Conditioned Air Company of Naples, LLC Blog: Archive for the ‘Indoor Air Quality’ Category

Tips For Combating Seasonal Allergies with Your Air Conditioner 

Wednesday, October 5th, 2022

It is lovely to be able to breathe in the fresh air, but for so many, spring or fall comes with suffering in the form of seasonal allergies. For most, this means buttoning up their home and turning on the air conditioner to process out the allergens. However, if that alone doesn’t help, here are a few tips to help your air conditioning unit soothe your seasonal allergy suffering.

Clean Your Vents

Often when turning on the air conditioner isn’t enough to soothe allergies, it is because the allergens are still blowing around. While there are other things people will check first, they forget the simplest cause — the vents. These gather dust and allergens that blow up each time the air conditioner turns on. Wiping down the slats monthly can do wonders for the air.

Cleaning and Sealing Your Ducts

When the air in your home still has you sniffling, this is likely your first thought. In some cases, it may be a solid thought. If your ducts are properly sealed, they won’t accumulate much in the way of allergens. However, if your ducts are old or damaged, they may form leaks in which outside air can make its way inside. Once that happens, allergens can build up, blow in, and the ducts will need to be resealed and cleaned.

Changing Your Air Filter

If you have not changed your air filter this season or are simply not using one, this is the major cause of your indoor woes. Your air filter, providing you are using a filter with an appropriate MERV rating, can filter allergens from the incoming air. If your filter is dirty, it becomes less effective. If you aren’t using a filter at all, well, you mind as well be breathing the air from the outdoors. It would cost less. For more information or to schedule service, contact Conditioned Air today!

Continue Reading

Posted in HVAC Tips, Indoor Air Quality, Seasonal Air Conditioning Tips | Comments »

Why Indoor Air Quality Should Matter To You

Friday, September 28th, 2018

Our friends at Carrier discusses in this blog Why Indoor Quality Should Matter To You and why it’s important especially during the Red Tide Event we have been experiencing now for twelve months. Read more from Carrier here.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality, News | Comments Off on Why Indoor Air Quality Should Matter To You

SICK OF RED TIDE? HERE’S 3 BENEFITS OF A WHOLE-HOUSE AIR FILTRATION SYSTEM

Tuesday, September 18th, 2018

It has been a rough summer dealing with Red Tide here in Southwest Florida. Just remember the quality of your Southwest Florida home’s indoor air is just as important as the air quality outdoors. Considering how 90 percent of an average person’s time is spent indoors, it pays to have an effective way of keeping your home’s indoor air healthy. Fortunately, a whole-house air filtration system offers the perfect solution to your indoor air quality concerns.

Whole-house air filtration systems are designed to tackle airborne pollutants that come from inside and outside of your home through a wide variety of methods. For example, many air filtration systems use HEPA filters and ultraviolet (UV) lamps to capture and neutralize an array of pollutants, including microorganisms and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from common household sprays.

To understand how whole-house air filters can benefit your home, consider these three pieces of information:

  1. As the name implies, a whole-house air filtration system takes care of the entire home. Most portable air filters can only handle one or two rooms, at most. This makes buying a whole-house system a more cost-effective investment than buying multiple portable units.
  2. Whole-house air filters can also extend the life of your heating and cooling system by reducing the prevalence of dust and other airborne particles throughout the system. A cleaner HVAC system offers better performance and greater longevity.
  3. Whole-house air filters have the added benefit of being able to purify your home’s air without being seen or heard. By integrating filtration systems neatly into the existing HVAC, they’re able to operate with little to no noise.

With a whole-house air filtration system, you’ll be able to enjoy cleaner, healthier indoor air, with the peace of mind that comes in knowing that your whole-house air filters are more effective at capturing airborne pollutants than most ordinary air filters.

To learn more about how whole house air filters can benefit your home, or if you need air conditioning repair in Southwest Florida, contact the professionals at Conditioned Air today.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on SICK OF RED TIDE? HERE’S 3 BENEFITS OF A WHOLE-HOUSE AIR FILTRATION SYSTEM

DEALING WITH INDOOR ALLERGY ISSUES THIS YEAR? YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Wednesday, September 5th, 2018

As summer rolls on in Southwest Florida area and both the temperature and humidity rise, many people will be spending the majority of time indoors comforted by air conditioning. This can present problems for those with allergies, as indoor allergy issues will become more prevalent. There are, however, several steps that you can take to successfully cope with indoor allergy issues during the summer.

Keep Doors and Windows ClosedWhen pollen counts are high, it’s best to keep your windows and doors closed and use the air conditioning as much as possible to avoid unnecessary allergens. This is especially true in the early morning hours — from about 5:00 to 10:00 a.m. — when pollen counts tend to be the highest.

Avoid Bringing Allergens Inside

When you do work outside during the summer, such as mowing the lawn or cleaning the yard, pollen, dust and other allergens can easily hitch a ride indoors on your clothing. To avoid adding extra allergens to your indoor air, change your clothes and take a shower after the job is finished and wash your work clothes often.

Clean Often

Minimize the accumulation of allergens by vacuuming and dusting often, using a vacuum with a HEPA filter and either moist or electrostatic cloths. Install hypoallergenic sheets, pillowcases and mattress covers in each bedroom, and wash them at least once a week. Reduce clutter throughout your home and reduce the number of surfaces that can collect dust and allergens.

Keep Your HVAC System Maintained

Have your HVAC system professionally inspected and cleaned twice a year to prevent system problems and reduce dust accumulation. Check the air filters monthly and replace them as necessary, and upgrade to filters with higher MERV ratings for better air filtration. Consider installing a whole-home air cleaner or ventilation system to improve indoor air quality and to reduce the amount of allergens and dust in your home.

For more suggestions about coping with summer indoor allergy issues, talk to our air quality experts at Conditioned Air. We have been serving the Southwest Florida region since 1962 including Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality, News | Comments Off on DEALING WITH INDOOR ALLERGY ISSUES THIS YEAR? YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

DEHUMIDIFICATION: THE KEY TO SUMMER HOME COMFORT

Monday, August 20th, 2018

In areas of high humidity, such as Southwest Florida, controlling the amount of moisture in the air is as critical to your comfort as controlling the temperature. In many areas, air conditioning alone is enough to maintain comfortable humidity levels. But in more humid areas, or in homes with poor ventilation, additional dehumidification may be necessary.

How Humidity Affects Comfort

In the summer, a hot day with low humidity feels much cooler than a similar day with high humidity. This is because the humid air prevents sweat from evaporating, interfering with your body’s natural cooling system and leaving your skin feeling sticky and uncomfortable. High humidity can also make it harder to breathe for those with allergies, asthma or other respiratory illnesses, and it can encourage the growth and reproduction of bacteria, mold, mildew, dust mites and other irritants. By maintaining healthy humidity levels of 50 percent or lower, you can make your home much more comfortable and avoid moisture-related problems.

How to Improve Dehumidification

Any home with a properly-sized, well-maintained air conditioning system and decent ventilation should be able to control humidity sufficiently in all but the most humid areas. If a home lacks proper ventilation, however, moisture from cooking, bathing, washing dishes, and fuel-burning appliances can accumulate, increasing humidity levels. Likewise, an air conditioner that’s oversized and doesn’t run long enough to properly dehumidify will leave moisture in the air; and if vents are blocked, the air filter is dirty or there are other maintenance problems, it may make the problem worse.

To improve dehumidification, make sure your home is properly ventilated, that your air conditioner is sized correctly, and that it is professionally maintained annually. If you live in an excessively humid area or still have moisture problems, then you may want to consider installing a whole-home dehumidification system to supplement your air conditioner.

To learn more about dehumidification systems and how they can improve your comfort, talk to our experts at Conditioned Air. Our team can help solve your humidity problems throughout the Southwest Florida area, including Naples, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch and Ft. Myers.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning, Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on DEHUMIDIFICATION: THE KEY TO SUMMER HOME COMFORT

BREATHING EASY WITH UV LIGHT AIR PURIFIERS

Thursday, January 18th, 2018

Ultraviolet light has been used in hospitals for years to kill pathogens like bacteria and viruses as part of the sterilization process. By using a similar technique, a UV light air purifier can help to keep the air in your home healthier, which is especially useful in humid areas like Southwest Florida. There are three different types of UV light air purifiers, but they all function in a similar fashion.

UV LIGHT AIR PURIFIER TYPES

The most common UV-based air purifiers are:

  • Air handler-mounted purifiers: One or more UV lights is mounted inside the air handler cabinet, illuminating the filter, the evaporator coil and the interior surface of the air handler.
  • Duct-mounted purifiers: A special system including UV lights is mounted in the duct system, typically on the return side.
  • Standalone systems: These are self-contained air purifiers that can be used in any room, up to the rated capacity of the system.

How They Work

The UV light inside the air purifier shines on any microorganisms located on nearby surfaces or in the air stream, within a certain distance from the UV source. Any viruses, bacteria or other microorganisms that are exposed to the light for more than about half a second will have their RNA or DNA degraded by the UV light, killing them.

Certain types of UV-based air purifiers work better than others, because they allow the microorganisms to be exposed to the UV light for a longer period. Generally, air handler-based systems or well-designed standalone systems produce better air quality than a duct-mounted system, which sometimes has air moving too quickly to treat effectively. A properly-designed system, however, can overcome this.

UV light can also break down odors and volatile organic compounds, leaving the air fresh. Moreover, it can reduce A/C maintenance by keeping the evaporator coil cleaner and preventing algae growth that clogs the condensate drain.

To learn more about the benefits of a UV light air purifier, talk to our team at Conditioned Air. We serve Southwest Florida, including the communities between Bradenton and Marco Island.

Continue Reading

Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on BREATHING EASY WITH UV LIGHT AIR PURIFIERS

Reminder: Change Your Air Filters

Monday, August 14th, 2017

Life keeps us busy. Keep your family breathing fresh by changing your filters. In Southwest Florida, all sorts of allergens are in our air daily since we live on a peninsula. Below you will find good tips on when and how to change your air filter for your unit.

 

Here’s a few tips and a timeline for you on keeping your filters fresh .

  • Single occupant homes without pets or allergies: Change 6-12 months
  • Typical home without pets: Change every 90 days
  • Add a dog/cat: Change every 60 days
  • Multiple pets or have allergies: Change every 30-45 days

 

Tips on Changing your Air Filter

  • Turn off the unit before replacing the filter.
  • Make sure you use the right filter for your unit and make sure it’s not damaged out of the package.
  • Follow the directions for your unit to make sure you’re installing the filter properly.  For example, many filters use different colors for the front and back (or upstream and downstream flow) so that they’re not installed backwards.
  • Make sure there aren’t any gaps around the filter frame.  If this is the case, you may have the wrong size filter, or the filter itself may be defective or damaged.
  • Use an old rag to clean up any residual dust before and after you replace the filter.
  • Securely replace any levers, gaskets and/or seals.
  • Turn the unit on and observe it while it’s operating to make sure the filter stays in place.
  • Note the date of filter replacement in a convenient location for the next time you inspect it.  A filter that becomes dirty enough to change within a short period of time may indicate a problem with the unit or ventilation system, so monitoring how often the filter requires changing is important information for your technician to have.

 

Conditioned Air is now serving Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Lakewood Ranch and all of Southwest Florida. If you need a new filter go to our website, place an order and it will be shipped to your door here

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning, Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on Reminder: Change Your Air Filters

Choosing Air Filters For Your Home: Understanding Your Choices

Tuesday, July 25th, 2017

In many HVAC systems, the air filter is primarily designed to protect the system from dust accumulation and particles that could cause system damage, but higher-quality filters can also help to improve indoor air quality by removing, dust, pollen, pet dander and other undesirable particles. Air filters are classified by their MERV ratings, with a higher number representing better filtration.

  • Fiberglass filters: These filters are mostly intended to protect the HVAC system, and they typically have a MERV rating of 1 to 4, meaning that they only remove about 10 percent of pollutants. Most fiberglass filters are disposable, though some can be washed and reused.
  • Pleated filters: Pleated air filters have multiple folds to increase the surface area compared to fiberglass filters, and with MERV ratings of about 5 to 13, they can remove up to 45 percent of airborne particles.
  • High-efficiency media: These denser, thicker pleated fitters have MERV ratings of about 14 to 16 and can remove up to 85 percent of contaminants.
  • Electrostatic filters: These filters use an electric charge to attract particles, increasing filtering efficiency without slowing the airflow like dense high-efficiency filters.
  • HEPA filters: High-efficiency particulate air filters can remove up to 98 percent of airborne particles, but they are often too large and restrictive for use in standard HVAC systems. They are typically added with a whole-home air cleaning system.

As the MERV rating of a filter increases, the amount that it restricts airflow also increases. This can make the HVAC system work harder, increasing your energy costs. For most homes, an air filter with a MERV rating of between 8 and 10 provides a good balance between filtering efficiency and airflow. For improved air filtering, you may consider adding a whole-home air cleaner with either an electrostatic filter or a HEPA filter.

To learn more about the different types of air filters, talk to our team at Conditioned Air. We can help you find the best filtering solution for your needs and your budget. Since 1962, we have been providing Southwest Florida residents with superior air conditioning and air quality services.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality, News | Comments Off on Choosing Air Filters For Your Home: Understanding Your Choices

3 Easy Ways To Help Control Summer Allergies

Tuesday, July 18th, 2017

With so many plants blooming, summer can be a difficult time for allergy suffers in Southwest Florida. While there is not much you can do about the pollen counts outside, there are several simple ways to control summer allergies inside your home, creating a comfortable retreat for the worst days.

Service the Air Conditioning System

Closing the windows and using the air conditioner when pollen counts are high is one of the best ways to control summer allergies, but if your system is not properly maintained, it can actually make the problem worse. Pollen, dust and other allergens can accumulate in the air handler, air filter and evaporator, and can then be distributed throughout you home when the system is used. Have your air conditioner inspected and serviced at least twice a year, which should include cleaning the coils, replacing the air filter and cleaning the air handler. Between service visits, change the air filter yourself every two to three months.

Use Hypoallergenic Linens

Choose hypoallergenic mattress covers, pillows, sheets and other bedding products, and wash them weekly to minimize allergens. Remove unnecessary clutter in your bedroom and closet to reduce the surfaces that can accumulate allergens, and when working outside, wash your clothes immediately, rather than storing them in a hamper, to eliminate excess pollen. Store seasonal clothes and bedding in sealed bags or bins to minimize dust and allergen accumulations.

Clean Often

Vacuum your home at least weekly using a machine with a HEPA filter, and dust often using electrostatic wipes or moist cloths. Whenever possible, use wood, vinyl or tile flooring, instead of carpets, to reduce allergen accumulations. When softer surfaces are desired, add throw rugs and take them outside monthly to beat the dust and pollen out of them.

At Conditioned Air, our team can help you control summer allergies with regular air conditioner maintenance, air cleaners, ventilation systems and more. Contact us today for service in the Southwest Florida area, from Bradenton to Marco Island.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality, News | Comments Off on 3 Easy Ways To Help Control Summer Allergies

5 Plants That Help Clean The Air In Your Home

Tuesday, July 4th, 2017

Many of today’s building materials, furniture and flooring products contain potentially harmful chemicals that can off-gas for days, weeks or even longer after installation, and with homes that are highly insulated and tightly sealed to improve energy-efficiency, the effects of these chemicals on indoor air quality are significantly greater. In studies by NASA, the Associated Landscape Contractors of America and others, however, it has been found that common houseplants can help clean the indoor air, with as little as one plant per 100 square feet. While some only remove one or two chemicals, the best air-purifying plants can remove multiple chemicals.

Garden Mum

Also known as the Florist’s Chrysanthemum, this plant is effective at removing benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, ammonia, toluene and xylene from the air. All of these chemicals can be harmful in large amounts, causing symptoms like nausea or dizziness, serious illnesses, or even cancer.

Dracaena

Most types of Dracaena can remove benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air, while some, like the Red-Edged Dracaena, can also remove toluene and xylene.

Snake Plant

Requiring minimal care and only occasional watering, the Snake Plant is one of the most resilient air-purifying plants, and it can remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, toluene and xylene.

Peace Lilly

This flowering plant can remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, ammonia, toluene and xylene from the air, but it can also release pollen, which may be problematic for allergy sufferers.

Ficus

Also known as the Weeping Fig, Ficus plants can remove formaldehyde, xylene and toluene from the air, and some types can also remove benzene and trichloroethylene.

All these air-purifying plants should be used with care, as they can potentially be toxic to pets. Non-toxic alternatives, like Spider Plants, Boston Ferns or Bamboo Palms can remove formaldehyde, xylene and toluene, while others, like the Barberton Daisy, can remove benzene and trichloroethylene, allowing you to combine multiple plants for the best results.

To learn more about air-purification products and how they can work with your HVAC system to improve indoor air quality, talk to our HVAC experts at Conditioned Air, serving Southwest Florida.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality, News | Comments Off on 5 Plants That Help Clean The Air In Your Home