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Indoor Air Pollution from Cooking

November 20, 2023

Cooking is something that almost everyone does in their homes, but what people don’t know is that it contributes quite a bit to indoor air pollution. Let’s take a look at why home-cooked meals might be polluting your home and what you can do about it. How Cooking Adds to Indoor Air Pollution The reason why cooking contributes to indoor air pollution is because you’re burning foreign substances and releasing them into the air. You’re releasing natural gas into the air if you have a gas stove, and any food that you cook releases chemicals and particles into the air. The same goes for any coatings that might be on pots and pans to prevent sticking. Reducing Air Pollution From Cooking The good news is that it isn’t that hard to reduce cooking-related air pollution. First of all, make good use of the range hood above your stove. Turn it on whenever you’re using your stovetop, and make sure it’s in good working condition. If you don’t have a range hood, have one installed. Next, open the windows in or near your kitchen. Opening one window is sometimes enough, but try to open a couple of windows to create a...

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How Indoor Carpets Impact Indoor Air Quality

October 18, 2023

Wall-to-wall carpets and area rugs can certainly make a home feel cozier and comfortable underfoot. However, carpets can have a surprising effect on your indoor air quality. In fact, carpets and rugs are potential breeding grounds for a variety of indoor pollutants. It is important to clean carpets regularly and have your HVAC equipment maintained routinely to minimize poor indoor air quality. Read on to learn how carpeting can affect your home’s indoor air quality in Solon, OH. Pollutants in Carpets Sometimes, it’s hard to see what’s in the fibers of your carpet. Those tiny piles and loops are the perfect hiding places for all sorts of debris. Not only do inert particles cling to the fibers, but some living organisms can grow in and on carpets. This is some of what can hide and even live in your carpets: Volatile organic compounds (VOC) Dirt and dust Pet dander Pollen Food particles Moisture Dust mites, fleas, and bed bugs Bacteria Mold and fungi Every time you walk or play on your carpet, these irritants can become airborne and will negatively impact indoor air quality. This can result in allergies and respiratory infections. Caring for Your Carpets The first line of...

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3 HVAC Noises That Are Cause for Concern

September 20, 2023

You can’t always expect your Solon, OH home’s HVAC system to be whisper-quiet. With age, heaters and air conditioners tend to get louder. After a decade or more, what was once a gentle hum can turn into a continuous thrumming sound throughout a heating or cooling cycle. However, there are three HVAC noises that should raise concern. 1. Hissing at the Compressor “When HVAC systems emit a hissing sound, it’s often a sign of high pressure or significant refrigerant loss. If you notice hissing from your air conditioner’s outside compressor, it’s crucial to turn off your HVAC system. Running an air conditioner with little or no refrigerant can damage or even cause the compressor to fail. In some cases, AC compressors can produce screeching or screaming noises if they have too much refrigerant, usually resulting from improper recharge services. While these sounds can be alarming, they serve as clear warnings to seek professional assistance.” 2. Scratching, Scuttling Sounds Scratching and scuttling sounds in your HVAC system are cause for concern as they often indicate the presence of rodents like rats or mice, raccoons, or even insects. These pests can enter your ductwork or other HVAC equipment, leaving behind feces, exoskeletons,...

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The Optimal AC Temperature for a Good Night’s Sleep

August 21, 2023

One of the keys to winding down for sleep is lowering your home’s thermostat. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the ideal temperature for adults is somewhere in the range of 60 degrees and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Finding your ideal temperature within this range will help impact how quickly you fall asleep and how well you stay asleep throughout the night. How Temperature Impacts Your Sleep Circadian rhythms are a natural 24-hour cycle that gives the body cues for essential functions like appetite and sleep. Every evening, your body cools down as part of the natural process of preparing to sleep. Much of this is handled internally, but the room’s temperature impacts how long the body’s cooling process takes. In a room that’s too warm for your body’s natural clock, you’ll take longer to fall asleep. The temperature will also impact the quality of your REM sleep, an essential part of getting a good night’s rest. Finding Your Ideal Temperature The best way to find your own ideal temperature for sleep is to test a few settings on your thermostat. You can start with the highest temperature you find comfortable. If you’re not sure, 75 degrees Fahrenheit is a good...

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4 Tips to Reduce the Strain on Your HVAC System

July 26, 2023

Your HVAC system is one of the most important components of your home, especially during extreme weather conditions. Learn how to minimize the strain on your HVAC system and make it last longer. 1. Regular Maintenance Regular maintenance is essential to prolonging the life of your HVAC system. Cleaning and changing air filters every few months ensures your HVAC system can circulate air correctly. Dirty filters put a considerable amount of strain on the system, reducing its efficiency and even potentially damaging it. To ensure your HVAC system is running smoothly, have a professional service your HVAC at least twice a year. They will clean the internal components and check for wear and tear, ensuring your system runs correctly. is an industry leader in provision of indoor air quality and green technology in Solon. 2. Update the Insulation Inadequate insulation adversely affects your HVAC system. When your home isn’t adequately insulated, it causes drafts, which means your HVAC system will work harder than it should to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Updating your insulation can minimize the strain on your HVAC system, increasing its efficiency and lowering energy bills. Plus, it will help keep your home comfortable throughout...

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Reduce Pet Allergies in Your Home with These 5 HVAC Tips

June 7, 2023

Living with pets can be a great pleasure but can also trigger pet allergies. You can reduce these allergies and maximize your comfort with an HVAC system. Here are some ways to reduce pet allergies with your HVAC system: 1. Change the Air Filters Regularly Air filters help capture pet dander, dust, and other allergens. Make sure to replace your air filter at least every three months to keep these particles from circulating in your home. When changing the filters, the professional should also inspect the HVAC system for any other signs of allergens, such as mold or dirt buildup. 2. Use a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter HEPA filters are designed to capture tiny particles, including pet dander. Using a HEPA filter in your HVAC system can vastly reduce the number of pet allergens in your home. These filters are different from the standard filters in that they have finer mesh, which catches more particles. 3. Use an Air Cleaner An air scrubber is a device that cleans the air as it passes through the HVAC system. They are designed to catch and trap pet allergens, so they can be removed from your home. Check with a professional to...

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Causes of Indoor Air Pollution

May 22, 2023

Air pollution, or air contamination inside buildings and homes, is a major environmental concern, but many of us don’t realize that indoor air pollution can also be seriously detrimental to our health. However, you can take steps to protect yourself. Keep reading to learn more. Causes of Indoor Air Pollution Several factors can lead to poor indoor air quality and indoor air pollution, including chemicals used in cleaning products, building materials such as lead or asbestos, insulation, emissions from fuel-burning stoves or heaters, and flame-retardant chemicals in furnishings, carpets and other fabrics. Poor ventilation can also play a role in poor indoor air quality. When ventilation is inadequate, outdoor air is unable to circulate naturally into buildings, and mold and mildew growth can lead to an unhealthy accumulation of microbes in the air. Tackling Indoor Air Pollution Proper ventilation is key, and you can achieve it by opening windows and using fans or air conditioners to increase airflow within a building. In addition to improving airflow, try to limit your exposure to chemicals, such as cleaning products and paints, by using natural alternatives. Vacuum regularly, and clean mold or mildew to prevent their spread. When it comes to heating and...

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9 Ways to Spring Clean Your HVAC

April 24, 2023

Spring is a great time to clean up your home and prepare it for the upcoming season. When you do, don’t forget about your HVAC system! Here are nine great tips to help you give your HVAC system a good spring cleaning as well. 1. Check the Air Filter Air filters should be replaced at least every three months. This helps keep dust, dirt, and other allergens from entering your HVAC system. If you find a clogged filter, replace it immediately. 2. Clean the Outdoor Unit The outdoor unit of your HVAC system can become clogged with debris like grass and leaves. Make sure to clean it out to ensure the unit is running at its best. 3. Clean the Vents Vacuum the vents and registers in each room of your home to remove dust and grime that have built up over the winter months. 4. Clean the Ducts Hire a professional to inspect and clean your ducts. They can remove built-up dust and debris, as well as identify any potential problems. 5. Check for Leaks or Cracks in Ductwork If you find any leaks or cracks in your ductwork, it’s important to address them immediately. This helps prevent air...

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Tips for Turning on the Central Air for the First Time This Spring

March 16, 2023

The temperatures are rising, and it’s time to turn on the central air — but not so fast! If you haven’t used your central air in a while, it’s important to do a few checks before turning it on for the first time this spring. Follow these steps to ensure your AC system is ready for warm weather. Test Your System Before turning on the central air for the first time this year, it’s a good idea to have an HVAC professional perform a maintenance service or tune-up to check all the components of your system to make sure they’re working properly. They’ll check the air filters, inspect the condensate drain line for blockages and debris, and ensure all controls are properly set. Clean the Outdoor Unit Your air conditioner’s outdoor unit contains a fan that helps to keep your system running efficiently. To ensure that the fan is able to do its job, it needs to be free of debris and dirt. Before you ramp up the central air, make sure that no leaves, twigs, or other debris have collected in or around the unit. Any leaves or dirt that have gathered within the system should be carefully removed...

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The Benefits of Heat Pumps for Energy Efficiency

February 17, 2023

Heat pumps are like the superheroes of energy efficiency. They don’t just save you money on utility bills; they also help reduce emissions from your home and even your neighborhood. Not to mention, they make life more comfortable by regulating temperature. So, if you’re looking for an energy-saving solution that won’t break the bank, look no further than a heat pump. Below are some of the reasons why heat pumps are the ultimate energy-saving champions. They Move Heat Instead of Generating It Heat pumps transfer heat from one place to another instead of generating it. This means they use less energy than traditional heating systems, which can save you money in the long run. Plus, since heat pumps don’t burn fuel to stay active, they have a much lower carbon footprint. This helps reduce air pollution and keep your neighborhood cleaner. They Consume Less Energy Heat pumps use electricity to move heat, which consumes less energy than traditional heating systems. In addition, since heat pumps don’t need to be heated or cooled, they don’t need as much electricity to run. This makes them a great energy-saving option for reducing your carbon footprint. For large buildings, they can even be coupled...

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