Name: Bounds Heating & Air
Address: 25645 West, Newberry Road, Newberry, FL, 32669
Telephone: 352-472-2761

3 Common Indoor Air Quality Problems in Winter

Poor indoor air quality in Gainesville, Florida, home can cause headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. It can also aggravate asthma, allergies, and other health problems. Air quality often gets worse in winter because people spend more time inside with their windows and doors closed. Some of the most common indoor air quality problems in winter are caused by dry air, mold, and pests. Fortunately, the experienced professionals at Bounds Heating & Air can help you to solve these problems and keep your home healthy and comfortable.

Dry Air

Your furnace can dry out the air in your home and damage your wood floors, doors, and furniture. It can also irritate your throat and increase static electricity, which could damage your electronics. Use a humidifier to increase the moisture in your indoor air so that you can protect items from your home and feel more comfortable. This allows you to lower the temperature in your home and your utility bills.

Mold

In Florida, the humidity is relatively high even in winter, so you could see condensation and mold growth in places like window sills, doors, bathrooms, and vents. You can prevent the growth of molds by changing your HVAC system’s air filter once per month. You can also have a UV air purifier installed in your ductwork to destroy any mold spores your air filter misses.

Pests

Mice, rats, silverfish, roaches, and many other pests often come into homes for shelter in winter. You might notice droppings, scratching noises in your walls and ductwork, and increased allergy symptoms. Pests can also eat your food, insulation, clothing, boxes, wallpaper, and more. Wash your bedding and furniture often to prevent dust mites and take out your trash every day, so it won’t attract mice, roaches or raccoons. You should also repair dripping faucets and get rid of other water sources that could attract pests.

Bounds Heating & Air is a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer. We can help you to improve your indoor air quality and install, maintain, and repair a variety of heating equipment. Call us anytime at 352-472-2761 for great service.

3 Allergens to Watch for in Your Home This Winter

If you thought allergies weren’t a year-round topic, think again. Although pollen allergies often decrease during winter, you won’t get any relief from many other indoor allergens. Here are three winter allergens to watch out for in Newberry, Florida, as well as information about what you can do about them.

Molds and Mildew

Molds and mildew can be found inside and outside the home and make you sick — even during winter. If your home sustains any water damage, whether, from hurricanes and flooding or roofing and plumbing issues, molds can thrive. You may also find mold or mildew lurking in poorly ventilated bathrooms, damp basements, improperly stored holiday decorations, and live Christmas trees.

To prevent mold growth, make sure your home maintains a humidity level below 50 percent. A UV lamp can keep your HVAC system mold-free, while a whole-home dehumidifier reduces the humidity throughout your entire home. Note too, that a humidity level below 30 percent can lead to problems with dry air.

Pet Dander

For those who suffer from pet allergies, winter can make matters worse if your pet spends more time indoors than usual during this season. Vacuuming more often may help, but keep in mind that most people with pet allergies are allergic to the protein found in pet dander, saliva, and urine. With that in mind, consider upgrading to a vacuum with a HEPA filter that will trap smaller particles in addition to picking up fur.

Dust Mites

Dust mites are another ever-present indoor pollutant. You can minimize their presence, however, by washing your bedding once a week and dusting, sweeping and mopping regularly. For even better protection, add a whole-home air purifier to your HVAC system. Check any filters in your home (on vacuums, dehumidifiers, your HVAC system, etc.) often and change them as needed so that these devices function at their best.

If your family suffers from winter allergies, you may need professional help to improve your indoor air quality. Bounds Heating & Air can help you to find the best solutions for your home, so give us a call today at 352-472-2761 to schedule an appointment or to learn more.

3 Things You Can Do to Extend the Life of Your HVAC Unit

There are numerous ways to extend the life of your HVAC system. Many of these options are simple and inexpensive and well worth the effort. By taking care of your HVAC unit and extending its life, you can save yourself money on heating and cooling costs and ward off bigger, more costly breakdowns. Keep your Newberry, Florida, home running smoothly by extending the life of your heating and cooling system with regular checkups and maintenance.

Change the Filters

We know you’ve likely heard it a dozen times, but it’s important to change your HVAC filters regularly. As filters get dirty, they start to block the flow of air, making your HVAC system work harder to cool your home. When this happens, you are likely to see higher monthly energy bill. Set reminders or invest in a smart thermostat that will alert you when it’s time for a filter change. If you maintain your HVAC system well, it can last beyond its expected life.

Inspect the Units

Many people forget that the outdoor unit even exists, but it’s important that you give it a visual inspection every once in a while. Leaves, debris from storms, or broken tree limbs can cause damage to your HVAC’s outdoor unit. If you notice damage, be sure to call your HVAC repairman right away to make sure the problem doesn’t get worse.

Schedule Regular Maintenance Appointments

One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your HVAC system is to schedule regular maintenance appointments with Bounds Heating & Air. Our technicians can inspect your indoor and outdoor units, provide needed repairs and tuneups, and ward off potential problems. An entire system inspection and duct cleaning, if necessary, will make a difference in your indoor air quality, comfort, and savings. Regular maintenance prevents big problems and costly repair jobs.

Whether your AC isn’t cooling as effectively as usual, you heard a strange noise or noticed damage to your outdoor unit, call the experts at Bounds Heating & Air. Or perhaps it’s time for a regular checkup. Just give us a call at 352-472-2761 for service you can count on every time.

3 Reasons You Need Your Ducts Cleaned

As the most extensive component of your HVAC system, ductwork has a substantial impact on your family’s health and the health of your cooling and heating system. Not sure how to tell whether the ductwork in your Gainesville, Florida, home needs attention? Take a closer look at these three reasons you need your ducts cleaned.

Your Indoor Air Quality Is Unsatisfactory

You rely on your HVAC system to keep your family cool and comfortable, but you also depend on it to keep your indoor air free of contaminants and pollution. When your ductwork gets dirty, your home’s indoor air quality suffers.

When you call the HVAC professionals at Bounds Heating & Air, you can rest assured that our duct cleaning services remove much more than dust from your ductwork. We’ll also eliminate accumulated pet dander, bacteria, and even mold growth, resulting in cleaner indoor air.

The System’s Airflow Isn’t What It Used to Be

Your HVAC system pushes conditioned air to every room in your home, but accumulated dust and debris can prevent the air from moving smoothly through the ductwork. While blocked vents and registers can contribute to the problem, obstructions in your ductwork are usually the main cause of compromised airflow.

After a thorough duct cleaning by our HVAC experts, you might be surprised at how much your airflow improves. Since your cooling system will be able to circulate air without working as hard, you can prevent early system decline.

Your Utility Bills Keep Getting Higher

Obstructions and accumulated dust in your ductwork all cause your HVAC system to lose efficiency. Your cooling or heating system might have to work harder to keep you comfortable, but increasing utility bills will certainly get your attention. Our professional duct cleaning services can improve your HVAC system’s efficiency to decrease your energy consumption and lower your utility bills.

From better indoor air quality to smoother HVAC operation, duct cleaning can work wonders for your home. Call your local duct cleaning experts at Bounds Heating & Air to learn more about our services. You can reach us at 352-472-2761 for more information or to schedule an appointment for duct cleaning.

How to Lower VOCs in Your Home

VOCs or volatile organic compounds are chemicals that evaporate at room temperature from some liquids and solids. Many of these chemicals cause health problems like headaches, nausea, drowsiness, breathing problems, and even cancer. VOCs are common in air fresheners, household chemicals, furniture, and more, and they’re in the air of Gainesville, Florida, homes whether or not residents realize it. You can lower the VOC levels in your home by using natural cleaners and air fresheners, adding plants, and proper ventilation techniques.

Using Natural Cleaners and Air Fresheners

Manufacturers don’t have to list all the ingredients in commercial cleaners, and air fresheners, so many products only have fragrance as an ingredient. This usually means the cleaner or air freshener has VOCs. To avoid these harmful chemicals, choose unscented cleaners and detergents whenever you can and avoid aerosol sprays. You can also make your own cleaners with simple ingredients like water, baking soda, and lemon juice. Use natural essential oils, potpourri, or herbal sachets instead of commercial air fresheners.

Adding Plants

Many types of houseplants can absorb VOCs and make your home look pleasant and welcoming. Chinese evergreens have attractive silver leaves with green spots, and they can help you get rid of formaldehyde and xylene in your indoor air. Chrysanthemums absorb many of the VOCs in paint. Don’t keep too many plants in one room because they could increase your humidity and encourage mold growth. Plants can also remove VOCs more effectively if they’re spread throughout your entire home.

Using Ventilation

You can keep VOCs from building up in your home with an energy recovery ventilator that stays on all the time. It conserves energy by transferring heat from the stale air to the fresh air like a heat pump. You should also paint or use solvents outside when possible. If you can’t go outside, open doors or windows for lots of fresh air.

Bounds Heating & Air is a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer. We can help you with all your HVAC needs, including improving your indoor air quality by lowering VOCs. Call us anytime at (352) 472-2761 for outstanding service and solutions.

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