Bounds Heating & Air

Serving Homeowners Throughout Northern Florida and Beyond

352-472-2761

Category: Indoor Air Quality

5 Tips for Reducing Airborne Allergens In Your Home

As the weather heats up, pollen, mold spores, and other allergens become more abundant in the air. Although these pollutants typically originate outdoors, they drift into homes or hitchhike on things like our clothes and bags. While taking prescribed medication can provide much-needed relief from allergic symptoms, there are also steps you can take to lower the concentration of allergies in your home.

HOW TO REDUCE ALLERGENS IN YOUR HOME

Use these tips to breathe easier at home this allergy season!

1. Upgrade your HVAC system’s air filter.

The higher your air filter’s efficiency rating is, the more effectively it will capture airborne particles. If you’re currently using a MERV 7 filter, consider upgrading to a MERV 11 or 13. Although these filters typically cost more, they do a much better job at filtering out tiny particles like pollen, and the rating isn’t so high that it will impede airflow through your system.

2. Take off your shoes at the front door.

We can bring all sorts of things into our homes on our shoes: dirt, dust, pollen, and lots of germs. Avoid this problem by taking your shoes off at your front or back door and placing them on a shoe rack in your entryway.

3. Replace carpeting with hard flooring.

Carpeting can harbor a lot of dust, dander, and other allergens, and every time you walk across it, those particles can get stirred up into the air. Wherever possible, replace your carpeting with materials that are easier to deep clean, like wood or vinyl.

4. Wash or dry your bedding in warm temperatures weekly.

Dust mites are a common allergen in comforters, sheets, and pillowcases, and unfortunately, cold water won’t get rid of them. To remove dust mites, you need to wash your bedding in water that’s at least 130°F or dry your bedding at 130°F if washing it in hot water will damage it.

5. Declutter and dust often.

The more clutter your home has, the harder it is to keep clean and dust-free. When you are dusting, don’t forget often-neglected areas such as:

  • Air vent and exhaust fan registers
  • Window treatments
  • Lampshades
  • Areas underneath furniture
  • Ceiling fans
  • Houseplants

Still feeling sneezy? At Bounds Heating & Air, we offer top-of-the-line indoor air quality solutions throughout Gainesville, including whole-home air purifiers and UV lamps. Contact us online or give us a call at (352) 472-2761 to learn more about how we can help you.

4 Things That Make Your Home Muggier

Here in Gainesville, we have plenty of humidity to go around, and that’s not always something we love. Aside from feeling muggy and uncomfortable, too much humidity in your home can increase your energy bills and promote mold growth. The key to reducing all that excess moisture in your indoor air is to find out what’s allowing it to accumulate.

 

Below are the most common sources of excess humidity in homes and some suggestions for solving each problem.

1. Air Leaks

If your home is missing features like sealed ductwork and weatherstripping, moisture could be getting inside from the great outdoors. Air ducts are usually located in unconditioned areas, like attics or crawl spaces, so if there are leaks in the ductwork, humid air can “sneak in” through tears and gaps and make your home muggier.

Not sure where the problem lies? If you have high energy bills, excess humidity, or drafty areas in your home, an energy audit can help determine precisely where air leaks are happening.

2. Neglected Exhaust Fans

One of the simplest ways you can reduce humidity in your home is by:

  • Using your bathroom fan (or getting one installed). Unless you like cold baths and showers, you’re going to wash with warm water, and that warm water is going to create muggier air quickly. Run your bathroom fan while bathing and for another 30 minutes afterward.

  • Using your kitchen exhaust fan. Cooking on the stove (especially boiling and sauteeing) releases a lot of moisture. Use your kitchen exhaust fan while cooking on the stove and for another 15 minutes afterward.

3. An Aging AC System

Your air conditioner does two beneficial things. Not only does it remove heat from your indoor air, but it also takes away moisture. This makes your indoor environment less humid. However, if your air conditioner is upwards of 15 or 20 years old, it’s probably struggling to condition and dehumidify your air the way it used to. If your AC costs you a fortune in repairs or energy bills, it’s probably wiser to invest that money in a new, more efficient replacement.

4. A Dirty Evaporator Coil

Even if your AC is somewhat new, it might be struggling to remove heat and humidity from your home’s air. Why? Nearly 100% of the time, it’s because the equipment is overdue for preventative maintenance. When your AC’s evaporator coil (in the indoor unit) gets dirty and grimy, it will have a harder and harder time performing. This can lead to high cooling costs and a system failure.

At Bounds Heating & Air, we’re committed to providing the highest quality air conditioning repairs, maintenance, and installations in Gainesville and the surrounding areas: (352) 472-2761.

How to Improve Air Quality to Prevent Asthma and Allergies

Indoor air quality has a huge impact on the health and wellness of the people living inside your home. Unhealthy indoor air is full of pollutants, microbes, and pathogens that can aggravate various respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies.

One effective solution to alleviating such problems is to install a proper HVAC system in the house. However, regular HVAC maintenance is also required to prevent allergens from accumulating and spreading once again. Here are other things you can do to help your HVAC system alleviate asthma and allergy symptom:

Clean Air Intake Vents

Microbes and other air pollutants can enter your house through your air conditioning system. Your AC will suck in dirty air from the outdoors if the system is surrounded by organic materials, dust, and dirty objects. Cleaning the area surrounding your AC condenser will be a great help in preventing this problem.

Replace Filters

HVAC systems improve air quality by filtering the air. With pollutants, particulates, and other allergens trapped, they can’t be inhaled, limiting the likelihood of asthma and allergies being triggered. To keep air quality up, a regular maintenance schedule has to be in place, ensuring filters are routinely replaced. Regular maintenance is also a great way to keep HVAC repair expenses down.

Let Water Pans Drain

Mold grows when the environment is moist, which is common in air conditioning systems. Your AC system makes use of moisture to provide cold air, but as water accumulates in drain pans, it can lead to rapid mold growth. You can get rid of the excess water by placing drain pans at a slight slope.

Bounds Heating & Air is your leading choice for quality services, including air conditioning repair, heating maintenance, and indoor air quality solutions. To learn more about what we can do for you, simply give us a call at (352) 278-9123 or fill out our online contact form. We serve Newberry, FL, and surrounding communities in Florida.

Controlling Excess Moisture to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Through your family’s daily routine of boiling kettles, baths, showers, drying clothes, and cooking, moisture from these activities has to end up somewhere. The excess moisture can cause wood to mold and destroy plaster on your windows, and can even damage the rest of your home. More importantly, this could affect indoor air quality and become a health hazard. Let Bounds Heating & Air, your trusted HVAC maintenance provider, discuss how indoor humidity affects your home, and give tips to prevent future issues.

Excess Moisture

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, moisture is one of the most common yet least recognized indoor pollutants. It affects the structure of a home as well as human health. Most problems occur when warm moist air meets a cool surface such as a wall, window, or mirror.

A growth of mildew, mold, and dust mites are manifested due to high indoor humidity. They can cause allergies or asthma, accelerate the rusting of metal products, and destroy wood. Moisture also affects indoor comfort. One way to control this is to raise room temperature. Schedule an air conditioning repair appointment with professionals to ensure that your unit works properly and is up for the task.

Preventing Moisture Buildup

Here are other techniques to prevent moisture and condensation in your home:

  • Open Your Windows – When temperatures allow, open windows to provide natural ventilation. It will get rid of excess moisture and freshen indoor air.

  • Run Exhaust fans – This will vent moisture outdoors. Use exhaust fans when showering and cooking.

  • Use Drapes on Windows – This will protect your windows from the moist indoor air.

If you want to know more about improving your indoor air quality, we’ll be more than happy to help you. Bounds Heating & Air provides professional HVAC repair to ensure smoother operation all year long. Call us at (352) 472-2761 or fill out our contact form to request a free quote. We serve many areas in Florida, including Newberry, FL.

Indoor Air Quality Basics You Need to Know

A typical family can generate a considerable quantity of pollutants, such as pollen, dander, smoke, dust, and other irritants, as they go about their daily life. These contaminants can be continually recycled and circulated by the home’s HVAC system. As an HVAC repair and installation expert, we highly recommend removing these pollutants and maintaining your home’s indoor air quality. Learn more about this topic here:

What Is Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor air quality or IAQ refers to the air quality within and around structures and buildings, particularly as it relates to the comfort and health of the people occupying those buildings. Improving a building’s IAQ by understanding and controlling common indoor pollutants can help reduce the risk of indoor health concerns. Many people spend the majority of their time indoors, so maintaining good IAQ is important.

Improving Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality

There are three basic strategies to improve IAQ, including using air cleaners, improving ventilation, and controlling the sources of pollutants. Source control is the most effective way to improve your home’s IAQ. Eliminate the sources of pollution inside your home or reduce their emissions. You can also improve your home’s ventilation. As an indoor air quality and air conditioning repair expert, we can assist you by providing effective products.

You can also install an air cleaner to remove pollutants from your indoor air. There are many different types of air cleaners on the market. You need to consider how well the air cleaner draws air and how well it collects pollutants before making your choice. Give us a call if you want an accurate assessment of your home’s IAQ needs and if you want to learn which air cleaners will meet those needs.

Bounds Heating & Air can help you with your indoor air quality and HVAC maintenance because we have over two decades of experience and employ some of the best technicians in the industry. Our goal is to provide top-notch services at highly competitive rates. We serve many areas of Florida including Alachua, FL. Call us at 352-472-2761 to learn more about our services and products.

5 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Over 50 million Americans indicate that they suffer from allergies each year, but for some, could the problem be something else entirely? Dust, mold, mildew, and other air pollutants in your home can cause allergy-like symptoms. Recent studies from the EPA have even indicated that air in the home can be up to 70 times more contaminated than the air outside. Everyone can benefit from cleaner air– read our five tips for improving air quality, and start breathing easy.

Vacuum Regularly

As simple as it may seem, frequent vacuuming is essential to reducing the pollutants in your home. Carpet collects dust, pet dander, and whatever else you might track inside. Especially if you have pets, minimize the amount of carpeting in your home if possible.

Groom Pets

For those with pets, it’s important to schedule regular grooming to prevent excessive dander in your home. Even if your house appears hair-free after you clean, these allergens will still collect in your air ducts.

Open Windows

You should open your windows as much as possible to reduce pollutants. Especially if your HVAC system recirculates the air in your house, letting in some fresh air will mitigate indoor allergens.

Change Your Filter

A dirty filter will circulate pollutants throughout your house. Generally, it’s recommended that you change your filter every 1-3 months. Most filters will indicate their useful life on the packaging, but you may want to change it more often if you have pets or live near a construction site. In addition to improving air quality, replacing a dirty filter will also reduce your AC’s energy consumption by 5-10%. If it’s been a while since you’ve changed yours out, spring is a perfect time!

Clean Ducts

Air ducts can collect mildew, mold, bacteria, and many other pollutants. So, how often do you need to get your air ducts cleaned? The answer depends on whether you regularly change your filter, have pets, or are suspicious of mold or mildew growth. If you suspect mold, have vermin in your air ducts or see that the inside of your vent register is coated with black debris, it is definitely time to get your ducts cleaned. If none of these issues are present, it is generally recommended to get your ducts cleaned every 3-5 years.

If you would like to speak with a professional about improving your home’s air quality, give Bounds Heating and Air a call at 352-472-2761, or visit our website to learn more about our indoor home air quality solutions. Find out why we’re Gainesville’s choice for heating and air services!

Choosing the Best Air Filter for Your Home

Typically when people experience problems with their home air quality, they associate the issue with malfunctions within the HVAC system as a whole. Although, one thing that people tend to overlook is their air filter. Do you remember the last time you changed your air filter? Air filters serve as a barrier that prevents harmful debris, pollutants, pollen, and dust, from entering into your home. Depending on the amount of activity and or pets in your home, it is recommended to change your air filters every 60 to 90 days. Lack of replacing air filters in your home can lead to:

  • The increase of allergens and dust in your home, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, colds, and more!
  • Dirty ducts as the filter pump debris through your system and home.
  • Airflow blockage as the A/C isn’t able to maintain levels of airflow causing the system to malfunction, take longer to cool, and increase your home energy bill.

Now that you know the importance of changing your air filter, it’s time to pick the best one for your home. If you’ve ever gone shopping for an air filter, you may have noticed that there isn’t just one size fits all. The team at Bounds Heating and Air has compiled a few things to consider while you’re shopping.

Reference Your Manufacturer’s Instructions

Check out your manufacturer guidelines, here is will you will find suggested filters to use for your specific system in your home. One thing to pay special attention to when referencing your guide is the suggested air filter size. This is a spec that can not be altered, this will ensure that your filter is a perfect fit which allows it to function correctly for the safety of your home.

Disposable or Washable

Choosing a disposable or washable air filter is based on preference. Disposable air filters a convenient option as they can easily be disposed of and replaced. Washable air filters are known for their longevity, as they can be reused several times after each clean.

MERV Rating

The MERV rating, also known as the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value tells you the average efficiency of the air filter that you are looking to purchase. MERV rating range from 1 to 20.

  • MERV ratings 1 – 4 are primarily used to block larger debris from entering your home.
  • MERV rating 5 – 8 are known to filter up to 70% of dust, mold spores, and other particles.
  • MERV ratings 9 – 12 are one of the higher quality filters trapping up to 90% of debris and in-home pollutants.
  • MERV ratings 13 – 20 are typically used for commercial buildings and not for residential use, but they are known to filter airborne particles such as viruses and bacteria.

Now that you know how to shop for home air filters, another easy way to keep up with when to change your filters is by writing the date on the filter when it’s replaced. And if you are interested in finding out more information on air filters or how to improve your air quality, reach out to Bounds Heating and Air today!

3 Winter Allergens to Watch out for Indoors

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 indoor allergies. Here are three winter allergens to watch out for in Newberry, Florida — and 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 there is any water damage in your home — whether, from flooding, roofing or plumbing leaks, molds can thrive. You may also find mold or mildew lurking in poorly-ventilated bathrooms, damp basements, and stored holiday decorations.

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 actually 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 often 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 often. 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, and so on) 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.

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.

4 Ways Air Filters Help With Indoor Air Quality

Air filters are your home’s first line of defense against poor indoor air quality. One unintended consequence of today’s energy-efficient home is that airtight construction methods cause airborne particulates and contaminants to accumulate to unhealthy and even toxic indoor levels. Since most people spend 65 percent of their time at home, residents today may be exposed to a daily, concentrated dosage of indoor pollution. Here are four ways various air filters clear the air at home while still supporting energy efficiency.

  • Standard air filters with fiberglass media and a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating of less than 4 mainly remove large particles of inorganic dust and lint—the stuff you can actually see floating around. While these particulates may be irritants to some susceptible individuals, the value of these filters is chiefly limited to protecting heating and cooling equipment from wear and tear.
  • Pleated polyester air filters with MERV ratings from 4 to 8 capture an average of 50 percent of airborne particles in the range down to 3 microns. In addition to inert microscopic dust, this includes many toxic microorganisms such as mold spores and pollen directly associated with health issues like allergies and respiratory illnesses.
  • Electrostatic filtration incorporates a media consisting of fibers charged with both positive and negative static electricity. Because airborne particulates also carry an electrical charge, if properly maintained with regular cleaning electrostatic filters attract and capture particulates more effectively than standard passive filter media. Electrostatic filtration may trap up to 97 percent of particles between 3 and 10 microns, including tobacco smoke components, auto emissions, bacteria, mold spores and pet dander.
  • High-efficiency HEPA filters provide gold-standard filtration that meets medical criteria, removing over 90 percent of particulates down to 0.03 micron size, including bacteria and most viruses. However, because a HEPA filter also constricts airflow, residential ductwork must be modified to install the HEPA filter in a bypass loop to avoid air restriction.

For more information on choosing air filters for your home’s indoor air quality issues, contact Bounds Heating & Air.

What You Must Know About Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, tasteless, and silent gas that is toxic to people and pets. As natural gas fuel is combusted from within the furnace’s burning chamber, it produces CO as one of its waste products. An improperly working, poorly maintained, or damaged furnace can result in CO leaking into the home’s living spaces, affecting the health and safety of everyone inside.

Where CO Comes From

When natural gas fuel is not completely combusted, CO is released as a waste product. Even when a furnace is properly operating, a small amount of CO will be generated. The ventilation system blows the gas out through the flue so it doesn’t become a health hazard or problem within the home.

What Causes CO to Leak

A crack, loose connection, or another mechanical problem in the furnace, combustion chamber, ventilation system, or flue can result in CO leaking into the home’s living spaces. This can happen suddenly due to a part breaking. CO leaks can also happen gradually, such as when buildup in the flue blocks the ventilation process.

Health Effects of CO Poisoning

Exposure to CO at low doses makes a person feel as if they are ill with the flu. Common symptoms include constant headaches, fatigue, nausea, and weakness. If the level of CO in the air increases, people may experience worsening symptoms that include headache, dizziness, confusion, convulsions, fast heartbeat, and if the level of CO is high enough, death may occur.

Detecting CO

Homeowners with gas-powered furnaces and home appliances should install a CO detector on every level of their homes. The CO detectors are designed to detect the presence of CO in the air. A detector should be placed outside the bedrooms, in the basement, in the garage, and every other level of the home where people spend time. Safety experts recommend that the detectors be interconnected and contain a battery backup in case of a loss of electrical power.

What to Do If You Have a CO Leak

If a CO detector goes off, immediately leave the house and contact the High Springs, FL emergency police and fire service. While outside of the home, homeowners can also contact the gas company and our technicians for repair of the malfunctioning equipment.

CO poisoning is a serious health concern, especially during the winter months when homeowners keep their windows closed and the furnace is running. Proper heating system maintenance, prompt repair, and CO detectors can help ensure the safety of everyone inside the home. Call us at Bounds Heating & Air to schedule a maintenance service or repair or to learn more about the dangers of CO in your home.

Tips for Improving Winter Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is a year-round concern. However, there are distinct differences in summer and winter conditions in the home. Improving winter indoor air quality is targeted at several factors related to home heating and climate conditions. From keeping humidity levels in recommended ranges to monitoring for dangerous emissions, your HVAC contractor can help you focus on the most important steps for your family.

Humidity and Your Health

Cold air holds half as much moisture as hot air, leading to a significant drop in humidity levels during the winter. You may notice that your skin is drier and that your hair seems more brittle. Chapped lips and hands can be painful. You may not realize that low humidity levels can compromise your defenses against winter illnesses. As your mucous membranes become dry, your resistance to colds and flu can be eroded. Less than 15 percent RH in your home can also trigger coughs, a serious issue for those who suffer from asthma or other respiratory concerns.

Your indoor humidity should be between 30 and 50 percent throughout the year. You can use a hygrometer to measure the levels. If supplemental moisture is needed in your home, a furnace humidifier is an excellent solution for improving your home’s indoor air.

Combustion Heating

As winter heating begins, gas-powered furnaces should be inspected and adjusted. An annual tune-up is critical for ensuring excellent performance and safety in the home. Problems with venting equipment, heat exchangers, and other components can lead to the emission of carbon monoxide, a gas that is invisible and deadly. Proper duct maintenance is also important because emissions can infiltrate the home through leaks in the ducts. Your HVAC professional can do a thorough inspection and recommend any necessary repairs or cleaning services to improve household safety. Installation of a carbon monoxide alarm is also an important protective measure that is definitely recommended.

Home Performance Issues

Many homeowners strive to maintain tight sealing of their residences so that winter energy bills won’t be excessive. However, tight-sealing can amplify indoor air pollution. A good balance between sealing and ventilating is important to ensure that pollution levels can be moderated. An energy recovery ventilator is an excellent system component to consider so that dirty indoor air can be exhausted out of the house while clean air is pulled into the structure. The ERV recovers a significant amount of the heat moving out of the home, keeping the impact on the structure’s heating load to a minimum.

Air Cleaning

An air purifier can help in removing pollutants from your airstream. A germicidal unit is ideal for limiting your exposure to viruses and bacteria during the winter months. The technology used in such system traps and kills dangerous pollutants.

If you are interested in improving winter indoor air quality in your home, you can contact the Newberry, FL team for Bounds Heating & Air. Our technicians can provide an IAQ evaluation. We can also recommend and install HVAC system components to address your specific winter air pollution concerns.

Breathe Cleaner Air – Bring These Plants Indoors

Many homeowners do not understand why they often feel sick or suffer regularly from allergies and asthma. When you think of air pollution, smog and haze outdoors probably come to mind, but did you know that your indoor air in Gainesville, FL can actually be more polluted than the outdoor air? At any given time, your home can be filled with various toxins such as toluene, methylene, chloroform, xylene, ethyl acetate, and acetone;  none of which are healthy for you or your family.

Recently, research conducted by the Associated Landscape Contractors of America and NASA scientists has determined that certain plants can not only balance indoor humidity, but they can also keep your household air clean and pure. These common outdoor plants help fight indoor air pollution by absorbing pollutants and scrubbing harmful gases out of the air. The bottom line: if you want to breathe cleaner air, bring these outdoor plants inside.

While plants are no replacement for a whole-house air purifier and HEPA filtration, investing in indoor plants for cleaner air is a smart – and decorative – move. Here are the top healthy air plant choices:

Boston Fern

(Nephrolepsis exaltata bostoniensis)

A classic, shade-loving landscape plant, and perennial porch enhancement, the Boston fern is a natural humidifier. They release moisture in the air, which removes pollutants such as xylene, formaldehyde, and benzene. Boston ferns prefer filtered sunlight and humid conditions.

English Ivy

(Hedera helix)

English ivy is a popular cottage garden ground-cover favorite. Indoors, it is beneficial to people who suffer from asthma and allergies. English ivy can remove formaldehyde and benzene, as well as various volatile chemicals released by synthetic materials. It grows best in bright sunlight. Keep away from pets and children.

Golden Pothos

(Epipremnum aureum)

In landscapes, golden pothos is a highly invasive plant. Indoors, its mottled evergreen leaves make it a favorite in gift baskets and arrangements, but it also works efficiently to remove pollutants such as xylene, benzene, and formaldehyde. Like English ivy, pothos can be dangerous to children and pets if ingested.

Aloe Vera

(Aloe barbadensis)

An old standby in xeriscapes and cactus gardens, this attractive, fleshy succulent is often grown as an ornamental plant. Renowned as a magical cure-all for a plethora of digestive and skin disorders, and a common product in a variety of skincare products, Aloe Vera also works wonders in your home. Not only does it soothe skin irritation and burns, it also is very efficient at filtering out a variety of volatile gas emissions from toxic materials.

Peace Lily

(Spathiphyllum)

The number one outdoor plant you should bring indoors is the peace lily. It is known to be a powerful indoor pollution fighter – it reduces harmful indoor toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde. Often given as gifts at Easter, this is an easy-to-care-for houseplant.

For more information about how to keep the air in your home clean and free of toxins and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), contact Bounds Heating & Air to schedule an inspection by one of our expert HVAC technicians.  Our staff of professionals is proud to serve our friends and neighbors in Gainesville and the surrounding communities.

Newberry
25645 West
Newberry Road
Newberry, FL 32669
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Phone Number
352-472-2761

Gainesville
3205 Southwest
40th Boulevard, Ste A
Gainesville, FL 32607
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CA-CO57642