Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air?
Did you know the AC contractor industry is worth $120 billion?
If you're experiencing problems with your HVAC system, you're going to have an easy time finding a reliable contractor to fix the problem. Sometimes, though, you want to get to the bottom of the problem before you call in a professional. For problems like your air conditioner blowing hot air, the solution is sometimes a simple fix.
We're here to take you through a few potential reasons, and to let you know when calling in an AC company is a good idea.
Check Your Thermostat
This might sound obvious, but the first step you should take is checking your thermostat.
The possibility of you accidentally bumping the setting over to "heat" or "fan," or the kiddos accidentally nudging it over, is always there. You should always make sure it's set to "cool" before you look any further.
In other cases, your thermostat's battery could be dying, or it could need a calibration. This can cause it to read temperatures incorrectly, resulting in your house being 80 while the thermostat says it's 73. In this case, calling in a professional might be necessary.
Check Refrigerant Levels
If your thermostat is all good to go, then your refrigerant could be running low, which also potentially points to a leak in your system. You should check your levels. Unless you know how to handle refrigerant, call in a contractor if it needs to be filled up.
If there's a leak in your AC system, they'll also be able to help you find the source and put a stop to it.
Dirty Evaporator Coils
This issue can occur if you've skipped your annual HVAC maintenance appointment. If these coils get dirty, it's going to prevent your unit from running cool into the house.
If you check the coils and they need a cleaning, just call a contractor to have your entire unit serviced and the problem will be solved! You also won't have to worry about other potential problems popping up.
Does Your Outdoor Unit Have Power?
Finally, you'll want to ensure your outdoor unit hasn't lost power. If the outdoor unit has lost power, it's not going to be able to cool air down, meaning you're going to be stuck with hot air blowing around your house.
If this is the case, the first step is checking your circuit breaker or fuse panel. If the breaker isn't powering the unit outside, then you've found the problem. If it is powering the unit, then the issue is best left to a professional.
Get To the Bottom of Why Your Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air Today
Now that we've gone over a few potential causes of your air conditioner blowing hot air, are you ready to get to the bottom of your problem? Whether the cause is one of these reasons or something bigger, calling in a professional might be your best option, and it has the potential to save you money in the end.
If you're in Indianapolis, Fishers, or Carmel, LCS Heating and Cooling can help solve your problems in no time. Contact us today to get started.
Indoor Air Quality Testing: When Is There Cause for Concern
When winter comes along, it often brings several sicknesses. Colds, flu strains, and COVID spikes often attend this season. Many people try to escape the sickness by retreating indoors for the season.
However, sometimes your indoor air quality can be just as dangerous as outdoor air. The reason often stems from a number of problems inside. These include dirty air ducts, mold growth, and other issues.
Because people spend so much time inside, it's easy for these air quality problems to go unnoticed. That's why you need indoor air quality testing.
It's hard to know your air quality condition. So, read on to learn the signs of concern for your air quality!
Inadequate Ventilation Causing Poor Air Quality
One way your air quality suffers is if your house has inadequate ventilation. When inadequate amounts of outdoor air enter your home, pollutants have time to accumulate.
These pollutants can eventually cause health and comfort problems. So, consider increasing your air quality by expanding your ventilation. It may help to have professionals examine your ventilation.
Check Your Air Filters
Another way that your air quality can suffer is through your air filters. When outside air enters your home, your HVAC system circulates it through the house.
In the process, your air filters catch many of the particles the air picks up outdoors and indoors. These include pathogens, dust particles, pet dander, dirt, etc.
The problem is that many people forget to change their air filters. As a consequence, your filters cause your air quality to worsen.
How can you tell if your air filters need replacement? First, walk through your house and check the vents.
Do you see black dust around the vents? If so, replacing your air filters could help fix the problem.
Excess Moisture In The Home
If you're wondering how to get better indoor air quality, consider buying a dehumidifier. Some places in your home have higher moisture levels than others. These moisture levels often affect your bathroom(s) the most.
Think about all the steam your bathroom has after your shower. That steam provides a hotbed for mold growth. Similar threats can exist in your kitchen.
Fortunately, you can combat the growth of mold with a dehumidifier. These machines help to regulate the moisture levels in your home. In doing so, they strip mold of its environment and improve your air quality.
Pollutant Sources In The Home
Finally, some indoor products and materials can worsen your indoor air quality. For example, many widespread cleaning products use harmful chemicals that pollute your indoor air.
Fuel-burning appliances, such as ovens and fireplaces, can pollute your air. Finally, tobacco products can also worsen your air quality.
Performing Indoor Air Quality Testing
You've learned what factors can cause concern for your air quality. However, identifying these problems won't tell you the exact state of your indoor air.
Instead, you'll need professional indoor air quality testing to find this information. If you live in Indianapolis, Indiana, give us a call!
We can help you determine your air quality and take steps to improve it. Contact us today to learn more!
5 Dangers of a Dirty Dryer Vent
Dryer fires are one of the most common types of household fires, usually caused by a buildup of lint near the motor or heating elements.
Don't let a dirty dryer vent turn you into a statistic. To keep your home safe, it's vital that you schedule a regular dryer vent cleaning. If you're still not convinced, here are five reasons you should.
1. House Fires
As we mentioned, one of the most important reasons to clean a dirty dryer vent is to prevent house fires. Lint is very flammable, and any that accumulates in the dryer vents is a common reason for dryer fires.
In as little as thirty seconds, a tiny flame can turn into a huge blaze. Do you want to take that risk? Each year, people are injured or killed in house fires, and many of them could have been prevented.
All it takes is a call to schedule a dryer vent cleaning.
2. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is both odorless and colorless, making it a dangerous threat.
Carbon monoxide can build up inside the home, and if you have a gas dryer, inside the vents. CO can't leave through a vent clogged with lint and other debris, and these fumes can escape back into the house, potentially causing carbon monoxide poisoning.
3. Expensive Electric Bills
A blocked dryer vent decreases the efficiency of your appliance. As a result, your dryer needs to work harder to dry your clothes. If it seems to take longer than usual to dry your clothes, it may be due to a clogged vent.
Since it takes longer to dry clothes, you may need to run the dryer multiple times to dry the same load. This can impact your electric bill, causing it to go up.
In addition, putting your clothes through multiple drying cycles is hard on them too. You can cause them to wear out or shrink.
Dryer vent cleaning services can have your dryer back to working order in no time.
4. Short Dryer Lifespan
If your dryer vents are clogged, your dryer has to work harder. This can cause your appliance to burn out faster since it puts more wear and tear on the parts. Once it breaks down, you're stuck buying a new dryer.
Keeping your vents clean ensures your dryer works as it's supposed to, so you can get more out of your investment and extend its lifespan.
5. Debris From Pests
Bugs and rodents often look for places to hunker down and keep warm in the winter. This often includes dryer vents. Birds can also nest in dryer vents.
The problem is that these unwanted critters can leave behind debris that can clog your vent. Thankfully, you can prevent any debris buildup when you schedule regular dryer cleanings.
Don't Live With a Dirty Dryer Vent
A dirty dryer vent can cause all sorts of issues, including the ones we've mentioned today.
Don't neglect your dryer vents. If you live in the Indianapolis, IN area, contact us to schedule a service today. We offer dryer vent cleaning, duct cleaning, annual maintenance plans, furnace repair and installation, and much more!
A Homeowner's Guide on How to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Home
Most people think about traffic and industrial smokestacks when air pollution is mentioned. The truth is, air pollution inside your home can cause more serious health issues than outdoors. But have you thought of how to improve indoor air quality in your home?
While it's not possible to eliminate all the allergens present in your home, you can limit the number. Making simple changes can significantly improve indoor air quality in your home.
Continue reading to learn how to improve indoor air quality in your home.
Invest in an Air Purifier
Pollen and dust particles are signs of bad indoor air quality. They are microscopic and can be impossible to clean. It helps to use an air purifier if you can't control the source of indoor allergens.
Invest in an air purifier that removes 100% of pollutants. A unit with a high clean air delivery rate will filter the air faster. You're probably not going to get rid of all the allergens completely, but you'll cut down on them.
Choose an air purifier with a fan to circulate clean air around the house.
Open the Windows
It may seem obvious, but opening windows is the easiest and cheapest way to keep your airflow fresh. You may want to save money on central heating and stay warm during winter, but it's essential to let oxygen in.
Keep all rooms well ventilated when using decorating or chemical-heavy products. It helps to improve home indoor air quality.
A home filled with clean air helps your air filter to last longer.
Use Cooking Vents
The kitchen produces the majority of indoor air pollutants. Gas stoves and electric burners release nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. These are harmful contaminants that get absorbed into your bloodstream at lower levels.
Turn on your kitchen vents when cooking to filter out the bad air. Cooking vents also prevent heat and grease from damaging your cooking space.
Keep Your Home Clean
Rugs and carpets trap dust and particles in the fibers. Vacuum them at least twice a week. Clean items that attract allergens, such as drapes and bedding.
Clear clutter and air ducts because they trap dust that can trigger an allergic reaction. A clean house is a healthier place to stay.
Focus on reducing the accumulation of dust, mold, and pet dander lurking in your home. Doing all this will help improve air quality in your home.
Use Dehumidifiers
Hot summer, depending on your location, brings humid conditions. Moist and humid conditions are breeding grounds for mildew and mold.
They can trigger respiratory problems like asthma and allergies. Place a few dehumidifiers in the most used areas of your home.
They will reduce moisture in the air and prevent the growth of molds. Many humidifier options will help to maintain consistent humidity levels.
Apply the Above Tips on How to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Home
Now that you've learned how to improve indoor air quality in your home, you need to talk to a professional. It requires preventative maintenance and diligence to keep the air pure and breathable.
Identify a reputable heating and cooling company for maintenance and repair services.
Here at LCS Heating and Cooling, we provide HVAC system repair and maintenance. We proudly provide services to people in Indianapolis, IN, Fishers, IN, and Carmel, IN.
Contact us today to know more about our services.
Why (and When) Duct Cleaning Really Matters
Everyone wants a clean home. That’s why it feels so nice to have the carpet vacuumed and the floors swept! But what about the dust and dander hiding out in your ductwork? Ignoring that debris means your indoor chores are only part-way done. When managed correctly, professional duct cleaning can be a great way to ensure everything is in tip-top shape.
What is Duct Cleaning—and Does it Matter?
Indoor air quality makes a big difference for how we live both day and night. Bad odors, the humidity levels, and allergens all play a part. We can work to keep some of those problems in check by making sure to regularly replace your air filters. Adding a humidifier or dehumidifier might also help. And with duct cleaning, you can really take things to the next level.
Your home’s ductwork is how hot and cold air travels throughout your home. There are some aspects of this system that you can clean on your own, like dusting off the floor air vents or detaching your clothes dryer vent to clean out any lint. But when you hire duct cleaning service, what you get is much more detailed. They can work through the ductwork for every room—and depending on your home and other factors, that can be a real game changer!
3 Key Benefits of Home Duct Cleaning
It’s typically recommended that you get your duct cleaning scheduled every three years. Of course, there are a few scenarios that can alter your timeline. If you have family members who suffer from asthma or allergies, you might benefit from getting your ductwork cleaned more often. That way, you’ll be sure to get the best benefits year-round.
1. More Efficient HVAC System
When your furnace or air conditioner is moving air through dirty ductwork, that allows for dirt to travel back and compromise the moving parts inside your unit. Dirt can then build up in there and make your filter get dirtier more quickly, which leads to lower efficiency when you need to heat and cool your home. Confirming that you have clean ductwork helps keep everything running smoothly. Your filters can last longer, and that lets you get better energy efficiency!
2. Helps with Indoor Air Quality
Whether you’re dealing with stuffy air around the house or your allergies are flaring up because of pet dander, pollen, or other contaminants, getting on a schedule for duct cleaning can help everyone breathe easier. Even without asthma or allergies, having dirty air recycling throughout your home can be really unpleasant. Clearing out all of the dust and pollutants in your ductwork helps your air stay as fresh as possible.
3. Clean Up After Remodeling
Perhaps the biggest reason for duct cleaning, though, is after you’ve had any home remodeling. That drywall dust, wood dust, and other debris floating around in your ductwork will probably be too much for your air filter to handle alone. The same goes if you’re currently living near other neighborhood construction projects, and even farms or fields. The changing seasons can stir up a lot of new dust and pollen that ends up camping out in your own ductwork.
Duct Cleaning for the Indianapolis Area
Repeating your duct cleaning service every three years is a good rule of thumb. But if you have remodeling projects or more sensitive allergies, then it makes sense to get this work done more often. Most jobs take between 4-8 hours, and with LCS Heating and Cooling, you can trust that we have the right equipment for truly detailed service!
We’re proud to work with a powerful negative air machine to clean out ductwork dust and debris. We even take the time to carefully clean and re-install each of the air registers in your home, so nothing gets missed.
Ready for a FREE duct cleaning estimate? Then contact us today to get your appointment scheduled! We’ll be happy to do a quick review of your home so you have all the information you need to get started with our team!
Do You Need Duct Cleaning and Why Is It Important?
You might have never considered investing in an air duct cleaning. However, air ducts work by circulating the air throughout your home, room to room. If there are contaminants within your air duct system, there is potential for health problems to arise.
This article will discuss how to determine if you need air duct cleaning and why it's so important.
Do You Need Air Duct Cleaning?
There is no hard and fast rule for determining when to get your air ducts cleaned. The circumstances for every home will be different based on the age of your home and the area you live in. There are a few things to look for though.
Unexplained Health Problems
If you or your family are experiencing an allergic reaction to something (such as itchy eyes, runny nose, fatigue, or other symptoms) and cannot find out what other factors might be causing them, it could be a good idea to check your air ducts. If you see dust, mold, animal, or insect droppings, you should get your air ducts cleaned.
Visible Mold
Just like anywhere else in your home, prolonged moisture can cause mold to grow, which can be harmful to your health and cause allergic reactions in some people. If you see mold growing on your air duct vents, it is most likely a sign that there is more mold growing elsewhere in the air ducts.
It's important to note that you will need to find the source of the moisture and find out what is causing the mold in order to make a lasting solution. Otherwise, even if you get your air ducts cleaned, the mold might return.
Vermin Infestation
As gross as it sounds, rodents and insects can infiltrate your air ducts. When that happens, they leave droppings throughout the ducts. That is not only unsanitary to be breathing in on a daily basis, but it also can cause blockages in the air ducts. Blockages restrict airflow and can cause higher energy bills.
Dust Buildup
Just like a vermin infestation can cause blockages in your air ducts, so can dust and debris. If enough debris builds up, you might experience allergies or an excess of dust in your home. For example, if you or the previous owner have a pet, you might have an excess of pet hair in your air ducts.
Like other blockages, this can also raise your energy bill because of the amount of extra power it will take to push air to each room. You can determine if there is a dust buildup if you look in the ducts and it appears dirty. If that is the case, you would be well off by scheduling your own air duct cleaning.
Time for a Cleaning?
If you've determined it's time for an air duct cleaning in your home, we can help! Make an appointment with us for a free duct cleaning estimate. Our trained technicians will determine whether or not you need a cleaning and give you an upfront price.
Don't forget to ask about our air duct sanitizing options!
Many homeowners have worked to develop good habits for their home maintenance—especially when it comes to their indoor air quality. They might run the vacuum every week, replace their air filters every other month, and schedule their HVAC maintenance on an annual basis. But what about duct cleaning? All too often, homeowners forget about the important behind-the-scenes part of their heating and cooling system. You can’t neglect your ductwork!
A Quick Overview on Ductwork
Ductwork is the series of nifty pathways that move warm and chilled air throughout our homes. It’s how the forced air from your HVAC system gets carried from room to room. We use these systems almost every day, but they can be easy to forget about since they’re behind the walls.
When installed properly, your ductwork will be sized correctly for your home’s furnace and air conditioner. This helps ensure that you get the best efficiency rating with your setup. The fit will also need to be properly sealed. Any space or gaps between duct pieces will just let that hot or cold air escape into your attic or crawl space—which is a real pain for your energy bills.
The other concern about your ductwork’s efficiency relates to cleaning. A dirty duct system just makes it harder for your HVAC equipment to work correctly. This is similar to how you replace your furnace filter and the oil in your car. Cleaning your equipment is much more cost-effective.
Duct Cleaning Benefits
For the average home, duct cleaning is recommended every 3 years. This gets rid of any dust or chemicals that have been lurking in your ductwork and lowering the indoor air quality for your family. Cleaning your ductwork also removes dander, so it can be particularly helpful if you own pets. And since duct cleaning stops these air pollutants from continuously cycling through your home, it can be particularly beneficial for allergy and asthma sufferers.
Aside from the getting a regular duct cleaning every 3 years, a few other circumstances might call for a duct cleaning service, too. Namely, indoor remodeling work. Sanding hardwood floors, having new drywall hung, or tearing down drywall for a new, open layout can add lots of pollutants and dust to your indoor air. After this type of work, duct cleaning, furnace maintenance, and an air filter change are great ways to get your indoor air all freshened up.
LCS Duct Cleaning Services
When you’re ready to schedule your duct cleaning service, it’s important to work with the pros. As you research different companies, you’ll want to pay special attention to the type of equipment being used. How teams manage these projects makes a big difference in your overall results. (You don’t want to leave any of those dust bunnies behind.)
Here at LCS Heating and Cooling, we take indoor air quality very seriously. That’s why we choose to work with a negative air machine. Not all duct cleaning companies have this type of high-tech gear. Instead, they might be relying on just a big vacuum and a brush.
With our equipment, though, we can effectively remove even very fine particles and contaminants from your ductwork system. And because the negative pressure is continuous and closed, you won’t risk releasing that dust and grime into your rooms. It all stays secure in the vacuum setup. We’ve found this to be the best way to loosen and trap those contaminants, so you get a really detailed clean.
Getting your home or office air freshened up is easy when you have the right team, and we can help! Contact us today to learn more about our duct cleaning service packages. We’ll get the job done right.
leaves in fall and the brisk air in winter. Come spring and summer, though, it’s another matter entirely. Poor indoor air quality during this time of year can feel either humid and stuffy, or terribly stale. A lot of people will crack open a window to try to fix the situation. But there’s a much better (and more efficient!) way to address your stale air problems.
Why Does the Air Feel Stale?
Stale air is created in a number of different ways. Some of the most common causes are from lack of ventilation and various contaminants. The odors and allergens from commercial cleaning products and dust mites are a big no-no for fresh indoor air. But without a good filtration system in place, it’s hard to keep these issues at bay. They just keep adding up to create that lingering stale air vibe.
Another reason your air can feel stale is because of improper humidity levels. Over time, poor circulation can make your indoor air feel even more stuffy. You need to introduce fresh air into your home and workspace to keep them from turning into “stale and stagnant” environments. Fortunately, adjusting your indoor humidity and making sure your ventilation system is efficient and clean can go a long way. A little maintenance or a couple upgrades are usually all it takes to get clean indoor air every day of the year!
4 Ways to Fix Stale Air
There’s no sense to live with uncomfortable indoor air. In fact, those conditions can be a real problem for productivity. Multiple studies have shown that poor ventilation reduces cognitive functions. To feel your best, it’s important to breathe good, clean air. You can help get your indoor air quality up to par with these solutions—listed in order of Okay, Good, Better, and Best:
1. Open a window—but not for too long.
If you’re struggling with stale air, you can always open a few windows. Just remember, this won’t be a real long-term solution. For one, this can add a bunch of sticky humidity to your indoor air. Opening the windows can also let a whole bunch of allergens fly inside. Pollen, dust, and other unwelcome odors (the neighbor’s lawnmower exhaust, for example) can slip into your space without the right filtration. Then you’re stuck with a bunch of other problems! Plus, leaving your windows open while the AC is running can be real energy waste. The money spent on cooling your space then, essentially, just floats outside.
2. Turn on the fan.
Another option is to put a new air filter into your HVAC unit and turn on your ceiling fan. Better yet—put your thermostat on its “Fan Auto” setting! Then you can recirculate the air without introducing new allergens to the mix. The counterclockwise direction on your fan can help push the cool air down to keep the space feeling fresh. This setup can be a great “quick fix” to kick off the new season.
3. Change your air filter.
A better way to improve your air is to put in a new filter. This can allow your AC to work more efficiently. Remember: 4 to 5-inch media filters should be swapped out every 6-12 months, but 1-inch air filters should be changed every one to two months. If you live in an area that has lots of construction going on or fields being plowed, you might need to change your filter more often. Putting in a new filter every month, or even every couple week might be necessary depending on your conditions. If you haven’t checked yours in a while, it’s probably due for a change.
4. Invest in a new filtration system or dehumidifier.
The best way to fix stale air problems is to clean up your indoor air around the clock. Homes and office spaces that are tightly-sealed sometimes need special systems installed. The right HVAC equipment will work to improve your indoor air by cycling it with filtered air from outside. But you might also want a new air cleaner or an add-on unit to tackle humidity issues. If you’re sick of stale air, these are great upgrades to help you breathe easy. Talk with your local HVAC company to find the best energy-efficient system for your layout!
Schedule an Indoor Air Quality Review
For the ultimate spring cleaning, don’t forget about your indoor air quality. The air we breathe affects us every minute of every day, so it deserves special attention. Ventilation problems with older homes and buildings can definitely take a toll. These environments can even cause different health issues, including headaches, eye irritation, and coughing. Typically, these problems are grouped together and referred to as sick building syndrome. The same issues from poor ventilation can also show up in your home.
When changing your air filters and turning on the ceiling fan aren’t enough to fix your stale air problems, it’s time to call on your local indoor air quality professionals. A quick review of your existing ventilation can help determine any problems spots that need improving. An upgraded air cleaner, dehumidifier, or ventilation system might be all you need for a truly refreshing, healthy lifestyle! Contact LCS Heating and Cooling today to learn more.
That happy feeling when you take a deep breath of fresh air doesn’t only have to be an outdoor thing. Indoor spaces can get great air quality, too!
We use AC units and furnaces to correct our indoor comfort level, but cleanliness should be equally important. No one wants to breathe dust and mold and other funky smells wafting from your kitchen trash can. Luckily, some quick upgrades to your ductwork can help keep your air healthy.
How It Works: UV Air Purification Light
It kind of like sounds like a mouthful, but UV air purifiers aren’t as mysterious as they might seem. They’re basically special types of lights that work as air cleaners. These versions of ultraviolet rays are used to break up the cell structure of airborne contaminants and remove them from your indoor air. They work great against mold, mildew, and bacteria—plus all those weird home odors that scented candles won’t ever be able to remove.
Some UV lights (also called “germicidal lights”) will even work when your HVAC system isn’t running. This helps ensure that once it’s installed, you can expect an around-the-clock boost in your overall air quality. Because the UV light units are installed right in your ductwork, any air circulating through your system will get treated. And because they don’t have to be compatible with any particular air conditioner or furnace, they’re essentially a universal HVAC upgrade.
No matter what equipment you’re already using, a UV light can be a really smart add-on. They help keep your ductwork clean by killing mold—and yes, even fungi—which can even extend the life of your HVAC equipment and efficiency.
Types of UV Light Air Cleaners
No matter how new or old your home might be, airborne contaminants are always going to be an issue. Air cleaners help you stop the problem from getting worse and let you breathe air that’s nice and clean. Our two favorites are made by Lennox and APCO.
Lennox Healthy Climate UV Light
This air cleaner fights germs without putting any ozone into your home environment. (Other germicidal lights on the market can’t make the same claim.) The Lennox Healthy Climate UV light has also been shown to reduce airborne microorganisms by half, in just 45 minutes.
APCO Fresh-Aire UV Light
This model also reduces bacteria and viruses in your home, helping to eliminate odors for good. A special carbon cell in the APCO system captures the airborne contaminants. It also has a neat method for self-cleaning its inner coil to prevent mold growth.
These UV lights are also great solutions for smaller commercial properties. If your air at the office is a little “off,” you might consider getting one of these units installed. Fresh air can make a big difference in how relaxed and focused your feel throughout the day!
Seasonal Savings for UV Lights
From now until August 31, 2017, we’re offering our Indy-area homeowners a special discount on UV lights. It’s all part of our LCS Heating & Cooling Seasonal Special! We rotate these offers throughout the year to give you great savings on all kinds of home comfort products. Just reach out and schedule your installation before the end of August to get the discount—it’s valid for all new UV air purification light installs.
Any questions in the meantime? Be sure to give our offices a call at (317) 238-3961 or send a message through our Contact Us page. We’d be happy to schedule an in-home consultation to review your current setup and discuss these systems in more detail. Once you make the switch, you’ll be amazed at how refreshing your home's air can be!
People who suffer from seasonal allergies have been hit hard in 2017. Allergy symptoms flared up as early as February, and Indiana Public Media put the blame on our mild winter and early spring weather. So how do you get relief? Load up on allergy meds? Close yourself off to Mother Nature?
There’s no real clear-cut solution, but a lot of homeowners are getting help with whole-home purifiers. Air filters that work around the clock—and in every room—can actually be pretty effective against your toughest allergens.
Air Cleaners vs. Pollen
It would be awesome to have a magic wand that could take away all the pollen in your home. (We’d even be happy with one to get rid of dust!) Of course, this “magic solution” doesn’t exist. Pollen and allergens are part of life and the changing seasons. But having a whole-home air cleaner can help you manage the issues.
You see, the challenge with pollen is that the particles are a lot larger than other airborne contaminants. This means that any pollen from outside often settles in your home—on your bookshelf, couch, windowsill, you name it—before getting carried through to your air filter. But regular vacuuming, dusting, or just walking around your home can then stir these particles into the air again. The upside to this is having an in-duct particle removal system. Having the right air cleaner can help you remove those airborne pollen and dust particles, germs and bacteria, and even odors in your home’s air.
Benefits of Whole-Home Air Purifiers
Typically called whole-home purifiers, these units actually do a great job at removing larger airborne particles. The EPA even notes that high-efficiency filters are good at capturing pollen, dust, dust mites, animal dander, and certain molds.
The real benefit of whole-home air cleaners is that they help address air quality issues everywhere in your home. Unlike portable units, you’re not limited to one room. Because in-duct units connect right to your furnace, they’re able to treat the air as it cycles throughout your home. With these kinds of systems, it’s a lot easier to tackle tough air problems whenever they arise.
Lennox PureAirTM Systems
When it comes to indoor air purifiers, we love working with the Lennox PureAir systems for homeowners. Because they filter your air in multiple stages, you’re able to address the top three airborne issues in your home. This includes airborne particles, germs and bacteria, and chemical odors. These systems come with a lot of other perks, too:
- Whole-Home Application
- Reduces and destroys ozone
- Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV): MERV-16
- Compatible with all HVAC system types
- 5-Year Limited Warranty on covered components
The Lennox PureAir Cleaner also uses a carbon catalyst filter and UV bulbs. The UV light cleaners are key for these units because they kill bacteria and mold when the air passes through your system. You can even get a Lennox UV Light on its own—without the full PureAir system. The UV light installs directly on the furnace and goes to work right away.
All in all, air cleaners can offer some great benefits for homeowners who are serious about kicking their allergy issues and finding some relief. When your indoor air is regularly cleaned and fresh, it’s a lot easier to kick back and relax!
If you’ve been struggling with allergies this season or poor indoor air quality, give LCS a call. We’re always happy to consult with Indy-area homeowners on the best units for their lifestyle! Plus, we’ve got some great deals going for UV Air Purification Lights, available now through August 31, 2017.
