Tips on Maintaining Healthy Indoor Air Quality During Winter

As we approach the winter season, ensuring your home is warm enough is undoubtedly at the top of your mind. Equally important, though, is the quality of the air indoors—keeping warm while breathing clean and healthy air must go hand in hand. Let’s explore how to efficiently heat your space and maintain healthy indoor air quality so you’ll have peace of mind that your family is comfortable and protected inside your home.

Proper Ventilation
During winter, homes are sealed tight to conserve heat, which can result in the buildup of indoor pollutants. To reduce indoor air pollution, especially in areas like kitchens and bathrooms, proper ventilation is crucial. You can also use ventilators to keep fresh air circulating and improve indoor air quality.

Regular Heating System Maintenance
If not properly and regularly maintained, your heating system can contribute to indoor air pollution. To ensure that it is in excellent condition and works without any issues, schedule routine inspections with a reliable and trusted HVAC service.

Optimal Humidity Level Maintenance
For both comfort and health, you must maintain the right humidity levels, which are between 30% and 50%. If they are too high, mold can grow, and dust mites can accumulate. If they are too low, the eyes and skin can get irritated, and respiratory problems can also occur.

Regular Cleaning
To minimize dust and allergens inside your home, it is essential to keep your space spotless. Various ways to maintain a dust-free living area are by vacuuming carpets and every nook and cranny, using a damp cloth to wipe surfaces, and washing bedding and curtains.

Houseplant Additions
Plants are natural air purifiers that absorb pollutants and release oxygen, making the air you breathe indoors cleaner and healthier. They also add charm and appeal to your space.

Schedule an Indoor Air Quality Evaluation Today
Turn to Bounds Heating & Air in Gainesville, Florida to have our specialists assess the air quality in your home and provide you with the right solution. We can assist you with something as simple as selecting the right filter for your HVAC system and even providing more intensive filtration and air quality management products. Contact us today to help you breathe cleaner, fresher air.

What Are the Signs You Need HVAC Replacement?

Your HVAC system is a big investment that you would naturally want to maximize its use of. However, no matter how durable, high-quality, and well-maintained your system is, it would need to be replaced at one point to maintain energy efficiency and good indoor air quality. But how do you know when it’s time to do so? Here are some signs to look out for that signal it’s time for an HVAC replacement.

Your Current System Is More Than 10 Years Old
The major components of an HVAC system start to deteriorate after around 10 years, although this also depends on usage and maintenance. This means your system will no longer function optimally, reducing energy efficiency. It is also worth noting that air conditioning units over a decade old contain outdated Freon that is harmful to the environment.

Repair Costs Are Piling Up
Older units and systems will require more repairs over the years. If you find yourself paying for repair services more frequently, including replacing major parts, start computing the costs. Once the expenses exceed half the cost of a new system, it’s more cost-effective to put your money in a new one.

Your Energy Bills Are Unusually High
As the seasons change, it is typical for your energy bill to fluctuate, but it should remain relatively the same as the previous year. If you notice a higher energy bill than usual for that period, it might mean your HVAC system is not working as properly and efficiently as it should. It either needs service or replacement altogether.

There Are Temperature Inconsistencies or Issues in Your Space
Issues with maintaining a consistent temperature in your indoor space include feeling always a little too hot or too cold. Possible causes might be a maintenance issue, such as clogged filters or a damaged thermostat, or an HVAC system that has become inefficient and weak to function properly.

You Have Poor Indoor Air Quality
Signs of poor indoor quality include the presence of mold, mildew, dust, and unusual humidity levels in your space. This is because a damaged heating or cooling unit leads to inadequate ventilation.

Turn to Us for AC or Heater Installation and Replacement
Upgrade your HVAC system with the help of Bounds Heating & Air in Gainesville, Florida, and keep your energy bills low and your indoor space safe and comfortable. We provide a range of HVAC services with various financing options. Contact us today to learn more.

HVAC Myths: Separating Fact From Fiction

We rely on our heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems to stay warm, cool, and comfortable in our indoor spaces, whether in our homes or places of business. For these systems to function, they consume energy, which translates to the bills we pay.

This is probably one of the main reasons why there are many misconceptions about using our heating and cooling units. Sometimes, in our eagerness to save, we fall prey to HVAC myths that end up costing us more and compromising the longevity of our systems. Let’s briefly discuss and debunk some of these false notions and concepts.

Bigger Systems Are Better
You should only invest in a unit that is properly sized for your space, and an HVAC technician or contractor can help you with this. If you buy a system that is too large or oversized, it will power up and down more frequently throughout the day. This leads to more energy consumption, uneven temperatures, excess stress on system components, and higher bills.

Turning On Your AC Only When You Need It
Systems with variable speed technology run more efficiently at lower and steady speeds compared to when they are turned on and off frequently. Every time you turn on your air-conditioning unit, it goes full throttle and consumes considerable energy than if it was maintaining your desired temperature.

If you’re worried about the costs of running your system while you’re away, consider investing in a smart thermostat to balance energy efficiency and comfort. It will minimize energy waste when no one is home.

Regular Maintenance Is Unnecessary
Routine service and maintenance will extend the lifespan of your HVAC system, help detect potential issues, and fix them before they get worse. It will also keep all moving parts and components clean and running efficiently.

All HVAC Systems Are Noisy
Modern units and systems are now designed to be quieter than the older ones. Before making a purchase, you can research which models have the lowest decibel ratings and sound-reducing features to ensure what you buy ticks the right boxes for you.

Ask Our Certified Technicians for Guidance on All Things HVAC
There are many more myths and varying opinions surrounding the proper and optimal use of HVAC systems. For expert advice and guidance from industry specialists, do not hesitate to consult Bounds Heating & Air in Gainesville, Florida. We provide tailored solutions for all your HVAC needs, including installation and repair. Contact us today to ask any questions or book an appointment.

What Is Blower Door Testing, and Why Is It Important?

Over the years, there has been an increasing demand for ensuring energy efficiency in new builds and structures, reflecting the consciousness to mitigate the climate crisis. One such step is blower door testing, which has become common practice in many parts of the world, including the US and much of Europe. In this article, we’ll explore what this test measures, why it is important, and how it is conducted.

Definition and Overview
Blower door testing measures a building’s airtightness. It involves using a powerful fan mounted on the exterior door frame to pressurize or depressurize the building. This allows air to flow through any gaps or leaks in the structure, helping identify air leaks and hot and cold spots.

This diagnostic procedure is usually conducted at the end of the building process or as part of an energy audit. Through this test, you can detect uncontrolled outdoor air infiltration and indoor air exfiltration and take corrective measures.

Benefits of the Test
This test provides several advantages, including increased energy efficiency, better indoor air quality, and improved building durability. By addressing the air leaks identified during the blower door testing, you reduce energy waste and costs and ensure the indoor temperature is more balanced and optimal.

Additionally, an airtight space helps reduce moisture and mold growth, preventing structural damage, decay, and rot.

Summary of the Testing Process
A qualified HVAC specialist performs the test following these steps:

Pre-Test Preparation: The technician evaluates whether it is safe to conduct the test. Interior doors and windows are closed, and all vents and exhaust fans are sealed.

Setup and Calibration: The blower door fan is mounted to the frame of the main exterior door. Once this is secure, the fan is calibrated to measure the pressure of the structure from the outside.

Use of the Blower Door Fan: The fan is used to draw air out of the building envelope to create a pressure difference between the interior and exterior of the structure. Pressure and airflow are measured during this phase.

Air Leak Detection: The technician investigates the location, size, and severity of air leaks through various techniques.

Post-Test Review: After the test is completed, a report is produced for the property owner’s reference to address the identified issues.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency With Our Help
Turn to Bounds Heating & Air in Gainesville, Florida to improve your property’s indoor air quality and comfort and help you reduce energy waste. We offer a range of HVAC services, which include maintenance, repair, and testing. Contact us today for a consultation or to book an appointment.

Why Duct Leakage Testing Matters in New Construction Homes

When constructing new homes, many design aspects and specifications must be considered to ensure overall efficiency and the comfort and safety of future occupants. One such essential feature is the integrity of the HVAC system in the space.

To evaluate how well the HVAC unit functions, duct leakage testing needs to be performed. Let’s explore the importance of this type of test, which should be done after the duct installation and before occupancy.

Ensures Compliance With Building Codes and Regulations
In many Florida counties, as in other states, duct leakage testing is a requirement for new construction projects. By conducting this assessment, builders demonstrate their commitment to upholding industry standards and promoting safety and efficiency.

Allows the Fine-Tuning of HVAC Performance
Ducts that have leaks or gaps lead to uneven or insufficient heating and cooling. Through the leakage test, any identified problem areas and potential issues can be addressed to achieve consistent and adequate levels of indoor comfort.

Minimizes Energy Waste and Environmental Impact
When there are leaks in the ductwork, air from the HVAC system escapes before it even reaches the intended living spaces. This results in increased energy consumption since the system works harder and runs longer to heat or cool the home as desired.

Conducting this test in the early stages of construction allows builders to seal duct leaks and correct any other identified issues. Thus, incorporating this test in building practices is a major step toward sustainability and energy efficiency because of its long-term value and effects.

Improves Indoor Air Quality
Duct leaks let air escape and allow dust, pollutants, and allergens to enter and infiltrate indoors. Thus, when sources of contamination and leaks are addressed, a healthy indoor environment can be achieved and maintained.

Extends the Lifespan of HVAC Systems
Leaky ducts put a strain on heating and cooling systems because they need to compensate for the air that escapes. This increased workload results in the premature wear and tear of the HVAC components.

Equip Your Home With the Right Heating and Cooling System
Whether you’re looking for the perfect unit for your new home or looking to upgrade your existing one, you can rely on our team to help you. We at Bounds Heating & Air in Gainesville, Florida offer a range of services, which include HVAC testing and repair, replacement, and installation.

Author: analytics@graystats.com

Tips on Maintaining Healthy Indoor Air Quality During Winter

What Are the Signs You Need HVAC Replacement?