Here comes the cold winter air...

Why should you keep your home’s air clean?

Poor air quality can lead to poor health.
Pollutants in your home’s air can cause dizziness, headaches, nasal congestion and fatigue, and they can aggravate allergies and asthma.

Plus, it can affect how you feel.
Humidity inside your home has the same impact on your comfort as humidity outside. Too much moisture can make you feel sluggish, weak and even sick. Too little can leave you feeling cold and achy.
The flow of air is also a factor. If it isn’t moving freely from room to room, your home can feel stuffy or stale. This also causes unpleasant odors to linger.


HOW TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF UNCOMFORTABLE AIR

THE PROBLEM	WHY IT’S A PROBLEM	THE SOLUTION
High Humidity (Relative humidity levels above 50%*)	High levels of humidity can make your home feel warmer than the actual temperature and create a breeding ground for mold, mildew, dust mites and bacteria.	Dehumidification – Dehumidifier systems remove moisture from sticky indoor air, making you feel more comfortable— without having to turn down your air conditioner thermostat and over-cool your home.
Low Humidity (Relative humidity levels below 35%*)	Dry air can cause skin irritation and respiratory** problems, not to mention annoying static shocks.	Humidification – Humidifiers add moisture to the air, making it easier to breathe—in every room of your home.
Stale or Stagnant Air	Poor ventilation can make rooms feel stuffy. This is a common problem in newer homes, which are tightly sealed to conserve energy. This also means contaminants have no way to escape.	Ventilation – Ventilation systems replace stale indoor air with fresh air from outside.

*National studies indicate that, for optimal comfort and health, your home’s relative humidity levels should range between 35 and 50 percent.
**Exposure to excessively dry air (relative humidity of less than 20%) can cause respiratory irritation. Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. 

Solutions...

Solution: Two-stage cooling
Two-stage cooling means the air conditioner or heat pump has a compressor with two levels of operation: high for hot summer days and low for milder days. Since the low setting is adequate to meet household cooling demands 80% of the time, a two-stage unit runs for longer periods and produces more even temperatures. Longer cooling cycles also translate to quieter, more efficient operation and enhanced humidity control. As an added benefit, many two-stage compressors use the new R410A refrigerant, which meets U.S. government standards for environmental safety.

Solution: Variable speed heating
Variable speed operation minimizes up-and-down temperature changes. A greater degree of precision means you stay perfectly warm, even on the coldest winter days. Compared to conventional furnaces with single-speed motors, variable speed systems use about two-thirds less energy. They’re also more effective at drawing moisture from the air for improved indoor air quality and comfort.

Solution: Comfort control
An essential part of your home comfort system is control, and this can take shape in one or two ways. Programmable thermostats allow you to fine-tune comfort settings based on your schedule, and zoning systems let you customize comfort according to the different ways you use your home. 

Lennox winter tips

Good list we wanted to share:

- Seal cracks around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping.

- Keep blinds open during the day to allow sunlight to enter and heat the home.

- Install a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature at certain times of the day, automatically keeping the temperature lower when you’re away or sleeping at night.

- Clean or replace the natural gas furnace filter every three months to ensure the furnace is running at full efficiency, and check to make sure the home’s heating vents are openand not blocked by furniture or curtains.

- Consider replacing an older furnace with a newer, more efficient model.

- Insulate the water heater with a water heater jacket that can be purchased at most hardware stores, and lower the temperature setting on the water heater to save energy.

- Add extra insulation to the attic.

- Make sure roof shingles are intact and flashings around chimneys, skylights, antennas and vents are sealed.

“Things to Consider” Checklist

You may want to consider making a change if: 

Some of your rooms are too hot or cold.Duct problems, inadequate air sealing or insulation could be the cause. No matter how efficient your heating and cooling system is, if your home is not properly sealed and insulated against air leakage, you will not be as comfortable and your system will have to work harder. 

Your home has humidity problems and/or excessive dust.Poorly operating or improperly sized equipment could be to blame. Leaky ductwork can also cause these problems, so having it sealed may be a solution. Monthly maintenance of your heating and cooling equipment’s filters may also help. 

Your cooling system is noisy.Your duct system could be improperly sized or there may be a problem with the indoor coil of your cooling equipment. 

Your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up.In addition to the rise in energy costs, the age and condition of your heating and cooling equipment may have caused it to become less efficient. 

Your air conditioner or heat pump is more than 12 years old.Consider replacing it with newer, more efficient equipment. And, remember, high efficiency levels begin with ENERGY STAR. 

Your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old.Consider replacing it with ENERGY STAR® qualified equipment. ENERGY STAR has set high efficiency guidelines for both types of heating systems. 

You leave your thermostat set at one constant temperature.You could be missing a great energy-saving opportunity. A programmable thermostat adjusts your home’s temperature at times when you’re regularly away or sleeping.

Two is better than one... Right?

One stage...

Two stage...

Lets have a conversation about heat pumps shall we?  Winter is just about upon us and waiting until things fail is never a good idea.  Now is the time to invest in your home comfort and we are available right now to answer any questions.

Start with the video... and then call us.  We are eager to earn your business.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6URIYtahXzg&feature=share&list=UL6URIYtahXzg

Quick... before winter gets here!

Top 10 Home Spa Vacation Ideas

10. Start with a clean, comfortable home to allow you to rest and relax. Change the sheets, pull out fresh towels and set the thermostat between 72-79 degrees. Studies show that 72 degrees is considered most comfortable for sedentary people.

9. Eliminate any stickiness in the air. Remove excess moisture by maintaining indoor humidity between 30 and 60 percent. 

8. Clear the clutter. Move excess “stuff” into a drawer and set out fresh flowers and a carafe of water with slices of citrus or cucumber.

7. Speaking of avoiding clutter, set aside some quiet time. You don't have to meditate, but just sitting quietly for a few minutes helps you relax and think more clearly. 

6. Clear the air. Instead of using chemical-laden air fresheners to eliminate odors, set out a box of baking soda or soak a cotton ball in vanilla. 

5. Give yourself a spa treatment. Use natural ingredients like avocado or honey to reduceharmful chemicals. 

4. Plan healthy “spa” meals. Try an egg-white omelet with vegetables for breakfast, or a salad and bowl of lentil soup for lunch. 

3. Let the sunshine in! Open up curtains but close windows to keep allergens at bay. 

2. Get some gentle exercise. Ride your bike around the neighborhood, take a walk or pop in a yoga DVD. 

1. Take a nap! You deserve it.