Did you know that indoor air is commonly two to five times more contaminated than outdoor air, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)? Homeowners and builders are continually making smart energy efficiency improvements that “tighten” their home’s building envelope and decrease air leaks (air “infiltration”).
Steps for cleaner air and ample ventilation in your home
1. Prevent Mold and Moisture
Mold can trigger allergic reactions, aggravate asthma symptoms, and even sometimes produce toxins. Regardless of whether someone is allergic to mold, it can irritate the eyes, nose, skin, throat and lungs.
Moisture is the most important factor promoting mold growth – wet surfaces can start growing mold in a mere 24 to 48 hours. Look for mold around leaky plumbing fixtures, your foundation, and windows. Also beware of leaks from the roof, humidifiers, and sprinkler systems.
To address mold growth, stop the source of moisture from entering your home, clean up the mold if possible and replace items that can’t be adequately cleaned, such as carpeting, furniture, and ceiling tiles. For severe water damage and mold growth, consult an expert.
2. Install a Whole House-Ventilation System
Air is like bread—it shouldn’t be stale. Good thing our innovative ventilators are designed to remove stale air from your home, while keeping valuable energy from escaping.
Not only do all of our ventilators work quietly and efficiently to bring fresh air into your home all year long, they pre-condition the incoming air to better match the inside air temperature. Knowing the product that’s right for you is as easy as knowing your address. WE CAN HELP.
For instance, our energy recovery ventilators are made for climates with warm, humid summers. They’ll bring fresh air into your home and remove humidity before it enters your ducts to keep you comfortable and your cooling system from having to work harder.
3. Use Low-Emission Products
Many of the products and goods that we use in our homes release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some of which are known or suspected carcinogens. To reduce your exposure to formaldehyde and other VOCs, be aware of the products you bring into your home.
Unwrap and allow new furniture and carpeting to air out in a garage for a few days before bringing it inside your home. Use solid wood products and furniture when possible to avoid formaldehyde in particleboard and plywood, or ensure that pressed wood products are sealed on each side.
Use no- or low-VOC finishes and adhesives, and boost ventilation during painting projects. Potentially hazardous products typically have warning labels stating to use them in a well-ventilated area. When possible, find safer alternatives or use products outdoors, and allow your projects to dry before bringing them indoors.
Make YOUR air quality the best YOU can!
What is that Mysterious Smell when I turn on my Furnace?
/in HVAC System Information /by Built CreativeCommon Causes of Smell
Dust – This is minor. Dust collects on the filter when it’s not used. It should burn off in no time!
Musty – This is minor. Mold can cause a smell – just change or wash the filter.
Oil – This could be minor or major. If the filter is clogged, simply change it – this is minor. If the smell continues, there could be an oil leak. This is major. Have this checked immediately.
Smoke – This is major and needs to be addressed immediately. Even a chimney could be blocked and the smoke will begin to exit through the ductwork. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional.
Electrical – This is a major red flag. You could have a burned out motor, malfunctioning electrical parts or frayed wiring. Have this inspected as soon as possible.
Sulfur – This is major and caused by a leak in your furnace or your main line. This could lead to an explosion. Have this checked immediately.
Remember, minor issues can be resolved quickly, but major issues should be checked immediately to ensure safety and to ago.
How SAFE is your Indoor Air Quality?
/in Indoor Air Quality /by Built CreativeSteps for cleaner air and ample ventilation in your home
1. Prevent Mold and Moisture
Mold can trigger allergic reactions, aggravate asthma symptoms, and even sometimes produce toxins. Regardless of whether someone is allergic to mold, it can irritate the eyes, nose, skin, throat and lungs.
Moisture is the most important factor promoting mold growth – wet surfaces can start growing mold in a mere 24 to 48 hours. Look for mold around leaky plumbing fixtures, your foundation, and windows. Also beware of leaks from the roof, humidifiers, and sprinkler systems.
To address mold growth, stop the source of moisture from entering your home, clean up the mold if possible and replace items that can’t be adequately cleaned, such as carpeting, furniture, and ceiling tiles. For severe water damage and mold growth, consult an expert.
2. Install a Whole House-Ventilation System
Air is like bread—it shouldn’t be stale. Good thing our innovative ventilators are designed to remove stale air from your home, while keeping valuable energy from escaping.
Not only do all of our ventilators work quietly and efficiently to bring fresh air into your home all year long, they pre-condition the incoming air to better match the inside air temperature. Knowing the product that’s right for you is as easy as knowing your address. WE CAN HELP.
For instance, our energy recovery ventilators are made for climates with warm, humid summers. They’ll bring fresh air into your home and remove humidity before it enters your ducts to keep you comfortable and your cooling system from having to work harder.
3. Use Low-Emission Products
Many of the products and goods that we use in our homes release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some of which are known or suspected carcinogens. To reduce your exposure to formaldehyde and other VOCs, be aware of the products you bring into your home.
Unwrap and allow new furniture and carpeting to air out in a garage for a few days before bringing it inside your home. Use solid wood products and furniture when possible to avoid formaldehyde in particleboard and plywood, or ensure that pressed wood products are sealed on each side.
Use no- or low-VOC finishes and adhesives, and boost ventilation during painting projects. Potentially hazardous products typically have warning labels stating to use them in a well-ventilated area. When possible, find safer alternatives or use products outdoors, and allow your projects to dry before bringing them indoors.
Make YOUR air quality the best YOU can!
DIY Energy Tips
/in DIY Tips /by Built CreativeApex Heating and Air Conditioning receives 2015 Best Businesses of Apex Award
/in News /by Built CreativeEach year, the Best Businesses of Apex Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. Exceptional companies like Apex Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. help make the Apex area a great place to live, work and play.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2015 Best Businesses of Apex Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Best Businesses of Apex Award Program and data provided by third parties.
About the Best Businesses of Apex Award Program
The Best Businesses of Apex Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Apex area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.
The Best Businesses of Apex Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.
Source: Best Businesses of Apex Award Program
Contact: Best Businesses of Apex Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@BestBusinesses.biz
URL: http://www.BestBusinesses.biz