the first step is to determine why the air became polluted in the first place. Only then will you be able to figure out how to fix the problem.… read more »
When people think of air pollution, images of factories and automobiles come to mind, especially in larger and industrialized cities. However, indoor air pollution, which is prevalent even in rural areas, is among the top five environmental health risks. While the most viable solution to poor indoor air quality is to remove contaminants and increase air circulation with outdoor air, in many cases that is not good enough, because the quality of outdoor air is not much better than what is inside the home. In addition, importing outdoor air is not practical when air temperatures are not within a comfortable range. Therefore, air-purification systems are a good alternative solution worth exploring.… read more »
Carbon monoxide (CO) gas, a byproduct of combustion, is completely devoid of color, odor or taste, making it impossible to detect without specialized equipment such as a carbon monoxide detector. Often referred to as "the silent killer," this potentially lethal gas is responsible for a significant number of deaths and injuries each year.… read more »
As fall approaches, so do seasonal allergies and their symptoms. To make it worse for sufferers, some allergens -- such as pollen and mold -- can find their way into your home and settle there. If your home has poor indoor air quality, there are some things you can do to make Greater Cincinnati's allergy season more survivable...… read more »
For many people, summertime in Cincinnati means allergy season. If you suffer from summer allergies, you know how uncomfortable it is to have itchy, watery eyes and respiratory issues. However, you're not helpless against invading allergens. Take appropriate indoor air-quality measures can go a long way toward allergy relief.… read more »
You know that smog, allergens, and outdoor air pollution can have an impact on your health, but have you thought about the air inside your home?… read more »
Many homes are tightly sealed to improve energy efficiency. However, this can cause indoor air quality problems because it limits natural ventilation. Your home should have a balanced exchange of stale indoor air and fresh outdoor air to reduce unwanted allergens and other contaminants.… read more »
Air purification systems today come with lots of options and in a variety of shapes, sizes and levels of effectiveness. The one that is best for your home will depend on a number of factors, including your family's health and the indoor air pollutants you want to remove.… read more »