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

A Guide to Professional Indoor Air Quality Services

Wednesday, September 30th, 2026

Your home may feel cool and comfortable, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the air circulating through it is as clean or comfortable as it could be. In Fort Myers, long cooling seasons and high humidity can make controlling moisture, airborne particles, odors, and ventilation especially important.

Professional indoor air quality services take a whole-home approach to these concerns. Rather than simply masking odors or relying on a portable air cleaner, an HVAC professional can evaluate the conditions inside your home and recommend solutions designed to work with your heating and cooling system.

For Fort Myers homeowners looking to improve their indoor environment, Conditioned Air offers solutions including high-efficiency air cleaners, air purifiers, germicidal UV lights, ventilation, and whole-home dehumidification.

What Are Professional Indoor Air Quality Services?

Professional indoor air quality services are designed to identify and address conditions that can affect the cleanliness, humidity, ventilation, and overall comfort of the air inside your home.

Depending on the home, an IAQ strategy may address:

  • Excess indoor humidity
  • Dust and airborne particles
  • Allergens
  • Persistent odors
  • Insufficient ventilation
  • Airborne contaminants
  • HVAC filtration
  • Microbial growth conditions

The right solution depends on the source of the problem. That’s why a professional assessment is valuable. Better indoor air quality starts with understanding what your home actually needs rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all product.

Why Indoor Air Quality Deserves Attention in Fort Myers

Fort Myers homeowners rely heavily on air conditioning. When a home remains closed for cooling and indoor air is continually recirculated, humidity, particles, allergens, and other contaminants can become indoor comfort concerns. Humidity control, filtration, purification, and ventilation can all play an important role in a whole-home indoor air quality strategy. Professional service can help determine whether your concerns originate with the HVAC equipment, filtration, humidity, ventilation, ductwork, or another source.

Signs Your Home May Need Indoor Air Quality Services

Poor indoor air conditions aren’t always obvious. Some problems develop gradually, making it easy to accept them as a normal part of living in Southwest Florida.

Excess Humidity and Moisture Control

If your home feels clammy or sticky even while the air conditioner is running, excess indoor humidity may be affecting comfort. Persistent moisture can make rooms feel warmer and create conditions more favorable to unwanted microbial growth. If humidity remains high during normal AC operation, a professional can evaluate whether improved moisture control or whole-home dehumidification may help.

Excessive Dust and HVAC Filtration

Dust that quickly returns after cleaning may indicate that your home’s filtration system needs attention. A dirty, improperly selected, or inadequate HVAC filter may not provide the particle control your household needs, while upgraded filtration may help capture more airborne debris. Check and replace filters according to manufacturer recommendations, and consider a professional filtration assessment if excessive dust continues.

Persistent Indoor Odors

Recurring odors should be investigated instead of continually covered with air fresheners or fragrances. Musty smells may be related to excess moisture, while burning or electrical odors can signal an HVAC or electrical issue that needs prompt professional attention. If you notice a burning or electrical odor, turn the system off if it is safe to do so and contact a qualified HVAC professional rather than attempting electrical repairs yourself.

Airborne Particles and Indoor Irritation

Dust, pollen, pet dander, and other fine particles can circulate through your home as conditioned air moves through the HVAC system. Appropriate filtration and air-cleaning equipment may help reduce certain airborne particles, though HVAC products are not substitutes for medical evaluation or advice. A professional can assess filtration, humidity, ventilation, and other conditions that may be affecting your indoor environment.

Stale Air and Ventilation Concerns

Indoor air quality involves more than filtering particles because ventilation also plays an important role in home comfort. When indoor air feels stale or rooms seem poorly ventilated, controlled air exchange may help without relying solely on open windows. A professional can determine whether whole-home ventilation is appropriate while accounting for Fort Myers’ outdoor heat and humidity.

What Happens During Professional Indoor Air Quality Service?

An effective indoor air quality strategy starts with identifying the specific conditions affecting your home. A professional evaluation can help uncover contributing factors instead of immediately recommending a particular product. From there, the technician can determine which combination of filtration, humidity control, purification, ventilation, or HVAC improvements may make sense.

1. Discuss Your Indoor Comfort Concerns

Your HVAC professional will typically begin by asking what indoor air quality problems you have noticed and when they occur. Persistent humidity, recurring odors, excessive dust, or issues limited to certain rooms can provide useful clues about possible causes. Sharing these details helps the technician focus the evaluation on the areas and systems most likely involved.

2. Evaluate Your HVAC System

Because your HVAC system continually moves conditioned air through your home, its operation can affect indoor air quality and comfort. A professional may inspect filtration, airflow, humidity management, equipment condition, and other related components. This can help determine whether the HVAC system needs attention or whether additional indoor air quality equipment may be beneficial.

3. Identify Appropriate Solutions

After evaluating your home and HVAC system, the technician can recommend solutions based on the problems identified. Options may include higher-efficiency filtration, air purification, germicidal UV equipment, ventilation improvements, or whole-home dehumidification. Conditioned Air offers these indoor air quality solutions for Fort Myers homeowners based on different comfort and air quality concerns.

4. Integrate Equipment Correctly

Indoor air quality equipment works best when it is properly selected and integrated with your existing HVAC system. Professional sizing and installation can help prevent unnecessary airflow restrictions or interference with system performance. Correct installation also helps the equipment deliver its intended benefits and remain easier to maintain.

5. Maintain the System

Indoor air quality equipment requires ongoing care to continue operating effectively. Filters may need routine replacement, while UV lights, air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and ventilation systems may require periodic inspection or maintenance. Your HVAC professional can explain the recommended schedule for keeping both the IAQ equipment and HVAC system in good condition.

Which Indoor Air Quality Solutions Might Help?

No single product solves every indoor air quality concern. Different technologies are designed to address different problems inside the home. Professional service can help match the right solution to your specific conditions.

High-Efficiency Air Cleaners

High-efficiency air cleaners are designed to capture airborne particles as air circulates through the HVAC system. Depending on the filtration technology, they may help reduce dust, pollen, pet-related particles, and other particulates. A professional can recommend an option that is compatible with your HVAC system’s airflow requirements.

Whole-Home Air Purifiers

Whole-home air purifiers work with the central HVAC system to provide an additional level of air treatment. Different purification technologies are designed to address different airborne contaminants, so the right system depends on your home’s specific concerns. Professional guidance can help explain what a purifier is designed to reduce and how it fits into a broader IAQ strategy.

Germicidal UV Lights

Germicidal UV lights are installed in specific areas of an HVAC system to target certain microorganisms under appropriate operating conditions. They are typically used as part of a broader indoor air quality strategy rather than as a replacement for filtration, ventilation, or humidity control. Proper placement, professional installation, and qualified servicing are important because UV equipment involves electrical components and ultraviolet radiation.

Whole-Home Dehumidification

Whole-home dehumidification can be especially helpful in Southwest Florida, where excess indoor moisture can affect comfort for much of the year. A whole-home dehumidifier works alongside the HVAC system to remove additional moisture and help maintain more consistent humidity levels. If your home still feels damp or clammy at comfortable thermostat settings, a professional can determine whether this type of system is appropriate.

Whole-Home Ventilation

Whole-home ventilation systems introduce outdoor air and remove stale indoor air in a more controlled way than simply opening windows or doors. This can be useful in tightly closed homes that rely heavily on air conditioning. A professional can determine whether ventilation improvements are suitable based on your home’s construction, occupancy, HVAC system, and Fort Myers’ warm, humid climate.

How Regular HVAC Maintenance Supports Better Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality equipment works alongside your heating and cooling system, making routine HVAC maintenance an important part of a whole-home comfort strategy.

Regular service can help homeowners:

  • Keep filters and relevant HVAC components properly maintained
  • Identify drainage or moisture concerns
  • Maintain appropriate system operation
  • Catch developing equipment problems earlier
  • Review IAQ equipment and maintenance requirements
  • Support consistent comfort during Fort Myers’ long cooling season

Conditioned Air offers preventive maintenance options, and its Fort Myers service information notes seasonal system tune-ups as part of its maintenance plans. The company has served Southwest Florida since 1962.

Why Choose Professional IAQ Service in Fort Myers?

Online air quality products can make improving your home seem as simple as buying a device and plugging it in. Whole-home air quality is more complicated. Professional service allows homeowners to match solutions to their HVAC equipment and the conditions affecting their property. Conditioned Air has built its approach around honest work, technical excellence, and a people-first commitment to comfort.

The company provides HVAC and indoor air quality services throughout Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, Marco Island, Punta Gorda, and other surrounding communities. Its website also lists professional affiliations including NATE, ENERGY STAR, and ACCA, along with applicable contractor licensing information.

The company’s website currently reports a 4.8 customer rating from more than 9,000 reviews, providing another resource homeowners can consult when evaluating a service provider.

FAQs About Indoor Air Quality Services in Fort Myers

Question: What does an indoor air quality service include?
Answer: An indoor air quality service may evaluate filtration, humidity, ventilation, HVAC operation, and other conditions affecting your home’s air. The findings help determine which air-cleaning, purification, or moisture-control solutions may be appropriate.

Question: How can I improve indoor air quality in my Fort Myers home?
Answer: Regular HVAC maintenance, proper filtration, and humidity control are strong starting points for improving indoor air quality. Depending on your home’s conditions, a professional may also recommend air purification, UV equipment, ventilation, or dehumidification.

Question: Can high humidity affect indoor air quality?
Answer: Yes, excessive humidity can make a home feel uncomfortable and create conditions that encourage unwanted microbial growth. Professional humidity control can help maintain a more balanced and comfortable indoor environment.

Question: Are whole-home air purifiers better than portable units?
Answer: Whole-home air purifiers work with the central HVAC system to treat air throughout the home, while portable units are generally designed for individual rooms. The best option depends on your home’s layout, HVAC system, and specific indoor air quality concerns.

Question: How often should I change my HVAC air filter?
Answer: Filter replacement frequency depends on the filter type, system usage, household conditions, pets, and manufacturer recommendations. Check the filter regularly and replace it as recommended to support proper airflow and effective filtration. If accessing or replacing the filter requires opening HVAC equipment, working near electrical components, or reaching an unsafe location, have a qualified HVAC professional handle the service.

Take Control of Your Fort Myers Home’s Indoor Air

Clean, comfortable indoor air requires more than keeping the thermostat at the right temperature. Filtration, humidity control, ventilation, air purification, and HVAC performance can all play a role. For homeowners throughout Fort Myers and Southwest Florida, Conditioned Air provides professional indoor air quality solutions designed to address these concerns as part of a whole-home comfort strategy.

Ready to make your home more comfortable? Schedule professional indoor air quality service with Conditioned Air today.

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Signs It May Be Time for Indoor Air Quality Testing

Monday, September 28th, 2026

You walk into your Fort Myers home after a long day, but something feels off. The air smells slightly musty, your allergies seem worse indoors, or certain rooms feel damp even though the air conditioner is running. These problems can be easy to dismiss, but in Southwest Florida’s warm, humid climate, excessive moisture, airborne particles, household chemicals, ventilation issues, and HVAC problems can all affect the air inside your home.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identifies mold, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, smoke, and radon among common indoor air pollutants. Indoor air quality testing or a professional IAQ evaluation can help identify what may be contributing to persistent comfort or air-quality concerns so you can address the source instead of guessing.

Conditioned Air has served Southwest Florida since 1962 and offers indoor air quality solutions backed by NATE-certified technicians and an unconditional service guarantee.

7 Signs Your Fort Myers Home May Need Indoor Air Quality Testing

Indoor air quality problems aren’t always obvious, and many warning signs can be mistaken for routine household or HVAC issues. Knowing what to watch for can help you determine when it’s time to take a closer look at the air inside your Fort Myers home.

1. Allergy-Like Symptoms Keep Getting Worse Indoors

Frequent sneezing, irritated eyes, congestion, coughing, headaches, or throat irritation may be worth investigating, especially if symptoms improve when you leave home, affect multiple household members, worsen when the HVAC runs, or return during humid weather. A professional indoor air quality evaluation can help determine whether moisture, filtration, ventilation, or airborne particles could be contributing.

2. A Musty or Unusual Odor Won’t Go Away

A persistent musty odor can signal excess moisture from sources such as high humidity, leaks, condensation, roof damage, flooding, or AC drainage problems, even when mold isn’t visible. Indoor air quality testing is not the same as mold testing, so focus on correcting the moisture source, avoid disturbing suspected mold or damaged materials, and consider professional assessment or remediation when appropriate.

3. Your Home Feels Humid Even With the AC Running

If your Fort Myers home still feels sticky or clammy while the AC is running, airflow, ventilation, ductwork, system performance, or moisture infiltration may be interfering with humidity control; indoor relative humidity should generally remain below 60%. A professional evaluation can help determine whether your HVAC equipment, duct system, ventilation, or dehumidification strategy needs attention.

4. Dust Builds Up Again Almost Immediately After Cleaning

Dust that quickly returns or collects around supply registers may point to filtration, ductwork, or air-infiltration concerns, with particles coming from sources such as dirty filters, pets, pollen, renovations, household activities, leaking ducts, or outdoor air.Conditioned Air can evaluate your home’s needs and recommend options such as filtration, air cleaning, duct testing, ventilation, or other indoor air quality solutions without unnecessarily restricting HVAC airflow.

5. You’ve Recently Had a Leak, Flood, or Major Storm

Leaks, flooding, and storm-related water intrusion can introduce unwanted moisture, so wet drywall, flooring, insulation, ceilings, and other materials should be dried promptly after the source is stopped to reduce conditions favorable to mold growth. Avoid handling contaminated water, opening electrical equipment, or disturbing extensively damaged or mold-affected materials yourself, and consider an indoor environment, remediation, or HVAC professional if concerns remain.

6. Some Rooms Feel Stale, Stuffier, or Less Comfortable Than Others

Rooms that consistently feel stuffy, stale, humid, or less comfortable than the rest of your home may be affected by restricted airflow, leaking ducts, pressure imbalances, inadequate ventilation, excess humidity, or HVAC performance problems.Conditioned Air can evaluate airflow and duct performance to help identify leakage, pressure loss, unwanted air infiltration, or other system-wide concerns affecting indoor comfort.

7. Problems Started After Renovations, New Furniture, or Painting

New paint, flooring, cabinetry, furniture, adhesives, finishes, and cleaning products can release volatile organic compounds and other contaminants, especially when limited ventilation allows them to remain concentrated indoors. Increasing appropriate ventilation and identifying the pollutant source are important first steps, while a professional indoor air quality evaluation can help if odors or irritation persist.

What to Do If You Notice Indoor Air Quality Warning Signs

Don’t immediately assume you need a particular air purifier or expensive testing package. Different air-quality problems require different solutions, so identifying the likely source is an important first step.

Use this step-by-step checklist:

  1. Check your HVAC filter. Replace a dirty filter with the type recommended for your equipment.
  2. Look for obvious moisture. Visually check accessible areas around windows, plumbing fixtures, ceilings, the air handler, and AC drain components without opening electrical panels, dismantling equipment, or disturbing suspected mold or damaged materials.
  3. Measure indoor humidity. A basic hygrometer can reveal whether moisture is consistently elevated.
  4. Look for moisture problems and note unusual odors. Visible growth, water stains, or persistent musty odors should prompt an investigation of the moisture source. Avoid touching, scraping, or otherwise disturbing suspected mold.
  5. Consider recent changes. Renovations, new furnishings, pest treatments, leaks, or storm damage may help identify the source.
  6. Check ventilation. Confirm that accessible kitchen and bathroom exhaust systems appear to be operating and venting appropriately. If diagnosing the system would require electrical work, climbing, entering an attic or crawlspace, or opening ductwork, leave the inspection to a qualified professional.
  7. Schedule an HVAC and IAQ evaluation when the cause remains unclear. A professional can evaluate filtration, airflow, humidity control, ductwork, ventilation, and other relevant factors.

If a carbon monoxide alarm activates, leave the home or affected area immediately, move to fresh air, and contact emergency services or the appropriate local authority from a safe location. Do not re-enter until the property has been cleared as safe by qualified responders. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and potentially deadly.

How HVAC Maintenance Can Help Protect Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality and HVAC performance are closely connected. Routine professional maintenance gives technicians an opportunity to catch problems that can contribute to poor humidity control, airflow issues, and unwanted moisture before they become more significant.

Seasonal HVAC service may help by:

  • Checking filters and airflow
  • Inspecting evaporator coils
  • Checking condensate drainage
  • Identifying excess moisture around equipment
  • Evaluating overall system operation
  • Spotting duct or airflow concerns
  • Helping equipment maintain more consistent temperature and humidity

Conditioned Air has served Southwest Florida since 1962 with NATE-certified technicians and lists an unconditional service guarantee. Its service area includes Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, and other Southwest Florida communities.

Choosing the Right Indoor Air Quality Solution

Testing is most useful when the results help point you toward the right corrective action. Because indoor air quality problems can have different causes, there isn’t one solution that works for every home.

Depending on what is affecting your home, the appropriate solution might involve:

  • Better filtration
  • Air purification
  • UV germicidal technology
  • Humidity control or whole-home dehumidification
  • Ventilation improvements
  • Duct testing or sealing
  • HVAC maintenance or repair
  • Correcting an underlying water leak
  • Specialized assessment by another qualified professional

Conditioned Air provides multiple IAQ options, including high-efficiency air cleaning, purification, UV technology, ventilation, dehumidification, and duct-testing solutions.

FAQs About Indoor Air Quality Testing in Fort Myers, FL

Question: How much does indoor air quality testing cost in Fort Myers?
Answer: Costs vary by home size, suspected pollutant, and testing method. Ask for a written scope explaining exactly what will be evaluated before scheduling service.

Question: How do I know if my home’s air quality is bad?
Answer: Persistent odors, high humidity, unusual dust, recurring irritation, water damage, or rooms that continually feel stale can justify a closer indoor air quality evaluation.

Question: Should I have my home tested for mold?
Answer: Visible mold usually doesn’t require routine sampling. Florida health officials recommend finding and correcting the moisture source and addressing indoor mold promptly. Avoid disturbing significant or widespread mold growth yourself; a qualified mold assessment or remediation professional can help when the extent of contamination or the appropriate cleanup method is uncertain.

Question: How often should indoor air quality be tested?
Answer: There is no universal testing schedule. Consider an evaluation when conditions change, after water damage or renovation, or when persistent unexplained air-quality concerns develop.

Question: Can my air conditioner affect indoor air quality?
Answer: Yes. Filtration, drainage, humidity control, airflow, duct leakage, and HVAC maintenance can all influence indoor air conditions and occupant comfort.

Question: Will an air purifier solve every indoor air quality problem?
Answer: No. Air cleaners address certain pollutants, but moisture, ventilation, leaks, VOC sources, or duct problems may require entirely different corrective measures.

Breathe Easier in Your Fort Myers Home

Poor indoor air quality can be difficult to spot. Musty odors, excess humidity, recurring dust, or rooms that never feel fresh may all be signs that something deserves a closer look.

Identifying the cause can help you choose a solution that makes sense for your home. With decades of experience serving Southwest Florida,Conditioned Air helps homeowners address indoor air quality and HVAC concerns with the technical expertise, integrity, and care the company has built its reputation on.

Still have questions about indoor air quality in Fort Myers? Contact Conditioned Air.

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The Hidden Spring Allergens Inside Your Home: How Your HVAC System Can Eliminate Them

Monday, March 23rd, 2026

This season is supposed to bring fresh air and relief from winter, but for many people, it marks the start of relentless allergy symptoms. While pollen gets most of the blame, the truth is that some of the worst allergens are already inside your home.

Dust, pet dander, mold spores, and even airborne viruses can circulate through your living space daily—often without you realizing it. Fortunately, your HVAC system can do more than just control temperature; with the right upgrades, it can become a powerful defense against indoor allergens.

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4 Ways to Boost Airflow in Naples, FL

Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024
Cleaning a dusty vent for better airflow

If you are experiencing poor airflow in your Naples, FL home, you probably have noticed an impact on your comfort levels and your energy bills. Airflow is often overlooked when homeowners think about their home heating solutions. Here are four ways you can boost airflow in your home.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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