Touchstone Heating & Air Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Indoor Air Quality’

What Kinds of Contaminants May Be Living in the Ducts?

Thursday, January 8th, 2015

No one really wants to think about the “things” living in the cool, dark places of their home, but it may surprise you just how many contaminants can be in your home’s ductwork. Any type of contamination in your home is reason for concern, but the contamination in your ductwork can be blown directly into your living spaces, giving these contaminants direct access to you. Understanding what types of contaminants can live and thrive in your ductwork can help you prevent them from taking up residence in your home and improve your overall indoor air quality in Gainesville.

Types of Contaminants

Here are some of the more common contaminants you can find inside ductwork:

  • Mold and mildew – mold and mildew need only a little bit of moisture in a cool, dark place to grow and thrive, making your ductwork a top residential area for them. Faulty ductwork can be especially prone to mold and mildew growth as the holes and cracks offer ample, excess moisture to keep the growth thriving.
  • Dirt and dust – this is probably one of the more expected contaminants, but don’t underestimate what dirt and dust build-up in your ductwork can do to your HVAC system.
  • Vermin – mice, squirrels, raccoons and other vermin love the protection and warmth of ductwork, so if they can get to it, they will – and they don’t come alone. Additionally, they’ll use the nest as both a bathroom and kitchen, so you can wind up with animal feces and food residue in your ductwork.
  • Insects – there are few kinds of insects that enjoy the protection of a ductwork system, but none so much as cockroaches. Cockroaches tend to be more pervasive in urban areas, but they will seek shelter from the cold during the winter months no matter where they are. Some people have severe allergies to cockroaches which can contribute to allergy discomfort and even asthma triggers, so it’s important to make sure they don’t create a community in your ductwork.

The “ick” factor of ductwork contaminants can be pretty high, but with a thorough duct cleaning, you can substantially reduce the contaminants in your ductwork and improve the indoor air quality of your Gainesville home.

Think your ducts need cleaning? Call Touchstone Heating and Air Inc., today and schedule an appointment with one of our experts.

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Reasons To Be Concerned About Increasing Your Indoor Air Quality

Monday, September 8th, 2014

Most people equate temperature with comfort levels, particularly indoors, but there are other things to consider when it comes to your indoor air; one of these things is your indoor air quality. Indoor air can carry 2-5 times more contaminants than the outside air, making it possible for your indoor air to be less healthy than the outdoor air.

If you are concerned about your indoor air quality in Lake City, Touchstone Heating and Air, Inc., has a number of products and services that can help you and your family. Call today!

What Are the Symptoms of Poor Indoor Air Quality?

Here is a general overview of symptoms caused by poor indoor air quality:

Common Symptoms:

  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Itch, watery eyes
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches

More Serious Symptoms:

  • Nose bleeds
  • Constant nose congestion
  • Wheezing
  • Allergic reactions
  • Respiratory attacks (asthma)
  • Rashes
  • Muscle pain (myalgia)

Products and Services That Can Improve Indoor Air Quality

There are a number of whole-home products and duct services that can help increase your indoor air quality:

Products

  • Mechanical air filters – mechanical air cleaners are framed filters in which filter media captures and retains particles in your indoor air. These filters typically fit into your indoor unit (though not always), and need to be changed every 3 months in order to stay effective.
  • Electronic air cleaners – electronic air cleaners use electricity to charge, trap and remove particles. There are two types of electronic air cleaners – ion generators and electronic precipitators – and while they are similar, they do work in slightly different ways.
  • UV germicidal lights – UV lights are used to destroy and eradicate biological contaminants. They do this by radiating cells with UV-C light.

Services

  • Duct cleaning – professionally cleaning your air ducts removes dust and dirt build-up, and growths such as mold and mildew, from your system. A professional duct cleaning can significantly reduce the amount of airborne particles in your living spaces.
  • Duct sealing – faulty ductwork not only loses air through holes and cracks, it lets in pollutants, including particles and fumes, which can reduce your indoor air quality. Sealing these ducts can eliminate this problem.
  • Duct repair/replacement – sometimes ductwork is so damaged and/or worn that it requires replacement. New ductwork is clean and free of wear and tear that can compromise air quality.

Touchstone Heating and Air, Inc., has the products, services and professional specialists you need to help improve your indoor air quality in Lake City. Call us today and schedule an appointment.

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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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Check Out Our Blog for the Latest in HVAC Technology

Friday, March 8th, 2013

Be sure to bookmark the Touchstone Heating and Air blog for updates on the latest advances in HVAC technology.

We’ll feature money saving promotions here as well.

Call Touchstone Heating and Air for all your Air Conditioning, Heating, Indoor Air Quality, and Light Commercial HVAC needs.

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