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How Candles Affect Indoor Air Quality

September 26, 2018

A few candles can change the entire atmosphere of a room. Unfortunately, they can change the indoor air quality for the worse as well. Candle Health Risk Studies In an EPA report from 2001, the agency cited studies that suggest that some candles, especially ones with added scents, can produce chemical reactions that release formaldehyde, acrolein, nitrogen dioxide, and acetaldehyde in concentration levels which exceed the EPA’s indoor air threshold levels for safety. A study at South Carolina State University found that paraffin candles may emit toluene and benzene which are toxic. These

How to Test Indoor Air Quality

August 30, 2018

Homeowners in Reading, PA may wonder exactly what is indoor air quality and why does it matter? The air you breathe inside your home will always have some level of pollution. Indoor air quality or IAG is the measure of the level of common indoor air pollutants and its relationship to the comfort and health of occupants. Your family is exposed to unavoidable environmental air quality issues such as excessive humidity, vehicle traffic, and manufacturer products off-gassing when your HVAC filters or air ducts are clogged and dirty. There are steps you can take to test indoor

5 Reasons You Should Use a Geothermal Cooling System

July 10, 2018

Looking to upgrade your home’s HVAC system? You might want to consider a geothermal heating and cooling unit. As one of the most energy-efficient cooling systems on the market – roughly 400% more efficient than a standard A/C – geothermal air conditioners and heaters result in massive energy savings for homeowners. Even with such excellent energy savings potential, most homeowners don’t know much about geothermal heating and cooling. These systems work by utilizing heat transfer. In a geothermal installation, a series of coils are buried underneath your lawn. In the ground, the temperature stays

Why Does My Heater Come on When System Is Set to Cool?

October 27, 2017

Noticed a sudden spike in your electricity bill? Or maybe your air conditioning runs for extended periods of time without cooling the house? If so, you might be experiencing a malfunctioning HVAC system. More specifically, your system’s heater is turning on even though the air conditioner is set to “cool.” What is causing your heater to activate? Electrical issues within your central AC unit are the most likely causes of your heater turning on when it shouldn’t. Shorted wiring, faulty electronics in your furnace, or an electrical problem with your thermostat, for instance, could

Why Doesn’t My AC Unit Come with a Dehumidifier?

October 16, 2017

Your air conditioner is cracking, but the air in your home still feels clammy. This shouldn’t be happening right? Well, this all-too-common problem tends to be the result of high levels of humidity in the air in your home. Here’s why this happens: Your AC acts as a natural dehumidifier. During the air cooling process, moisture is collected from the air, condensed on coils, and then drained away. But in areas with high levels of relative humidity, the air conditioner doesn’t dehumidify the air fast enough, and the result is that wet,

Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?

September 7, 2017

You’ve reached the hottest days of summer, and your home AC unit is cranking. But when you go outside, you notice a cause for alarm. Water is pooling around your AC unit. Is that normal, you think? My air conditioning shouldn’t be leaking water, right? The truth is: An HVAC leak is a common issue. In fact, according to Popular Mechanics, about 90 percent of HVAC service calls are due to leaks. Fortunately, the majority of leaks can be remedied quickly and at a low cost. But it’s important that the

IoT and HVAC Technology: Should I Buy a Smart Thermostat?

August 25, 2017

Your home’s HVAC system relies on various components to keep the home feeling comfortable throughout the year, and one of the most important is the thermostat. Without a proper thermostat, your air conditioner would run and run, and never know when to turn off. That’s what the thermostat helps to do; it regulates your HVAC system. But how does it do that? In the simplest terms, a thermostat for home heating and cooling works like a thermometer. It gauges the interior temperature of your home. Yet, the thermostat also serves the function of telling

How Does Your Attic’s Ventilation Affect Your Energy Bill?

June 28, 2017

Attic ventilation plays an important role in maintaining a comfortable environment in the home. In fact, problems like mold and mildew and hot attic temperatures in summer can all be offset by adequate attic ventilation. In winter, for instance, attic vents help to remove moisture from the home. This ensures problems like mold and mildew are avoided. Yet, in summer, the attic ventilation helps to keep attic temperatures down. And that can result in real energy cost savings. Here’s why: The summer sun beats down on the roof of your home,

3 Ways to Make Sure Pests Don’t Enter Through Your HVAC

June 21, 2017

Pests enter your home through numerous pathways. Some are obvious like leaky windows or doors. Yet, one that’s often overlooked is your home’s HVAC system. Gaps and holes in your HVAC system offer convenient access for pests like stink bugs, silverfish, and rodents. But what can you do to ensure your HVAC is protected? Fortunately, pest-proofing your HVAC system doesn’t require costly investments. A few minor maintenance tasks, regular inspections, cleaning, and occasional pest prevention will help you avoid a full-blown infestation. HVAC Pests: Why Prevention Is Best From foul odors to costly

The Best Time for Pennsylvania Residents to Replace Their Home Insulation

January 16, 2017

Proper home insulation is critical for comfort and even room temperatures during Pennsylvania’s long, cold winters. Yet, a more comfortable home isn’t the only benefit of high-performance insulation. New insulation can save you money. According to ENERGY STAR estimates, updating aging insulation can reduce a home’s heating/cooling needs by 20 percent. Is your home in need of new insulation? Properly installed insulation can last a lifetime, but there are instances when it needs to be replaced. They include: Water or mildew damage Under insulation Uneven room temperatures Old, decayed

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