Posts Tagged ‘health’

Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

September 12th, 2011

So much has been written about carbon monoxide it makes my head spin. Most everything you see on the internet is meant to scare you, but here are a few facts that I haven’t seen on the net.

4 Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

1. Carbon monoxide detectors can have a life span of only a few years, and most are dead after ten. If you don’t have paper work on your CO detector contact the manufacturer to see what the life of your CO detector is. Just because it lights up and goes beep when you push the test button does not mean it is detecting CO. I have seen it a number of times where the customers CO detector does not go off and my meter shows elevated levels of CO. » Read more: Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

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Posted in Furnace, Hot Water Tank, Information, Safty

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Furnace Filters: MERV Ratings

November 15th, 2010

If you do nothing else to care for your furnace, you should at the very least replace the furnace filter on a regular basis. Some people get lucky and the only negative consequences of furnace neglect are poor air quality and low efficiency, but failing to replace the filter regularly could potentially choke the life out of your furnace. Chances are you don’t want any of these problems in your home, so now is the time to give your furnace and the air in your home a little TLC by replacing the air filter. But, how do you know which one to choose?

Look for a MERV Rating

MERV ratings make it easier to choose the perfect filter for your furnace. A MERV rating is a measurement of the filters ability to remove particles from the air down to a specific micron. A micron is extremely small. 1 micron is equal to 1/25,000 of an inch, and the human eye can only see down to 10 microns. We would need a microscope to see anything smaller. The smaller the particles that a filter can capture the higher the MERV rating that filter receives on a scale from 1 to 16. » Read more: Furnace Filters: MERV Ratings

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Posted in Air Quality, Furnace, Heating, Information, Maintenace, Safty

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How Energy Efficiency is Good for You

October 12th, 2010

When you think of factors that affect your health (sleep, stress, French fry intake), energy efficiency probably doesn’t come to mind. Sure, saving energy at home has financial and environmental benefits, but how is it good for your health, safety, and comfort? Here are a few ways energy efficiency means a healthy planet and a healthy you

Improves indoor air quality:

You can improve your furnace’s ability to filter out junk in the air duct, in addition to boosting its efficiency, by changing your furnace filter. Some filters aim to help allergy sufferers by trapping mold spores, pet dander and dust mite goo. Using natural ventilation on warm nights can help flush out indoor air pollutants—especially important in well-insulated homes that can border on airtight. And a study last year found that resisting the urge to overheat or over-cool a building can lower nose, eye, and skin issues. » Read more: How Energy Efficiency is Good for You

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Posted in Air Conditioning, Air Quality, Furnace, Go Green, Home Services, Money Saving, Safty

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Ozone Air Purifiers: Harmful or Helpful?

August 25th, 2010

Every air purifier is not created equal. In the world of air purifiers, there are several options to choose from. From HEPA to ionic to ozone air purifiers, the process of choosing the right unit for your home can become confusing and maybe even a little overwhelming. But, you can check ozone air purifiers off your list right now! Contrary to what you may have heard about ozone air purifiers, these units are in reality very dangerous and most don’t even effectively purify the air.

What is Ozone?

Many of us have probably already heard about ozone. This is the gas that is commonly associated with our atmosphere. It is made up of 3 oxygen atoms. We normally breathe oxygen in its most stable form that consists of only 2 oxygen atoms. The third atom of oxygen that is present in ozone makes the molecule unstable. This instability is what allows that third oxygen atom to break off and combine with other organic molecules in the environment. The combination of the lone oxygen atom will alter the chemical make-up of the molecule it binds with. » Read more: Ozone Air Purifiers: Harmful or Helpful?

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Posted in Air Purifier, Air Quality, Consumer Protection, Information, Safty

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Mold: The Microscopic Enemy in Your Home

August 19th, 2010

Many of us barely have time to notice the big things that are happening to our homes. If you are one of the many people who recently suffered from flood damage, you know how long your list of “to do’s” became after the flood waters receded. Most of us will recognize the obvious things that need to be repaired, but what about the things that we can’t see? Molds may be microscopic, but if left to grow and multiply, the consequences can be detrimental to your health and the safety of your home.

What Is MOLD and Where Does It Come From?

A mold is a microscopic fungus that lives and grows in nature. Its purpose in our environment is to break down dead organic matter. Most are characterized by their ability to create and release spores into the air or water. That is what allows them to spread easily and contaminate other surfaces. When the surfaces they contaminate is a part of your home, you need to be informed of the risks associated with their growth, and be prepared for a safe and thorough removal of the problem. » Read more: Mold: The Microscopic Enemy in Your Home

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Posted in Air Conditioning, Air Quality, Duct Cleaning, Heating, Safty

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Humidify or Not to Humidify

September 19th, 2009

Dry sinuses, bloody noses and cracked lips – humidifiers can help soothe these familiar problems caused by dry indoor air. Humidifiers can also help ease symptoms of a cold or another respiratory condition

But be cautious — while humidifiers can be useful, they can actually make you sick if they aren’t maintained properly or if humidity levels stay too high. If you do use a humidifier, play it safe: Monitor humidity levels and keep your humidifier clean — dirty humidifiers can breed mold or bacteria that can make you sick.

Central humidifiers are built into home heating and air conditioning systems and are designed to humidify the whole house.

Low humidity can cause dry skin, irritate your nasal passages and throat, and make your eyes itchy.

High humidity can make your home feel stuffy and can cause condensation on walls, floors and other surfaces that triggers the growth of harmful bacteria, dust mites and molds. These allergens can cause respiratory problems and trigger allergy and asthma flare-ups.

Dirty reservoir and filter pad in humidifiers can quickly breed bacteria and mold. Dirty humidifiers can be especially problematic for people with asthma and allergies, but even in healthy people humidifiers have the potential to trigger flu-like symptoms or even lung infections when the contaminated mist or steam is released into the air. Ask your heating and cooling specialist about proper maintenance, which should include a new humidifier pad every year.

You should replace your humidifier pad at the end of the furnace season. This way you won’t breathe mold or bacteria all summer long during the cooling season. If you forget, make sure you replace it before the next heating season.

Breathe Safe

MADMAX
For more health and wellness tips, check this site out.

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Posted in Air Purifier, Air Quality, Boiler, Furnace, Heating

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