Heating and cooling tend to get all the attention when we think about indoor air quality. But humidity levels are critical, and achieving the ideal range of 30-50% isn’t always easy. Too Much Moisture: Dehumidify Too much humidity promotes the growth of mold, pathogens and allergens. It also causes damage to your home’s structure and walls. In general, summer is the season of high humidity. If you have an air conditioning unit, this already provides dehumidification as part of its process. But if you have high humidity even when it’s not hot, or if you don’t want an air conditioner but still need dehumidification you can use a dehumidifier. There are two main types of dehumidifier: refrigerant and desiccant. Refrigerant dehumidifiers use the same technology that air conditioners use, while desiccant dehumidifiers absorb moisture from the air. Since refrigerant dehumidifiers are typically used for homes, you will probably need this type. The first thing you need to do is figure out the best place for your dehumidifier. You can get a small unit to take care of a problem area like your basement or kitchen. If your humidity issues are more widespread, then a whole-house dehumidifier is your best bet. Too Dry: Humidify Air that is too dry can leave you susceptible to colds and the flu by drying out your nasal passage, along with many other symptoms like itchy throat, dry eyes, cracked lips, irritated skin and headaches. It also contributes to static which can damage sensitive electronic equipment, can cause damage to wood floors and furniture, and dry out houseplants. Dry air is often associated with colder weather, but some climates are dry year-round. Regardless of where you are, dry indoor air is a problem that can be solved with a humidifier. You have two main options for a humidifier system: whole house or individual room. The option that takes care of your entire home is installed close to your furnace and injects steam into your supply duct. However, depending on your home, this may cause too much moisture in certain areas. If you want more individual control, a small humidifier that emits moisture into a room will allow your moisture-prone areas to stay dry while creating the correct humidity levels elsewhere. This is a great option for bedrooms that get too dry. Click HERE for more information about humidifiers, including a further breakdown of the options available, as well as ways you can add moisture to your home without spending any money! If you have other concerns about the quality of the air in your home, be sure to check out our blog post Air Quality Matters. And for any other questions you might have, visit our website, or give us a call. We'd be happy to answer any questions you have!
0 Comments
Homeowners! We'd like to introduce you to your new best friend... What is it?Sensi Predict™ is a new custom sensor technology that monitors your HVAC system 24/7, helping you stay ahead of problems, and keeping your home comfortable. How does it work?Sensi Predict™ connects directly to your HVAC system, transmitting encrypted readings from ten professionally installed sensors via Wi-Fi to the secure Emerson cloud for analysis and diagnostics. Each time your HVAC runs for eight consecutive minutes, the Sensi Predict™ smart hub collects data history searching for frozen coils, compressor issues and any of the 32 HVAC malfunctions. Upon request, the Sensi Predict™ app provides you with a complete performance report, right to your email. Monthly reports summarize your system's performance, updating you on efficiencies, system status, filter life, run time and energy use. If your system's performance is outside of industry standards or needs immediate attention, an email will notify you, and TriState Home Services. This allows us to address the issue immediately. With smart alerts, you can prevent discomfort before it happens. Predict+ Membership |
|
If you answered YES to 6 or more of these questions,
you may be living in a sick home.
We can help with that!
you may be living in a sick home.
We can help with that!
Crawl Space With Encapsulation
Basement and crawl space health is imperative for whole-home health. If you have noticed any of the above signs of structural damage, take action now, before conditions get worse! Complete our contact form or give us a call at 866-624-5970 to schedule an appointment.
Happy Earth Day!
Earth Day has been celebrated for over 50 years, in over 190 countries! The purpose of this holiday is to celebrate our beautiful planet and create awareness about how to preserve our natural resources.
In honor of Earth Day, we put together a list of simple things you can do to help the planet. You might think that such small changes won't make a difference, but every little bit helps. And it all adds up! So, we hope you will save this list and do your best to help our planet!
- Turn off lights when you leave a room.
- Switch to energy efficient light bulbs.
- Turn off and unplug electronics when not in use.
- Recycle! Especially glass, aluminum, and paper (newspapers, magazines, ads).
- Wash laundry with cool or warm water instead of hot.
- Hang clothes to dry whenever possible.
- Only run the washing machine, dryer and dishwasher when they are full. Washing only a half load at a time wastes water, detergent and money.
- Empty the lint filter after every use.
- Wrap gifts with recycled paper, such as newspapers, magazines, etc.
- Ditch the plastic bottled water. Invest in a water filter pitcher or faucet attachment, and use reusable water bottles.
- Bring a travel mug when stopping for your morning coffee or tea.
- Donate, sell or re-purpose old clothes, tools, household items, office supplies, craft supplies, cell phones, moving boxes, etc. instead of throwing them away.
- Shop consignment.
- Go paperless! Sign up for email newsletters and bills to cut down on paper in your home and in the landfills.
- Use reusable shopping bags.
- Switch to rechargeable batteries.
- Carpool, use public transportation, bike or walk to your destination if possible.
- Turn your thermostat one or two degrees warmer in the summer or cooler in the winter. Set your system to go on Standby when you're away for work or travel.
- Cut down on shower time.
- Switch to a high-efficiency shower head
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
- Use biodegradable cat litter.
- Compost.
- Replace plastic leftover tubs with glass or silicone.
- Purchase in bulk to cut down on packaging.
- Join a local Co-op, or shop at farmers markets.
It's finally spring on the East coast! Most of us welcome springtime; excited to wave goodbye to freezing temperatures and snow, and looking forward to the warm sun, beautiful flowers, and vacations with friends and family! But for people with allergies, the warmer weather also means stuffy noses, headaches, watery eyes and all-over misery.
There's really no avoiding the weather or the outdoor allergens. However, you can minimize the effects of allergens inside your home with these HVAC tips.
Ensure proper ventilation
Despite how the outdoors may trigger your symptoms, the answer is not to shut the outside air out of your home. This will only keep stale air inside your home. Indoor allergens can build up and make you just as sick, or worse. Fresh air is critical for allergy sufferers, and the right ventilation system will keep the allergens - and the suffering - to a minimum.
Ensure proper ventilation
Despite how the outdoors may trigger your symptoms, the answer is not to shut the outside air out of your home. This will only keep stale air inside your home. Indoor allergens can build up and make you just as sick, or worse. Fresh air is critical for allergy sufferers, and the right ventilation system will keep the allergens - and the suffering - to a minimum.
Upgrade your filter to HEPA
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air and it works by forcing air through a mesh that traps allergens like dust, pollen and pet dander. Keep in mind that HEPA filters have larger pressure drops and can adversely affect airflow through the furnace, reducing its heating and cooling performance. Give us a call before replacing your regular filter; we'd be happy to help determine if a HEPA filter is right for your home.
Use a room or whole-house air purifier
You have a couple options when shopping for an air purifier. One option is to purchase a portable unit, which filters the air in just one room, but is inexpensive, and can be moved from room to room. Or, you may choose a whole-house purifier, which is integrated into your HVAC distribution system. You can choose between filters, ionizers, UV Light purifiers or adsorbents like activated charcoal. Ionizers charge dust and other particles so that they either stick to charged plates in the ionizer or bond with other particles and become too heavy to remain airborne. UV light neutralizes and kills microorganisms. Adsorbent materials, like charcoal, trap particles on its surface and in its pores.
Clean your ductwork
Dust and other allergens can build up in your ductwork and get distributed throughout your home. It's important to have your ductwork cleaned regularly to keep your air clean and free from these eye-itching, nose-tickling particles.
Add humidifiers or dehumidifiers
Having the correct balance of humidity in your home is crucial in the fight against allergy symptoms. Too much moisture causes mold, which worsens symptoms; and too little can dry out mucus membranes, giving easy entry to allergens and germs. Installing a humidifier or dehumidifier (depending on the climate where you live) will work to keep moisture levels at the ideal 30-50%, and help you fight allergies and their unwelcome symptoms.
If you have noticed issues with the air quality in your home and want to find ways to reduce your allergy symptoms this spring, give us a call and we can help you make the necessary changes to your home’s HVAC system. Call us today, at 866-624-5970 or complete our contact form to schedule a visit from one of our highly qualified technicians. |
Sick of winter yet? We sure are! These cold days have us longing for a warm spring day to spend outside in the sun! But the need for gloves, scarves, layers (and layers), and a puffy coat isn’t the only thing about winter causing us discomfort. What makes winter even more unbearable is the lack of humidity in the air. If the word ‘humidity’ makes you think of a hot August day in the deep south, you might be thinking, “Are you crazy! Humidity is the worst! It’s sticky and sweaty, and it makes my hair frizz.” Yes, there is such a thing as too much humidity; but it’s important for our health and comfort to have the right amount, especially in our home, office, and anywhere else we spend a lot of time. Without the right balance, indoor air can end up being way too dry. Dry air can cause a variety of problems, not only for our comfort and health, but also for the health of our homes.
Here are just a handful of symptoms you might experience if the air in your home is too dry:
Dry air can be equally problematic in your home. Here are some things you might notice:
So, what can you do about it? Thankfully, this is an easy problem to fix. And even better, you've got options! There are many different kinds of humidifiers, depending on your specific needs and budget.
Here's a basic breakdown of the different types of humidifiers:
Here are just a handful of symptoms you might experience if the air in your home is too dry:
- Dry, flaky and irritated skin
- Cracked lips
- Dry and brittle hair
- Itchy throat
- Dry/red eyes
- Headaches
- Congestion and dryness in sinuses
- Bloody nose
- Snoring, more than usual
- Asthma and allergy symptoms, worse or more persistent than usual
- Cold and flu, worse, more often, or prolonged symptoms
Dry air can be equally problematic in your home. Here are some things you might notice:
- Air feels colder than it is
- Houseplants dry up faster
- Wood floors and furniture suffer – cracks, creaks, loose joints, shrinking in size
- Static electricity
So, what can you do about it? Thankfully, this is an easy problem to fix. And even better, you've got options! There are many different kinds of humidifiers, depending on your specific needs and budget.
Here's a basic breakdown of the different types of humidifiers:
Central / Whole House Humidifier - Ducted
Whole House Humidifier - Console
Wick / Evaporative
Steam Vaporizer / Warm Mist
Impeller
Ultrasonic
- Built into HVAC system
- Humidifies the entire home
- Monthly cleaning required
- Most expensive option
Whole House Humidifier - Console
- Not attached to HVAC system
- Humidifies multiple rooms/entire home depending on size
- Large multi-gallon tank which is refilled every few days
- Must be cleaned weekly
- Placed in central location of house
Wick / Evaporative
- A fan pulls air through a water-saturated wick, and then pushes the air (water vapor) out
- Cost efficient
- Humidifies one room
- Must be cleaned regularly
Steam Vaporizer / Warm Mist
- Water is boiled until it vaporizes
- Quiet
- Typically the least expensive option
- Humidifies one room
- Helps room feel warmer
- Emits warm/hot steam that can harm small children or animals
Impeller
- Water passes through a spinning disc, which breaks it down into tiny droplets and disperses them into a cool mist
- Good for humidifying larger rooms
- Must be cleaned after every use
- Filters should be changed regularly
- Larger unit
- Noisy
Ultrasonic
- Uses high frequency vibrations (similar to a speaker) to push tiny droplets of water into the air
- Quiet
- No filters to replace
- Must be cleaned regularly
Don't feel like running to the store? Not ready to shell out your hard-earned cash for a humidifier? Need a quick fix? Here are a few things you can do to add a little moisture to the air in your home using items you already own:
So, if your lips are cracked, your eyes are dry, or that cold just won't quit, it might be time to consider a humidifier... or a couple of nice vases!
- Lay or hang your laundry out to dry, instead of using the machine
- Boil water on the stove, in a pot or kettle
- Fill a few vases or decorative bowls with water and set them out where they won't be in the way - even better, set them on a sunny window sill
- Shower with the bathroom door open
So, if your lips are cracked, your eyes are dry, or that cold just won't quit, it might be time to consider a humidifier... or a couple of nice vases!
Here in Maryland, temperatures are well below freezing today. And with a wind chill below zero, you may be finding it hard to get and stay warm. Staying warm is important not only for our comfort, but also for our health. Here are some tips for staying warm (and protect your home) when temperatures are dropping outside.
For you:
For you:
- Layer up! This one speaks for itself.
- Two words: Heated. Blankets.
- Cut down on alcohol and nicotine. While they may initially make you feel warmer, they are actually causing heat to leave your body.
- Get warm from the inside out. Hot soup, hot chocolate, hot tea…. Whatever floats your boat! A warm drink will raise your internal body temperature quicker than turning up the thermostat. (Side note: spicy foods are said to have a similar effect!)
- Finish your shower with cold water. Although hot water will warm you up, once you leave the shower, you will go back to feeling cold. Ending your shower with cold water will get your blood circulating which will help you feel warmer and avoid the shock of going from one extreme to another. Another perk – cold showers also help strengthen your immune system!
For your home:
- Make use of your ceiling fan. You read that right! Most ceiling fans have a cold weather setting, which spins clockwise, moving the cool air up to the ceiling and warm air downward.
- Open the faucets in your home to a very slow drip. You may be concerned about wasting water, but it's not much, and keeping the faucets open relieves pressure in the pipes, preventing them from freezing.
- Install foam pipe insulation. It is inexpensive, easy to apply, and available at all hardware stores.
- Open cabinet doors below sinks (and wherever pipes are exposed – especially on exterior walls) to allow heat easier access to pipes, and help prevent freezing.
- Make sure the outside water hose is no longer connected to the water line. If it is, the frigid temperature can cause the water and hose to freeze.
- Roll up a long towel or two and shove them into, or in front of, the open space under your door. This will keep the heat from escaping as easily.
- If your windows seem to be letting extra cold air in, invest in a window insulator kit. They are very inexpensive, easy to install, and can be found at any hardware store.
- Cover windows with light blankets to block the cold air from entering.
- Use a humidifier. The most effective option is to have one installed in conjunction with your heating and cooling system; but you can also use a stand alone unit. In winter, the air is much dryer. Without that necessary moisture, our skin dries out much easier, as does the mucous in our bodies, making it harder to stave off infections. In addition, with less moisture, the air feels much colder than it is. Adding humidity back into the air will help your home feel much more comfortable. Bonus: Static electricity can be caused when the air is too dry. Increase the humidity levels, and you will reduce that static shock!
Geothermal energy has been used for thousands of years; starting with making use of hot springs for bathing and district heating. It wasn’t until the 1940’s that a heat pump system was successfully installed for commercial use.
Since then, the use of geothermal heating and cooling has increased significantly, and it is now available for homeowners.
Geothermal Fundamentals
So how does geothermal work, anyway? The Earth’s temperature remains essentially constant throughout the year. Using heat pumps, heat can either be taken from the Earth and used to warm your home in winter, or heat can be transferred from your home into the ground in summer.
In order to achieve this, several components work together. Outside, horizontal or vertical geothermal ground loop pipes are installed for the heat transfer liquid (usually a glycol mixture). These pipes are connected to the heat pump, which does the work of providing the right temperature to your home. Then there’s the distribution system, which may be hydronic (water-based) or an air handler.
Since then, the use of geothermal heating and cooling has increased significantly, and it is now available for homeowners.
Geothermal Fundamentals
So how does geothermal work, anyway? The Earth’s temperature remains essentially constant throughout the year. Using heat pumps, heat can either be taken from the Earth and used to warm your home in winter, or heat can be transferred from your home into the ground in summer.
In order to achieve this, several components work together. Outside, horizontal or vertical geothermal ground loop pipes are installed for the heat transfer liquid (usually a glycol mixture). These pipes are connected to the heat pump, which does the work of providing the right temperature to your home. Then there’s the distribution system, which may be hydronic (water-based) or an air handler.
Why Go Geothermal?
Here are six reasons to upgrade to a geothermal system:
1. Energy bills decrease because you are only paying for electricity to run heat pumps. Unlike electric heat, the electricity used for a geothermal system is for running the heat pumps, which is less than that needed to provide heat directly. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), geothermal systems can save you 30-70% of heating costs and 20-50% of your cooling costs.
2. Geothermal energy is environmentally friendly. There are no greenhouse gases as with a furnace and it’s a renewable energy source.
3. The equipment is hidden in a mechanical room, so you don't have to worry about how it looks. Piping is buried in your yard and all controls, valves and piping reside in the mechanical room, out of sight. You also have the added benefit of quiet operation.
4. Geothermal heat pumps have lower maintenance costs and longer lifespans than traditional heating and cooling equipment, saving you money in the long run.
5. Geothermal systems are safer for your family. There is no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning as there is with fossil fuel burning equipment.
6. Beginning February 2018, homeowners with geothermal systems, among other sources of renewable energy, can claim a 30% tax credit. Click here for more information about renewable energy tax rebates.
There are some things to keep in mind when deciding to make the switch, however. The initial installation cost can seem a bit daunting, but geothermal heating and cooling will save you significant money in the long run. When considering, and planning for, a geothermal system, be sure to speak with our experts about the number of wells, the right size of equipment for your home, whether to install horizontal loops or vertical loops, and whether you’ll want supplemental heating.
If you are thinking about upgrading to geothermal heating and cooling, give us a call! We're happy to discuss all of the benefits, and help you get started.
Here are six reasons to upgrade to a geothermal system:
1. Energy bills decrease because you are only paying for electricity to run heat pumps. Unlike electric heat, the electricity used for a geothermal system is for running the heat pumps, which is less than that needed to provide heat directly. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), geothermal systems can save you 30-70% of heating costs and 20-50% of your cooling costs.
2. Geothermal energy is environmentally friendly. There are no greenhouse gases as with a furnace and it’s a renewable energy source.
3. The equipment is hidden in a mechanical room, so you don't have to worry about how it looks. Piping is buried in your yard and all controls, valves and piping reside in the mechanical room, out of sight. You also have the added benefit of quiet operation.
4. Geothermal heat pumps have lower maintenance costs and longer lifespans than traditional heating and cooling equipment, saving you money in the long run.
5. Geothermal systems are safer for your family. There is no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning as there is with fossil fuel burning equipment.
6. Beginning February 2018, homeowners with geothermal systems, among other sources of renewable energy, can claim a 30% tax credit. Click here for more information about renewable energy tax rebates.
There are some things to keep in mind when deciding to make the switch, however. The initial installation cost can seem a bit daunting, but geothermal heating and cooling will save you significant money in the long run. When considering, and planning for, a geothermal system, be sure to speak with our experts about the number of wells, the right size of equipment for your home, whether to install horizontal loops or vertical loops, and whether you’ll want supplemental heating.
If you are thinking about upgrading to geothermal heating and cooling, give us a call! We're happy to discuss all of the benefits, and help you get started.
When it comes to lowering your energy consumption, there is no better way than installing the best heating and cooling systems available today. Typically, when your environment reaches an undesirable temperature, you would rely on your home appliances, such as your electric fans, air conditioning units, heaters, etc, to achieve a comfortable indoor atmosphere. However, you must know that using these machines too often will lead to higher energy costs.
With the help of various heating and cooling systems, you won't need to sacrifice your comfort just to lower your energy consumption; but installing these types of equipment can be quite complex. So before the professionals even begin installations, your property must first undergo a process called Energy Analysis.
Energy Analysis is a method in which an energy auditor will inspect your home and determine which areas of your property are experiencing energy saving problems. It can be treated like a routine checkup at the doctors, but instead of looking for what is bothering the body, the energy auditor will look into the structure of your home. They will check for both air and water leaks, faulty wiring, damaged systems, and any other problematic issues, so that they would know what steps to take to optimize your home’s energy saving capabilities.
Why Having Your Home Analyzed is A Good Idea
As previously mentioned, this method will enable you and the auditor to know which areas of your home are causing too much energy consumption. By doing so, you can immediately rectify these problems. Also, by determining how much energy your property has wasted and/or saved, the auditor will provide you with the proper heating and/or cooling systems to maximize your home’s energy saving capabilities, without having to spend too much on unnecessary equipment.
If you believe your property is not using energy efficiently, call TriState Home Services today at 866-624-5970 or complete our contact form, and we will be happy to help.
Winter is the season that most people dread as they count down the weeks, days and hours until the temperature starts to climb. If you meet each winter with trepidation and want it to pass more quickly, here are some tips to get you through the season.
Play a winter sport
Depending on where you live, skiing or hockey might be popular and available. You might prefer ice fishing, skating or curling. The list of options is endless. And if you’re trying something for the first time, the combination of learning something new and expanding your social circles might turn winter into your favorite time of year.
Take up an indoor hobby
If anything to do with the outdoors or ice sends shivers up your spine, staying busy indoors might be just the thing you need. Painting, baking or woodworking in a (heated) garage are some fun activities that can help you ignore old man winter until he’s gone. Make it a winter-only event and you might find yourself looking forward to the colder weather.
Do an indoor renovation project
Do you have projects around the house that you’ve been neglecting? If you couldn’t find the time during camping season, now’s the best season to get it done. You’ll feel productive and by the time the snow melts, you’ll have something to show off.
Plan a fun winter vacation - instead of waiting for the summer
Most people plan getaways in the summer. They crowd airports, campsites, beaches and resorts. If you had intentions of visiting the Caribbean in the summer, why not make it a winter escape instead? Splitting the winter season with a break on a toasty beach is sure to make it go by quicker.
Hibernate a bit
After the long daylight hours of summer, having non-stop fun, you may need a break. Late bedtimes while the sun streams through the curtains will eventually take a toll on your body. Use the long, chilly nights to snuggle up for a long rest. Slow things down and let your body recover for next year. Your body will thank you!
Dealing with winter shouldn’t include having issues with your heating and plumbing. If your home could use some improvements in order to make sure you’re warm and ready for the cold weather, give us a call so you can focus on the fun stuff!
Play a winter sport
Depending on where you live, skiing or hockey might be popular and available. You might prefer ice fishing, skating or curling. The list of options is endless. And if you’re trying something for the first time, the combination of learning something new and expanding your social circles might turn winter into your favorite time of year.
Take up an indoor hobby
If anything to do with the outdoors or ice sends shivers up your spine, staying busy indoors might be just the thing you need. Painting, baking or woodworking in a (heated) garage are some fun activities that can help you ignore old man winter until he’s gone. Make it a winter-only event and you might find yourself looking forward to the colder weather.
Do an indoor renovation project
Do you have projects around the house that you’ve been neglecting? If you couldn’t find the time during camping season, now’s the best season to get it done. You’ll feel productive and by the time the snow melts, you’ll have something to show off.
Plan a fun winter vacation - instead of waiting for the summer
Most people plan getaways in the summer. They crowd airports, campsites, beaches and resorts. If you had intentions of visiting the Caribbean in the summer, why not make it a winter escape instead? Splitting the winter season with a break on a toasty beach is sure to make it go by quicker.
Hibernate a bit
After the long daylight hours of summer, having non-stop fun, you may need a break. Late bedtimes while the sun streams through the curtains will eventually take a toll on your body. Use the long, chilly nights to snuggle up for a long rest. Slow things down and let your body recover for next year. Your body will thank you!
Dealing with winter shouldn’t include having issues with your heating and plumbing. If your home could use some improvements in order to make sure you’re warm and ready for the cold weather, give us a call so you can focus on the fun stuff!
- Humidity Levels in Your Home
- Sensi Predict™ - 24/7 HVAC Monitoring
- Waterproofing & Crawl Space Encapsulating
- Save Our Planet/Earth Day
- Beating Spring Allergies
- Importance of Humidifiers
- Staying Warm in Winter
- Geothermal Energy
- Energy Analysis
- Lowering Your Energy Costs
- Air Quality Matters
- Staying Entertained During Winter
- Maintaining Your Boiler
- Radiant Floor Heating Installation