Plants: The Solution to Indoor Air Pollution

The Problem

 

According to The National Center for Biotechnology Information, the average person spends 90% of their time indoors. And that means you need to make sure that you are living in a healthy breathing environment to prevent illness and indoor air pollution. To begin detoxifying your air, it’s best to start by giving each room in your house proper ventilation. Poor ventilation can create bad air conditions and eventually make you sick with a disease called  "sick building syndrome," which can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and eye, ear, and nose irritation, as stated by greatist.com. Upholstery or coverings, furniture, and manufactured cleaning products could be contaminating your air and releasing toxic compounds. After those products release air pollution, the toxic compounds stay in the air if the area is poorly ventilated. 

 

The Solution 

 

Indoor air pollutants come from common household objects and poor ventilation. These pollutants are a risk to the environment and your overall personal health. Luckily, according to NASA, indoor plants have become the solution. The National Center for Biotechnology Information calls indoor plants, “nature’s life support system.” The basic plant photosynthesis process removes toxins from air and soil, along with carbon dioxide, like they do outside. So, it makes sense that healthy air starts with plants. 

Plants That are Easy to Manage

 

Here’s a list created by greatist.com on the best indoor plants that are easy to take care of and will help remove toxic compounds from the air:

 

1. Garden Mum
2. Spider Plant
3. Dracaena 
4. Ficus/Weeping Fig
5. Peace Lily
6. Boston Fern
7. Snake Plant
8. Bamboo Palm
9. Aloe Vera 

 

With these plants you can easily make your living environment have a healthier breathing atmosphere for your lungs. An easy solution of having indoor plants can prevent long term problems that could result in chronic diseases like asthma. 

 

Wheeler’s Heating and Air Conditioning is all about the air being released into your home and we want to make sure you are living in a healthy, safe, environment. With our wide range of air quality products, we can help fight indoor air pollution in your home today! Along with air quality control, we provide other services such as installation of new air conditioner and furnaces. We can repair electric heat, gas furnaces, and air to air heat pumps. For more information visit our website at http://www.wheelerheatingandair.com/. Or give us a call at ​417-839-9240! 

Spring is Here - Is your Air Conditioner Ready?

Spring is in the air here in Ozark region of Missouri. While the heat of summer seems like it is a long way off, it will be here sooner than you think. Making sure your air conditioner is ready for summer is important if you want to enjoy cool comfort when the heat and humidity hit. Giving your AC a spring check up should be at the top of your to-do list.

 

What a Check up might include

 

• Full system inspection – A diagnostic test of the entire AC unit should be conducted to ensure that all parts are working effectively.
• Cleaning of any dirt or other build up on the coils  – Leaves from the fall and dirt and debris over the winter can get into the coils and can reduce efficiency.
• Lubrication of moving parts – Just like any other piece of machinery, your air conditioner has a lot of moving parts that must be properly lubricated to move efficiently.
• Air filter replacement – A clogged air filter can reduce airflow and burn out the motor in the AC unit. Additionally, it can blow dirt throughout your entire ventilation system.
• Thermostat controls and wiring – Be sure that the controls and wiring is in good shape to maintain efficiency of your AC unit.
• Condenser Cleaning – Remove debris and ensure that your condenser
  is ready for the demands constant use during the warm summer months.

 

While it might seem like a check up for your air conditioner is an added and unnecessary expense, taking the time to properly care for small things now could save you big money in the future. And, with the warm weather here in Missouri, it could also spare you several days of discomfort waiting for repairs on an AC unit that has suffered a break down or needs to be completely replaced.

 

To be sure that your home is ready for the upcoming heat and humidity of the summer months, a springtime air conditioning system check up is essential. Contact the experts at Wheeler’s Heating and Air Conditioning and ask about our spring cleaning special to prepare your AC unit for summer.

Get More For Your Money: Why Newer, More Efficient Equipment Pays Off

Not sure what to spend your tax return on this year? Why not consider upgrading your current heating and cooling system to an energy-tax-credit-eligible system. New equipment can allow you to reap the benefits of a more efficient unit, lower monthly energy bills, and yearly tax credits.

Consider the Savings

The tax credit makes it a little easier to do what you most likely will have to do anyway. By upgrading your HVAC system to energy-efficient units, you can cut your utility costs, on average, by 20% or $200 annually. Although the initial cost may be more than you’d like to spend, it is a wise investment. The savings will pay off over time - and you can feel good about increasing your comfort level at home and lowering your household’s drain on non-renewable fossil fuels. Meanwhile, you will increase the resale value of your home by replacing your old equipment. 

Do Your Homework

Not all heating and cooling systems are created equal. An Energy Star sticker doesn’t automatically qualify you for tax credits. You can go to the Energy Star website, but please note that at anytime the annual fuel utilization efficiency ratings (AFUE) can be updated. The better way to find tax credit eligible systems is to ask your HVAC Contractor, as they will be aware of the most current standards. To verify tax credit eligibility, ask your HVAC contractor to provide the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement for the equipment you plan to purchase. 

Look for Rebates

Your state or local utility company may offer rebates or incentives for replacing your old HVAC system. If they both offer promotions, submit for the pair and relish in savings on your new equipment. You can also review any current rebate offers from the leading HVAC manufacturers, such as Trane, Carrier, and Lennox.

Go Ahead and File

File Tax Form 5695 with your tax return along with the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement. You cannot file without the MCS, so it is imperative that you have this document along. Pay attention to detail on the tax form, as it can be confusing.

If you are struggling with the idea of whether or not to replace your current HVAC system, keep in mind the overall savings and comfort that come with it. You may find you will save enough in energy costs to easily justify the cost. Spring is a great time to have your new system installed, when HVAC contractors aren't as busy. 

To learn more about upgrading to a more efficient heating and cooling system, please visit Wheeler’s Heating & Air Conditioning website or call 417-839-9240. 

A Spring Cleaning is in Need for Your Home and Appliances

Do you have a case of the “winter blues?” If yes, you are certainly not alone—it happens to countless people around this time of year. When February strikes, it seems that winter has not only lasted far too long, but that it will never end. Be assured that the end of winter is approaching quicker than you realize which means spring is thankfully around the corner!

With the arrival of spring, a multitude of challenges can present themselves in the form of harmful pollens. We are all too familiar with allergies and how they personally impact us. There are fortunately ways to combat allergies, and it often starts with the condition of your home. While keeping a clean home is always crucial, it is especially essential in the spring season to help minimize your allergy symptoms.  The best visible ways to clean your home and keep it in top condition are to scrub and disinfect products and materials where pollen can easily attach. These would include your home’s carpets, floors, and draperies. And don’t forget to pay attention to your home’s appliances—they also must be cleaned to help prevent your allergy symptoms!

A clean house is just the start to helping you fight allergies in the coming months. Not only is a thorough cleaning of your home’s floors, carpets, and draperies a strong strategy, but you must also carefully consider the condition of the air in your home. That’s where your friends and experts at Wheeler’s Heating and Air Conditioning come into the picture! Known for our reliable and affordable service, our team can expertly examine and repair your air pumps, air heat pumps, gas furnaces, and electric heating systems to get you safely through spring. On top of that, we are also proud to offer a wide variety of indoor air quality products. And the best part of all? All of these outstanding service offerings begin with a free in-home estimate!

Count on us to get you through the spring season! Be sure to contact Wheeler’s Heating and Air Conditioning for all of your Heating and Cooling repair needs! Give us a call 417-839-9240!

 

How Condensation in Duct Work Impacts your Home

While it might not sound like a big deal, excess condensation in your ductwork can be a sign of more serious problems within your HVAC system. Often homeowners are completely unaware that there is trouble until a more serious issue occurs.

 

What is Condensation?

Condensation occurs when water vapor in the air condenses into liquid. The colder the air becomes, the more likely the air will condense into water. Generally, this problem is associated with warm humid air as it comes into contact with a much colder temperature, such as the surface of your air ducts. The cold surface chills the air and causes a rapid drop in temperature. When the temperature dips below the air’s dew point, water forms. This process can be seen if you observe how air reacts to the surface of a glass filled with an icy cold beverage.

 

Why is this a Problem for Ductwork?

When the water forms on the cold surface of the ducts, can start to drip. Because the ducts are normally located behind walls or in ceilings, the excess build-up  of water can have a big impact on the interior surfaces, causing mold and mildew to form. It can also compress insulation in the wall and reduce the energy efficiency. And, it can rot the drywall, ruin woodwork and other structures within the interior of your walls.

 

What Causes Condensation in Air Ducts?

Typically, moisture within HVAC ducts is an issue during the summer months in areas like the Ozarks, that see a great deal of heat and humidity. The cold air from your air conditioning creates the right climate for warmer humidified air to condense into water droplets within your air ducts. Having inadequate insulation around your ducts is a common way that condensation forms. Insulation is designed to hold heat in or keep cold out. If your ducts are properly insulated, condensation is unable to form because the warm air does not come into contact with the cold surface of the air ducts.

 

If you are concerned that you have condensation in your ducts, it is best to leave the job to a professional. Contact the team at Wheeler Heating and Air Conditioning to analyze the moisture content in your ducts.

Do You Need Humidifiers, Dehumidifiers, or Both?

With winter upon us, many people notice drier indoor air. They may experience cracked skin, chapped lips, dry eyes, and sinus pain. Cold air is unable to retain much moisture to begin with, but heating the air through an HVAC system only makes it drier. Many households operate humidifiers during this time, but if moisture levels become too high in winter, you may experience window condensation and an increase of mold and mildew spores. It’s important for both comfort and health to strike the right balance in a home’s humidity level year-round.

Recommended Relative Humidity

Moisture levels in your home are measured by relative humidity (RH). A hygrometer is a relatively inexpensive, small instrument that can be easily purchased at most hardware and home merchandise stores. Hygrometers come in both analog and digital models. Some include thermometers, measuring the temperature of a given room as well as humidity, and some even feature alarms that sound when the humidity is outside a comfortable range.

Indoor air should ideally have a relative humidity level somewhere between 30-50%. In winter, the level may need to be around 40% or below to avoid window condensation and mold growth.

Humidifiers

Humidifiers add moisture to the air, usually by propelling a fine mist into the air. In winter, if the humidity level in a home falls below 30%, you or your family may experience some of the physical symptoms above. You may also notice static electricity, or the wood and leather in your home becoming dry and susceptible to cracks. Drier air feels colder, as well, so bringing up the humidity level can make you feel warmer in winter. Humidity levels can vary from room to room, so be sure to measure each room individually, and identify which rooms will benefit from a humidifier.    

Too much humidity, however, is problematic. When using humidifiers, make sure the relative humidity in each room stays within the comfort range. Heavy moisture in the air can cause a buildup of mold and dust mites, exacerbating allergy symptoms. Signs of too much moisture in the home include damp stains, blistering paint, visible mold growth, the presence of a musty or stale odor, and window condensation. If you notice signs of high humidity around your home, or consistently see high readings on your hygrometer, you may need a dehumidifier. 

Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers pull moisture out of the air, often by collecting the water from the air in a tank. It is important to change the tank daily to prevent mildew and bacteria from growing. If your home measures over 50-60% humidity, a dehumidifier will bring the level back down into a more comfortable, healthy range.   

Because humidity levels vary so much throughout the year, and even from room to room, many people choose to use both, depending on the season. Some households run a humidifier in winter, and a dehumidifier in a damp basement, for example, or in spring or fall, when the air conditioner isn’t running. If you don’t run your HVAC system very often in summer, you may choose to run a dehumidifier for comfort, or to reduce moisture in certain areas of the house.  

At Wheeler’s Heating and Air Conditioning, we care about your home’s indoor air quality. Serving the Ozarks, we are a family-owned and operated business providing residential indoor air quality products, as well as furnace, heat pump, and air conditioner repair and installation. Please visit our site or call (417) 839-9240 today to find out more!

Stay Warm this Winter: The 3 main types of attic insulation

Winter is upon us, and insulation is on the minds of many homeowners right now. With most American households seeing a rise in energy bills at this time of year, and of course, wanting to maximize home comfort, HVAC contractors get a lot of questions about heating efficiency during this time. Attic insulation is an important part of winterizing a home and increasing its warmth.

Energystar.gov estimates that 9 out of 10 attics are under-insulated. When you think about how cold air sinks and warmer air rises, it makes sense that your attic insulation is one of the first places to look if your heating bills are high and your home feels drafty and cold. Insulation can either be added by a professional contractor, or on a do-it-yourself basis. Be sure never to cover recessed lighting or vents with insulation. For more tips on laying your own attic insulation, see here.

There are three main types of attic insulation: roll-on, blown-in, and spray foam. Before adding any type of insulation, be sure to plug or seal any areas of air leakage. Putting insulation over a hole or crack in the attic space will compromise its performance.

• Roll-on insulation: This is generally the easiest type of insulation to put in yourself, but it isn’t necessarily the most efficient. Rolls of this kind of insulation usually come in fiberglass material. Rolls are pre-cut and don’t require special machinery to install. Roll-on installation is also good for covering large or long areas of the attic, but the downside is that it doesn’t conform perfectly to irregularly-shaped areas.
• Blown-in: This form of insulation comes in small pieces, which makes it the best choice for filling in gaps, small spaces, and difficult-to-reach areas. It is applied with a machine that blows the material--usually cellulose or fiberglass--into the attic space through a large hose. It can also be applied over existing insulation.   
• Spray foam: Spray foam can be the warmest option if applied correctly, but it can also be the most expensive. If applied too thick or too thin, spray foam insulation isn’t as efficient as blown-in or roll-on. As the name implies, this form of insulation involves spraying a coating of foam directly to the ceiling and walls of the attic. Spray foam, however, is a great option for sealing around vents, doors, and other drafty spots.

Wheeler’s Heating and Air Conditioning is a family-owned and operated business providing furnace, heat pump, and air conditioner service and repair in Ozark, Missouri. Visit our site or call (417) 839-9240 today to find out more. Follow our blog for more tips on how to improve your indoor air quality and maximize your home’s heating and cooling efficiency!