Touchstone Heating & Air Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Indoor Air Quality’ Category

3 Benefits of Installing Air Purifiers

Tuesday, August 5th, 2014

Good indoor air quality is a big part of your indoor comfort, but it’s also important for health. One of the best ways to improve your indoor air quality is to add a whole-home air purifier to your air conditioning system. While room air purifiers can help with some indoor air quality issues, the best way to truly improve indoor air quality is to upgrade to a whole-home air purifier. There are a couple of choices when it comes to choosing an air purifier in Lake Butler, which is why it’s important to work with professionals like the ones at Touchstone Heating and Air, Inc. to choose the air purifier that’s best for you.

3 Benefits of Installing an Air Purifier

  • Better health – if you are concerned about biological pollutants such as bacteria and/or viruses, an air purifier will destroy these kinds of particles.
  • Odor removal – do smells from activities like cooking tend to linger far longer than they should? An air purifier can help remove offensive odors from your indoor air.
  • Prevention of biological growth – mold, mildew, fungi and algae all thrive in cool, dark and moist environments, making your air conditioner a great place for them to thrive. Using UV germicidal lighting can stop this kind of growth from developing and proliferating.

Types of Air Purifiers

There are 3 common types of air purifiers on the market:

Electronic precipitators clean the air by sucking air into an ion field, charging the particles, and then attracting the charged particles to oppositely-charged plates that should be cleaned every 3 months. An ion generator is similar to an electronic precipitator in that it charges particles in an ion field, but it does not capture the particles; rather, the charged particles attach to surfaces throughout the home, such as counters and walls. UV germicidal lights are different from the electronic filters. UV germicidal lights use UV-C light to destroy the DNA of biological pollutants (like mold, mildew, bacteria, viruses, etc.) to prevent them from reproducing and surviving. UV lights do not have the ability to attract particles, so they are usually placed in specific areas such as over the evaporator coils or in ductwork.

If it’s time to improve the indoor air quality with an air purifier in Lake Butler, call on installation experts you can trust: Touchstone Heating and Air, Inc.

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Key Aspects of Duct Sealing

Monday, July 14th, 2014

Your ductwork is an integral part of your air conditioning system. When there are cracks, broken seals, or detached sections in your ductwork, you can lose a lot of the air passing through the ducts. Duct cleaning can eliminate obstructions from dust and dirt, but to truly get your ductwork into the best shape possible, you may want to consider duct sealing in Lake City.

Potential Signs of Leaky Ductwork

The following can indicate that there are existing problems with your ductwork:

  • Higher than normal energy bills without big changes with the in-or outdoor temperature
  • Rooms that are difficult to cool
  • Stuffy rooms that are uncomfortable
  • Visible kinks in ductwork

The Benefits of Duct Sealing

There are multiple benefits to sealing your ductwork:

  • Saves Energy

Sealing ducts increases your energy efficiency tremendously by reducing and/or eliminating air loss in your ductwork. This, in turn, reduces your energy bill, which can help you save money.

Leaky ductwork can allow multiple types of particles into your HVAC system, including allergens, dust and dirt. By sealing the ductwork, you can effectively reduce the amount of particles entering your system.

  • Better Comfort

Leaky air ducts can contribute to the creation of hot and cold spots throughout a home. Reinstating a healthy, consistent flow of air to your home can help eliminate uneven cooling.

  • Improved Safety

Gas appliances, such as dryers, water heaters and furnaces can release combustion gases through their vent work that can get drawn into your ductwork from a problem known as backdrafting. Sealing your ductwork can greatly reduce the risk of backdrafting in your air conditioner’s system.

  • Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Sealing faulty ducts helps your system become more energy efficient; when you use less energy, you reduce your carbon footprint.

Duct Sealing Is Not a DIY Project – Call a Professional

Duct sealing involves a lot: a full inspection of your entire ductwork system, testing of the supply and return vents, checking for backdrafting, and of course, the sealing and repair work. It’s a lot of skilled work, and it is better left to someone with the training to do it.

If you think your air conditioning system in Lake City could benefit from duct sealing, call Touchstone Heating and Air, Inc., today and schedule an appointment.

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What’s Involved in Duct Replacement?

Monday, July 7th, 2014

The ventilation system in your home needs to maintain an airtight seal along its length, from each individual vent to the air conditioner and heater. Leaky ducts need repairs the seal them, or else the air pressure in your ventilation will start to drop, leading to decreased comfort and an overworked HVAC system.

Sometimes, duct sealing and basic repairs are not enough… you need to have the damaged and aging ducts replaced. If the ducts received improper installation in the first place and are causing you to lose energy, you should also have them replaced with skilled, professional work. If your ductwork has reached the point where repairs will no longer do the job, call Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. in Lake Butler, FL for duct replacement to take handle the work.

What to expect during duct replacement

When technicians come to your house for duct replacement, they will perform a number of tests to determine the extent of the damage to the ventilation system so they can pinpoint which duct section require replacement. They will also gauge your HVAC system to determine which kinds of ducts will work best for replacement.

Selecting the ductwork material is an important part of replacing the ducts. There are three standard materials for ductwork in homes: sheet metal, flexible plastic, and ductboard. The installers will balance out space needs, insulation ability, and cost to make sure that you have the right replacement material.

The replacement job will proceed with removing the existing ducts and setting in the new material, often using a newly constructed wooden frame for support. The installers will seal the new duct to the older sections using mastic sealant or metallic tape. During the process, they will make sure that the new ducts run straight and without any kinks or sags that could cause inefficient performance.

Once the new duct(s) are in place, the technicians will run the HVAC system and perform tests along the new stretch to make sure there are no leaks or heat loss/gain from poor connections. Professional technicians won’t leave your home until they are certain that the new ventilation additions are helping, not hurting, your home’s efficiency.

Although you can locate DIY guides on-line for how to handle duct repairs and replacements, this job is too important for you to allow amateur work to jeopardize it.

Call the skilled team at Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. for duct replacement in Gainesville, FL. We will do the job fast and right the first time.

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How Clean Ducts Lead to Better Efficiency

Monday, April 21st, 2014

Your duct system helps transport conditioned air (both hot and cold) from your HVAC unit into the various rooms of your home. In the process, dust and dirt can build up inside your ducts, as can bacteria and other biological contaminants that flourish in our Florida humidity. This can lead to poor performance from your heating and air conditioning system over time. A good duct cleaning service can get rid of all that, and here in Lake City, FL, duct cleaning is offered by a number of reputable companies. More than just cleanliness and the lack of dust spreading throughout your home, clean ducts lead to better efficiency for your HVAC unit overall.

Why Duct Cleaning Means Higher Efficiency

Build-up in your ducts tends to have two specific effects that damage your system’s efficiency. Firstly, it blocks the flow of air through the system, forcing the HVAC unit to work harder to get the conditioned air into your home. Second, depending on the nature of the build-up, it can affect the temperature of the conditioned air, making it warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter. In both cases, it can have a detrimental effect on your central unit. The lowered efficiency means that it must work harder to do its job, raising your monthly energy bills and adding unnecessary strain on individual components. That, in turn, will increase the likelihood of a major breakdown taking place, as well as costing you more than you should be paying to operate your HVAC system.

Dirty ducts don’t simply spring up over time, and most can go for quite a while before requiring a cleaning. Because clean ducts lead to better efficiency, you should definitely plan for the operation to be performed by a company that knows what it’s doing. Here in Lake City, FL, duct cleaning services are offered by the trained professionals at Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. We have the personnel and the experience to perform the operation with courtesy and care, and our dedication to your satisfaction means that we’ll treat your home like our own.

Give the experts at Touchstone Heating and Air a call today to set up an appointment and let us help ensure that your system is as efficient as it can be!

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What Are UV Germicidal Lights and How Do They Work?

Monday, April 14th, 2014

UV germicidal lights sound like some complicated piece of equipment out of a mad scientist’s lab. In fact, they operate according to very simple principles and can do wonders for your home if properly installed. They improve the quality of your air inside your Gainesville, FL home, connected to your HVAC system and filtering out all manner of contaminants. What are UV germicidal lights and how do they work? A brief rundown follows.

UV stands for “ultraviolet,” a part of the light spectrum that we can’t see, but which has a profound effect on germs and bacteria. Exposure to UV light renders germs unable to replicate. The light basically acts as a sterilizer for your home without resorting to harmful chemicals. Air passes through the light, exposing any bacterial or other pathogens to it and effectively destroying them in the process. When attached to a centralized furnace or air conditioner, it can process a large percentage of the air in your home, improving the air quality immeasurably.

This is beneficial to all members of your household, but especially those who suffer from allergies or possess similar sensitivities. Here in Florida, allergens are everywhere, and the presence of mold and bacteria can pose an active health risk for certain individuals. UV germicidal lights form a strong line of defense against sickness and disease, as well as making your home a more comfortable place to live.

For more on UV germicidal lights and how they work, contact the experts at Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. We handle UV lights and other air purifiers in Gainesville, FL, and we can perform both installation and repair services with the professionalism and courtesy you expect. Give us a call today!

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How Electronic Air Purifiers Clean Your Air

Monday, April 7th, 2014

Your heating and cooling system does more than just condition the air. It can also help you maintain high levels of air quality in your home. Without that, you may experience increased levels of dust in the air, leading to irritated noses and throats, higher levels of dust on furniture and allergy attacks in sensitive family members. Most heating and air conditioning systems contain a replaceable filter which you can switch out for a fresh one when it becomes dirty. You can do more with an electronic air purifier however.

Here’s how electronic air purifiers clean your Starke, FL home’s air in ways that less advanced purifiers don’t:

Electronic air filters often contain a regular filter or “pre-filter” which traps large particles of dirt and dust. (In some cases, these are designed to work in conjunction with your existing filter). Smaller particles will often slip through, however, which is where the electronic section of the filter goes to work. Each particle is ionized with a positive electrical charge, then enters a collecting section which contains plates that are alternately charged positive and negative. That acts as a magnet, pulling the positively charged particles away from the positively charged plate and towards the negatively charged plate. That pulls contaminants out of the air, leaving clean air behind to enter your household.

Electronic air purifiers aren’t necessary in all households, but if you have pets or your track a lot of dust in – and particularly if you have anyone in your family who suffers from allergies – then it can make for a demonstrable improvement in air quality. For more on how electronic air purifiers clean your air, or to schedule installation, contact the experts at Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. We handle all kinds of home heating and cooling issues for residents of Starke, FL, air purifiers included. Give us a call today and let us show you what an electronic air purifier can do for you!

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The Benefits of Duct Cleaning

Monday, March 31st, 2014

Here in MacClenny, FL, duct cleaning services are highly recommended now that the winter is over and summer cooling season is on the way. Your ducts are an essential part of your central heating and cooling system, and duct cleaning is one of the best ways to ensure that they do their job. The benefits of duct cleaning can be subtle, but also something you’ll appreciate once they’re complete.

Ducts can build up dust and debris over time. Dust from your home and dust from outside can build up in your system, which creates all number of problems. In the worst cases, it can actively block the flow of air, forcing your HVAC system to work harder in order to do its job. Even if it doesn’t, the blown dust form inside the ducts can coat the interior of your HVAC system, increasing friction and making a serious breakdown more likely in the future. If you or a family member suffers from allergies, the dust can be even more significant, since the duct system will spread it throughout your home and lower the quality of your indoor air in the bargain.

Duct cleaning can help eliminate all of that. The technician uses mechanized hoses and powerful suction to pull out dirt, dust, mold and all kinds of other contaminants lurking in your system. Not only does all of that no longer circulate in your home, but it can’t make any additional problems for your HVAC system either.

Duct cleaning is one of the best things you can do for your home, and the experts at Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. are standing by to do it. We can discuss the benefits of duct cleaning with you, then perform the operation with courtesy and care. Pick up the phone and call us today to make an appointment. You’ll be glad you did!

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Contaminants that Air Filtration Can Remove

Thursday, March 20th, 2014

Here in Gainesville FL, air filtration systems are a common in many households. Good indoor air quality is as important to a home as comfortable humidity levels and steady temperatures, and sometimes an air filtration system is the only way to properly ensure that. Air filtration systems can range from simple filters to UV lights to whole-house systems designed to thoroughly clean the air moving through your home. Results vary, but all of them create cleaner air and fewer contaminants in your home.

Here’s a quick list of some contaminants that air filtration can remove.

  • Household dust. Household dust comes from mites, human skin cells and other debris that invariably develops in any household.
  • Pollen. Pollen is a huge concern in this part of the world, especially in the spring when allergies can rage. If you have someone in your household who suffers from allergies, an air filtration system is almost a necessity
  • Pet dander. Pets shed hair and dander as they go about their business, and over time that can build up in your house. The more pets you have, the larger the issue becomes
  • Outdoor contaminants. This includes dust and debris from outside the home which can be tracked in order enter through doors, windows and similar vents.
  • Mold and bacteria. Bacteria and other forms of biological contaminants can pose an active danger to your household. UV lighting makes an excellent safeguard against such contaminants
  • Cigarette smoke. If you or someone in your household smokes, the cigarette smoke can circulate throughout your house via the HVAC system. Certain types of air filters can capture the smoke particles and keep them out of the rest of the house.

Knowing the contaminants that air filtration can remove is the first step to understanding how an in-house system can help you. In Gainesville, FL air filtration systems can be installed by the experts at Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. We can help you decide on a system that works for you needs, then perform an installation with courtesy and care. Pick up the phone and give us a call today!

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The Differences Between Air Filters and Air Purifiers

Tuesday, February 25th, 2014

Air filtration can do a great deal to keep the spores and allergens of our humid climate in check, as well as making your Lake City, FL  home a more pleasant place to be in general. Air filters and air purifiers are both connected to your home HVAC system, and both concern themselves with the quality of your indoor air. Beyond their basic function, however, they’re very different pieces of equipment. Which one you use – and the reasons why – tie into the specific circumstances of your home. Here’s a brief rundown of the differences between air filters and air purifiers.

For starters, a certain type of air filter is a completely necessary part of your existing HVAC system. You could technically run it without them, but you certainly wouldn’t want to. Air passes through the filter when your system runs, trapping dust, dirt and other particles in the process. This helps keep the system clean and prevent dust from building up on its components. These air filters are designed to be replaced after a few months (though some of them are washable and can be reused after they are clean).  You can also add additional mechanical air filters to your HVAC system to improve your air quality. These come in different MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) ratings depending on the size of particles you want removed, and trap the particles as the air in your ducts passes through them.

Air purifiers, on the other hand, are a little different. These are usually electrically powered and are designed to collect particles differently. Instead of trapping dust and debris in the filter, they use a charged ionization chamber to give pollutants an electrical charge, then the particles accumulate on collector plates with the opposite charge. Purifiers are not a standard part of most HVAC systems, but they can be installed in most existing systems as a way of further purifying your air.

The two are basically different levels of treating the same problem. You’ll always need at least one air filter, but if you want to augment it with the installation of an air purifier, that’s up to you. For more on the differences between air filters and air purifiers, or to schedule an installation session, call upon Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. We operate in Lake City, FL, air filtration is a part of our service, and we’re dedicated to your complete satisfaction. Give us a call today!

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3 Upgrades That Can Improve Indoor Air Quality

Monday, February 17th, 2014

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, low indoor air quality is one of the major threats to health in the country today. Because modern homes are sealed to keep out heat in the summer and trap it during the winter, there is less proper ventilation of fresh outside air. Although it’s easy to open up the windows to allows in the air, that ceases to be an option when the weather becomes too warm or too cold.

There are upgrades to your home’s ventilation system that will help you improve your indoor air quality in Lake City, FL. Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. can assist you with finding which of these upgrades will benefit you.

3 upgrades we recommend for indoor air quality

  • UV germicidal lights: People do not like to consider the possibility of mold and other bacteria developing inside their ductwork. However, this is a frequent problem in humid Florida weather, and it needs to be dealt with because of the negative effects it can have on your air. The best way to safely remove microbacteria from your ventilation system without using sanitizers or sprays is with UV germicidal lights. The high-frequency rays from these fixtures destroy the cellular structure of bacteria and prevent them from returning—all without damaging your ducts or your air.
  • Air filters: Mechanical air filters, which trap contaminants in a dense bed of fibers, are a simple but very effective ways to keep your indoor air clean. The effectiveness of a filter is measured as MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value), with a higher number meaning greater efficiency at trapping contaminants. Air filters must be properly matched to an HVAC system; for this you should rely on professional installers.
  • Air purifiers: These devices go a step beyond the mechanical air filter and use electrical power to take an active approach to cleaning the air. These purifiers ionize particles in the air and attract them to collector plates. This method allows the air purifier to trap particles far smaller than what a standard mechanical filter can.

Find out what indoor air quality upgrades you need

Not every home needs the same air quality issues addressed, and any upgrades will need to be matched to your HVAC system. You should contact indoor air quality specialists to help you find the solutions you need to improve the air you breathe in your home every day.

Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. is serious about helping you have better indoor air quality in Lake City, FL. We can install a variety of filters and purifiers, as well as UV germicidal lights. Contact us today to find out what we can do to help your home health and comfort.

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