Reduce Indoor Pollutants

Ways to reduce the allergens in your home

For some, allergies can affect us all year long. Millions of people each year suffer from allergies during the spring and summer, but continue through the fall and winter months as we are cooped up indoors. Here are some tips to reduce the amount of allergens in your home so that you and your family will be on their way to easy breathing.

First of all allergens enter your home through your HVAC unit. The ragweed, pollen, grass particles, pet dander and other allergens get into your home and settle on all of your items. This makes it much more difficult to breathe comfortably in your own home. The key to minimize your suffering is proper HVAC maintenance.

Filters

The air filter you choose is the first step to breathing easy in your home. Choose a filter that has an MERV rating of eight or higher to maximize the collection of the harmful particles and reduce your indoor allergens. During high allergy season you should check your filters every month and replace them as often as necessary.  Dirty filters not only increase the allergens and particles in your home but reduce airflow and cause your HVAC system to run inefficiently. 

Dust and debris

Make sure your outdoor unit is not blocked by allergy producing debris such as leaves, plants or brush.  Also check indoors. You should vacuum and dust away the area around the indoor unit to prevent the allergens from continuing to cycle through your home.

Mold

Mold is a common allergen.  It is unhealthy to breathe and it can cause allergies.  Mold is not only bad for allergy sufferers but it can make anyone sick. Make sure your condensate is not overflowing and that your air ducts don't have any mold. When it starts to get humid out, you should regularly check for mold around your inside and outside HVAC components.

Dust

Many people are allergic to dust which is present every day of the year. The best way to tackle dust is to clean all of the registers and return vents and then all of the surfaces in your home. It's best to use a damp cloth's because it will trap the dust rather than pushing it around.  Don’t let dust build up, clean your home regularly if you want to lessen allergens.

If you suffer from severe allergies any time during the year, you need to start with taking care of your HVAC system. Follow these tips and you will be breathing easy this year.  For all of your HVAC needs call the experts at Air Expo NJ. 

Call Us:  973-283-0300

Do you Need AC Repair?

Is your AC broken? or Can you DIY?

Temperature feels a little warm inside, and you begin to panic- you immediately think your HVAC is broken. When your AC stops working you may impulsively rush to the phone to call for ac repair. In the hot summer weather we don't want to be without our central AC for too long. However there are a few things that you should check that you may be able to fix yourself before you call for service. Check these things before you call for service:

Condenser

Your condenser is most likely outside. This area could become blocked and this would restrict airflow to your unit. You could also have a malfunction if the condenser is very dirty. You need to carefully remove any obstacles or hose off the unit to wash the dirt away to clean the condenser.

Filter

A clean filter is vital to your AC functioning properly. If you haven't changed it in a while then you will likely have limited airflow. If your filter is full of dust and debris you should change it and your AC could be back to normal in no time.

Breaker

Locate your breaker box and see if the breaker has been tripped and for some reason. If the breaker has shut off then simply switch the flip back on and you should be good to go.

Thermostat

Your thermostat controls the temperature in your home. Check to make sure that the temperature isn't turned too high causing the AC not to turn on. Try lowering the temperature a few degrees. Also your thermostat could require a battery change.

Before you call for service on your AC you should check the above for items first. If you are still having issues then call the experts at Air Expo for quality ac repair. We service Northern Jersey 24/7 for residential and commercial AC repair.

 (973) 283-0300

1212 NJ-23 Butler NJ 07405

Do You Have Locking Refrigerant Caps?

Why are locking refrigerant caps important?

As a homeowner you take safety precautions daily.  You don't run your dryer while you're away from the house, do have fire alarms and Carbon monoxide detectors and you keep your doors locked at night. However there is another issue that you should pay attention to. Your HVAC unit could be a potential health hazard. Did you know that the refrigerant or coolant material in your unit could be siphoned out by those wanting to partake in “huffing” of this harmful chemical?  There is only one way to prevent your unit from being abused and that is by having locking refrigerant caps installed.

What is refrigerant?

Refrigerant is it harmful substance that can cause death without warning if ingested. It is considered a poison and only licensed individuals are legally authorized to handle it. Unfortunately it is getting into the wrong hands and children and adults alike are huffing this harmful gas as a quick drug fix.

How can I prevent theft of my refrigerant?

The simplest and cheapest way to prevent your refrigerant from being stolen and to potentially cause harm or even death, is to install locking refrigerant caps. These caps are placed over the ports to the refrigerant on your exterior HVAC unit and can only be accessed with special equipment, making it difficult for anyone else to gain access.  In 2009 it has become a law in many areas to have refrigerant caps and no home will pass inspection without them.  

Go outside right now and check your unit to see if there are brightly colored red, green or silver caps on the refrigerant valves.   If your unit is without these locking caps, call Air Expo today to have them installed immediately. You will be doing yourself a huge favor as well as keeping refrigerant out of the wrong hands.  

Call 973-283-0300 or visit our website at www.AirExpoNJ.com

Improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

You may think of air pollution as something that occurs outside rather than inside your home – vehicular exhaust, garbage sites, smog or industrial fumes. However, the truth is that your home can be more polluted than the air outside. You may have poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in your home and not even realize it.  If you have poor IAQ, you and members of your family could be suffering from health problems.  Here are five ways you can improve your home’s IAQ.

Change filters

A simple and cheap way to increase IAQ is to change the air filter.  Old, dirty air filters allow lots of allergens and dirt which can cause a wide range of problems including colds, headaches, and breathing problems into your home. Aside from causing negative effects on your body, dirty filters may cause the air conditioner greatly effect the efficiency of the unit.  Be sure to regularly change your filter, it’s a simple and economical way to keep your family breathing clean air.

Controlling humidity levels

Indoor humidity levels must be maintained between 45% and 55%. One way to achieve these levels is to purchase a dehumidifier. You can’t manage something you can’t measure.  A humidifier will reduce the amount of humidity in your air and lead to better breathing.  Having a dehumidifier in especially damp areas such as the basement is an inexpensive way of improving IAQ.
Proper ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential in reducing cooking odors, smoke, indoor pollutants, and moisture. Adequate ventilation in the basement, attic, and crawl space is necessary to improve indoor air quality and keep moisture from plaguing your home.  Be sure your return vents are fee of dust build up and are not blocked by furniture.   In the bathroom, laundry area and the kitchen install exhaust vent fans.

Avoid smoking inside the home

Smoke from cigarettes contains over 4000 different chemicals at high concentration, most of which are toxic. Second-hand cigarette smoke has similar effects to smoking. The best option is to stop smoking completely. Since quitting can be difficult, it would help to smoke outside. If you have friends who smoke, simply ask them to step outside if you truly care about indoor air quality at your home.

Photocatalytic air purifiers

Photocatalytic air purifiers use a method known as photocatalysis to zap all the harmful air pollutants and transform them to safe substances. This light powered purifier is effective for all types of people including those with asthma and allergies. Photocatalytic air purifiers work effectively to improve your home’s IAQ. Your professional HVAC contractor can help you with the proper unit, placement and installation of a photocatalytic air purifier.

IAQ is important to the health of you and your family.  When you implement the methods mentioned above your home’s IAQ will increase leading to a healthier home.    Contact the professionals at Air Expo NJ today to help you asses and improve your home’s indoor air quality.