You may not realize it, but the air inside your home can be dirty and hazardous to your health. In fact, indoor air can be even more polluted than the air outdoors.
In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence indicates the air we breathe in our homes and other buildings can be more polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. In fact, a 2012 study proved that indoor air pollution was linked to 4.3 million deaths globally, compared with only 3.7 million for outdoor air pollution.
Most of us spend approximately 90% of our time indoors. And, those most susceptible to indoor air pollution are those who are home the most: Children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses such as respiratory or cardiovascular disease. Children breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults do, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies found pollutant levels indoors can be two to five times higher than levels found outdoors and, in some instances, even 100 times higher than outdoors.
Thankfully, indoor air pollution is a risk you can do something about. Apex Heating and Air Conditioning can manage your indoor air quality with a purifier to maintain the health and wellbeing of your family. Keep reading for all the details.
What Indoor Air Pollution Does to Your Body
Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, unfortunately, many years later.
A few of the immediate effects of exposure to air pollutants (or repeated exposures) include: Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. These issues usually last only a short while and are easily treatable. Often, the best treatment is to simply eliminate the source of the pollution if it can be identified. If you suffer from asthma, some indoor pollutants can bring on sudden attacks or make an episode worse than normal.
Some reactions to pollutants are so similar to symptoms experienced with a cold or other viral disease it becomes hard to figure out if the problem is actually the air inside the home. If your symptoms fade or go away when you’re away from your home, do your best to identify indoor air sources that may be possible causes.
Other health effects may show up years after exposure has occurred or only after long or repeated periods of exposure. These effects, which include some respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer, can be severely debilitating or fatal. As you can see, protecting the quality of the air in your home can literally save your life.
What Causes Indoor Air Pollution?
Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems in homes. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air pollutants out of the home. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants.
Indoor air pollution in any home can come from many sources, including combustion sources such as oil, gas, kerosene, coal, wood, and tobacco products; building materials and furnishings like asbestos-containing insulation, wet or damp carpet, and furniture made of certain pressed wood products; products for household cleaning and maintenance; and outdoor sources such as radon, pesticides, and outdoor air pollution.
You’re not helpless when it comes to dirty air, though. Ryan Allen, an environmental health scientist at Simon Fraser University, has shown that using commercially purchased air filters in your home can significantly improve several measures of health, including levels of inflammation and blood vessel function. In one 2011 study, his team found that those using a filter have nearly 30% lower levels of C-reactive protein, which is linked to inflammation, than those who did not.
Apex Heating and Air Conditioning Has the Solution
Home comfort is more than just temperature—it’s also about maintaining good indoor air quality. Carrier’s Infinity™ air purifier is a premier air cleaning and purification solution with patented Captures & Kills™ technology, providing the highest tested germicidal effectiveness with a 99% inactivation rate against selected viruses, bacteria, and fungi. At MERV 15, it achieves the highest air cleaning efficiency of any Carrier model. This replaceable filter can provide several months of filtration.
The filter can both capture and kill airborne viruses, bacteria, mold spores, and allergens by combining superior filtration efficiency MERV 15 with pathogen-killing technology to deliver maximum air purification. It requires no cleaning and maintenance is as simple as a quick replacement of the special media cartridge.
Schedule a quote today to see how Apex Heating and Air Conditioning can improve the quality of the air in your home! Call (919) 467-8823 or use our contact form.
About Apex Heating and Air Conditioning: Founded in 1969, Apex Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. provides complete sales and service of heating and cooling products. As a Factory Authorized Carrier® Dealer, the company is proud to offer top-notch customer service and expertise. Whether you’re in need of routine service for your HVAC system, or you require installation of a new heating or cooling system, the knowledgeable staff will work with you to ensure you’re given the information you need to make the best decision for your family or business.
(Sources: American Lung Association; U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission; Environmental Protection Agency; North Carolina Health and Human Services; National Safety Council; Science Daily; Simon Fraser University; and Newsweek.)
Cool Cash Rebates up to $1250
/in HVAC, HVAC Installation, Rebates and Limited Time Offers /by Built CreativeNow is the time to upgrade to energy efficient equipment from Apex Heating and Air, save on energy costs and get some COOL CASH! Save up to $1,250 in Cool Cash rebates. Purchase a qualifying heating or cooling product from Apex Heating and Air for a limited time to get in on the savings. Promotion dates: 8/27/2018 – 11/15/2018. You may even qualify for special financing options.
Contact Apex Heating and Air for details!
Commercial HVAC Maintenance Contracts save you money and headaches
/in Indoor Air Quality, Maintenance Contract /by Built CreativeHaving an HVAC system that works well and is efficient is the key to maintaining a great office space. Not only will it keep your employees happy, cool in the summer and warm in the winter, but it will save you money in the long run. We’ve outlined some benefits of starting a maintenance contract with Apex Heating and Air Conditioning. If you have any questions, contact us at (919) 467-8823 or visit our website at http://apexheatingandair.com
A Yearly Preventive Maintenance Contract from Apex Heating and Air will help ensure your system is operating at peak performance, minimize costly emergency repairs, and can extend the life of your equipment. The lifespan of an average unit without maintenance is 10-12 years, but with annual maintenance, can be as much as 15 to 20 years! We have a variety of special offers to get you started. For your first year on a maintenance contract you and your business can receive:
We schedule two services a year, one in the fall after the summer heat has subsided and another in the spring when it begins to turn warm again. It helps us monitor your system as well as maintain your building’s air quality. Contact us to schedule your free preventive maintenance quote or for additional information!
Proper HVAC equipment maintenance is also essential to ensuring that your office is protected from exposure to issues of poor indoor air quality and to ensure safety and comfort. Though system life is determined by a large number of factors including type of installation, climate, quality of the original system, among many others, don’t throw away thousands of dollars on premature system replacement, when a maintenance contract with Apex Heating and Air can save you the time, money and effort!
Discover issues before they become a problem by calling Apex Heating and Air Conditioning today at (919) 467-8823 to schedule a checkup, or signup for our annual maintenance contract.
Apex Heating and Air – Don’t break the bank with your home AC bill this summer
/in Air Conditioner, DIY Tips, Energy Savings, HVAC, Summer Heat /by Built CreativeHave your summer cooling costs been creeping up despite keeping a consistent temperature on your thermostat? Sometimes the fixes are simpler than an AC unit in need of maintenance. Try these ideas first and then call Apex Heating and Air to handle the rest.
A huge factor in a warm house and an overworked AC unit is the amount of sunlight seeping through your windows. Luckily this is an easy fix. Adding window treatments that can be closed during the hottest parts of the day help trap the cool air inside and keep the warm air out. This can also be done with ‘solar screens’ or mesh window screens that prevent the UV energy from entering your home. It packs a double punch by keeping your home cool and preventing floors and furniture from fading in the sun. Another option is to create more shade around your home by planting trees and shrubs. Similar to the screens and window treatments, trees and shrubs prevent sunlight from entering your home. They also create shady space outside for more comfortable outdoor living.
A programmable thermostat is another great way to save on heating and cooling. Being able to program the temperature of your home to a higher temperature when no one is home can save you tons of money. This ensures your house is only being cooled for the times that people are in it. There is no sense in cooling an empty house! Most programmable thermostats come with detailed installation instructions, but if you need help with installation, Apex Heating and Air is just a phone call or email away!
The best way to save on home heating and cooling is to have an energy audit done. This evaluates how efficient your home is in its energy use. Everything from age and efficiency of your AC unit, to air leakage from windows will be evaluated. A home audit really does ensure that you’re not ‘cooling the neighborhood’ along with your home. Apex Heating and Air can perform a home energy audit for you, as well as maintain or install new AC units to make sure your home is as efficient as possible — saving you money in the long run!
Discover issues before they become a problem by calling Apex Heating and Air Conditioning today at (919) 467-8823 to schedule a checkup, or signup for our annual maintenance contract.
How to Avoid a Shocking Electric Bill
/in Air Conditioner, Energy Savings, HVAC, HVAC System Information, Maintenance Contract, Summer Heat /by Built CreativeHow to Avoid a Shocking Electric Bill
Imagine opening your monthly utility bill and seeing you owe over $900 dollars for one 30-day period. Though it sounds impossible, this actually happened, and it could happen to you if your air conditioning unit runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In this real-world example, the homeowner’s system was both heating and cooling the house at the same time. It seems odd, but no one in the family felt heat coming out of the vents because the heat was mixed with the cool air from the air conditioner and they “cancelled” each other out…all the while using a crazy amount of energy fighting each other.
Fortunately, this issue was resolved, but the electricity provider wouldn’t take pity on the homeowner. He coughed up the outrageous bill and learned a valuable lesson in the process: Homeowners should pay close attention to HVAC systems and be on the lookout for changes in how the unit is functioning.
A unit can run non-stop for a number of reasons, but it most likely indicates a problem with the system or some other issue in the home that needs correction. Here are a few of the common culprits:
HVAC Unit Size and “Fit”
A properly sized, energy-efficient central air conditioning system will run fairly continuously in the summer to maintain a constant, desired temperature in your home. If the unit is too small it has to work harder to cool your home. Over time, this increases the wear and tear on the unit and will shorten its life. In addition, this undersized system will never be able to cool your home to your satisfaction and breakdowns will be common. If the unit is too large it can’t effectively remove moisture from the air which results in an output of moist, clammy air. The system will also use excessive amounts of electricity leading to higher utility bills.
It’s important to note that the size of your ductwork should be proportional to the size of the air conditioning unit. If ducts are the wrong size, they may not be able to handle the airflow or distribute cool air efficiently to all parts of the home.
How Old is the Filter?
Do you know when you last changed the air filters in your home? If it’s been awhile, those filters are restricting air flow. Poor air flow cuts down on the amount of cool air the unit can produce, which in turn, forces the air conditioner to run more through the day.
A dirty filter forces the system to work harder which can lead to overheating. Without enough air flowing over the coils, the system is unable to remove humidity and cool the air to the set temperature. All the unit can do is keep running when it shouldn’t. Be sure to clean or replace filters once a month or as recommended by the manufacturer for best performance.
Parts Don’t Last Forever
Failing parts on a — like motors, capacitors, and the compressor — can result in a high electric bill. The reduction in production from a failing part will cause your system to be less efficient.
For example, if there’s a failing condenser motor on the unit’s condenser and it’s trying to cool the home, the motor won’t be able to remove heat from the home very well. The struggling motor and a thermostat that’s never satisfied will cause the motor to run longer and contribute to an outrageous electric bill. This process can continue until the motor fails and the unit breaks down.
Faulty Thermostat
If a system seems to never shut off, there could be an issue with the thermostat. Maybe the home has reached the correct temperature, but the thermostat is not registering the correct indoor conditions. In this case, the unit will continue running. You can check the thermostat by placing another thermometer near the location of the thermostat. After an hour or two, check the reading. If it’s at or near the desired temperature, there may be a problem with your thermostat.
To see if the thermostat is the problem, try setting it at least 5 degrees higher or lower than the normal setting. If it’s working properly, the unit should turn on immediately. Also check that the thermostat is correctly set to “heat” or “cool.” The main circuit breaker should also be in the “on” position.
Maintenance Needed
We can’t emphasize enough how important it is for air conditioning units to receive regular maintenance for proper operation. Ideally, maintenance should happen twice a year, in the spring before the warm weather hits and in the early fall after things have cooled off and it’s no longer in use. If the system isn’t clean—including ducts, coils, and the air filter—it will likely encounter airflow problems and inefficient cycling.
Apex Heating and Air Conditioning’s technicians can check to make sure everything is clean and functioning properly. Regular maintenance of the unit will not only help ensure it’s in good working order, but it will also extend the life of the system.
Bring in the New
Air conditioners have a life span. Even if the unit’s been properly maintained, it will eventually wear out. At this point, it’s best to consider replacing the old, inefficient unit with a new and more energy efficient model.
It’s best to address issues before they become problems. When you notice a change in the quality of air in your home, or the fan running more than usual, or even a faulty reading on your thermostat, it’s best to call us at Apex Heating and Air Conditioning and let us complete a proper inspection of the air conditioning system. You’ll feel more confident knowing trained professionals have addressed and corrected the problem—and saved you from the potential shock of a $900 utility bill.
Discover issues before they become a problem by calling Apex Heating and Air Conditioning today at (919) 467-8823 to schedule a checkup, or signup for our annual maintenance contract.
(Sources: Energy Vanguard; Direct Energy; EnergyStar; Repair Clinic; and Angie’s List.)
Is the Air in Your Home Threatening Your Health?
/in Indoor Air Quality /by Built CreativeYou may not realize it, but the air inside your home can be dirty and hazardous to your health. In fact, indoor air can be even more polluted than the air outdoors.
In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence indicates the air we breathe in our homes and other buildings can be more polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. In fact, a 2012 study proved that indoor air pollution was linked to 4.3 million deaths globally, compared with only 3.7 million for outdoor air pollution.
Most of us spend approximately 90% of our time indoors. And, those most susceptible to indoor air pollution are those who are home the most: Children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses such as respiratory or cardiovascular disease. Children breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults do, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies found pollutant levels indoors can be two to five times higher than levels found outdoors and, in some instances, even 100 times higher than outdoors.
Thankfully, indoor air pollution is a risk you can do something about. Apex Heating and Air Conditioning can manage your indoor air quality with a purifier to maintain the health and wellbeing of your family. Keep reading for all the details.
What Indoor Air Pollution Does to Your Body
Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, unfortunately, many years later.
A few of the immediate effects of exposure to air pollutants (or repeated exposures) include: Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. These issues usually last only a short while and are easily treatable. Often, the best treatment is to simply eliminate the source of the pollution if it can be identified. If you suffer from asthma, some indoor pollutants can bring on sudden attacks or make an episode worse than normal.
Some reactions to pollutants are so similar to symptoms experienced with a cold or other viral disease it becomes hard to figure out if the problem is actually the air inside the home. If your symptoms fade or go away when you’re away from your home, do your best to identify indoor air sources that may be possible causes.
Other health effects may show up years after exposure has occurred or only after long or repeated periods of exposure. These effects, which include some respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer, can be severely debilitating or fatal. As you can see, protecting the quality of the air in your home can literally save your life.
What Causes Indoor Air Pollution?
Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems in homes. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air pollutants out of the home. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants.
Indoor air pollution in any home can come from many sources, including combustion sources such as oil, gas, kerosene, coal, wood, and tobacco products; building materials and furnishings like asbestos-containing insulation, wet or damp carpet, and furniture made of certain pressed wood products; products for household cleaning and maintenance; and outdoor sources such as radon, pesticides, and outdoor air pollution.
You’re not helpless when it comes to dirty air, though. Ryan Allen, an environmental health scientist at Simon Fraser University, has shown that using commercially purchased air filters in your home can significantly improve several measures of health, including levels of inflammation and blood vessel function. In one 2011 study, his team found that those using a filter have nearly 30% lower levels of C-reactive protein, which is linked to inflammation, than those who did not.
Apex Heating and Air Conditioning Has the Solution
Home comfort is more than just temperature—it’s also about maintaining good indoor air quality. Carrier’s Infinity™ air purifier is a premier air cleaning and purification solution with patented Captures & Kills™ technology, providing the highest tested germicidal effectiveness with a 99% inactivation rate against selected viruses, bacteria, and fungi. At MERV 15, it achieves the highest air cleaning efficiency of any Carrier model. This replaceable filter can provide several months of filtration.
The filter can both capture and kill airborne viruses, bacteria, mold spores, and allergens by combining superior filtration efficiency MERV 15 with pathogen-killing technology to deliver maximum air purification. It requires no cleaning and maintenance is as simple as a quick replacement of the special media cartridge.
Schedule a quote today to see how Apex Heating and Air Conditioning can improve the quality of the air in your home! Call (919) 467-8823 or use our contact form.
About Apex Heating and Air Conditioning: Founded in 1969, Apex Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. provides complete sales and service of heating and cooling products. As a Factory Authorized Carrier® Dealer, the company is proud to offer top-notch customer service and expertise. Whether you’re in need of routine service for your HVAC system, or you require installation of a new heating or cooling system, the knowledgeable staff will work with you to ensure you’re given the information you need to make the best decision for your family or business.
(Sources: American Lung Association; U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission; Environmental Protection Agency; North Carolina Health and Human Services; National Safety Council; Science Daily; Simon Fraser University; and Newsweek.)