Tag Archive for Asthma

Kate Miller | December 15, 2010
4 comments

Filter Confusion

Ever notice how your thermostat will occasionally will flash the word “filter?” If you have a digital thermostat, chances are your thermostat has this capability, and if you have been ignoring it, now is the time to pay attention to it! That flashing word is a maintenance reminder for you to check the filter on the furnace. Depending on the type of filter you use, you may have to change it more or less frequently than the reminder advises. However, neglecting to change the filter enough can cause serious damage to the furnace and to the air quality in the home. So how do you know how frequently to change it?

Unfortunately, there isn’t one clear cut answer to that question. You should check the recommended filter life on the manufacturer’s packaging, and consult a professional if you are not sure. However, there are many factors that could contribute to more frequent filter changes. These include: Read more

Category: Air Quality, Duct Cleaning, Furnace, Helpful Tips | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Kate Miller | September 23, 2010
4 comments

Understanding Your Furnace Air Filter

When you have a central furnace and air conditioning system, air quality often becomes an issue. These types of systems use duct work to transport air throughout your home. As one vent delivers the heated or cooled air to the room, another vent is drawing air into the duct work to be sent back to the furnace or air conditioner. The air in your home will cycle through the system at least 45 times or as much as 140 times a day, depending on how much you run your HVAC systems. Dust, dander, pollen, mold spores, and many other microscopic particles are being cycled along with the hot or cold air. This constant recycling of polluted air is often what leads to poor indoor air quality.

Your furnace and air conditioner should have an air filter as your homes first line of defense against these nasty particles. But, finding the right air filter for your home can become very frustrating once you find out how many choices you have. The four main types of air filters that are on the market for residential HVAC systems include: Read more

Category: Air Conditioning, Air Quality, Furnace, Helpful Tips | Tags: , , , , ,
MG | September 30, 2009
2 comments

Asthma and Indoor Air Quality

New studies are providing more evidence that poor indoor air quality can be just as bad for asthma sufferers as polluted outdoor air.  Substances such as cigarette smoke and pet dander, as well as the level of humidity can promote asthma or asthma-like symptoms in humans—especially small children.  It is important to try and keep your indoor environment as clean as possible and little things such as only smoking outside, dusting and vacuuming regularly, and choosing pets that are less prone to things like shedding can make a difference in comfort levels.

Unfortunately, scientists still do not know why some people develop asthma and some don’t.  Whether is a genetic disposition or an environmental problem, scientists do know that the number of asthma suffers is rising.  More studies are necessary to find conclusive causes of asthma.  However, from studies that have already been performed there is strong evidence that controlling indoor humidity below 50%, avoiding pets (or at least choosing them wisely), and minimizing chemical pollutants such as cigarette smoke can greatly reduce the amount of asthma symptoms in people.

Category: Air Quality, Helpful Tips | Tags: , , , ,