Take Steps to Minimize Viruses and Bacteria in Your Home
The rise of widespread illnesses like coronavirus is leading to increased interest in airborne pathogens and bacteria. While many news stories focus on ways to protect yourself while you're on the go, they may overlook the dangers that are lurking inside your own Porterville home. Fortunately, protecting your family from airborne viruses and bacteria might be easier than you think. Here's what you need to know.
Mechanical Ventilation
Ventilation is essential for maintaining healthy indoor air. Studies show that increased air circulation reduces the concentration of airborne pathogens and lowers disease transmission rates. This is important for preventing seasonal illnesses that thrive in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces. If your home feels stuffy, an energy-recovery ventilator can alleviate your symptoms and exhaust airborne pollutants.
Humidity Management
Balanced humidity and optimal air quality go hand in hand. Experts recommend keeping the relative humidity below 50% to deter organic growth and dust mites but above 30% to prevent respiratory irritation. Adding extra moisture, especially during the winter, can reduce viral mobility and moisturize your airways to ensure that you're better protected from seasonal illnesses. If you want to balance the humidity throughout your home, consider installing a whole-house humidifier that can release precise amounts of water vapor as needed.
Germicidal Air Cleaners
If you're looking for a permanent way to maintain a germ-free home, consider installing an air purifier that uses static electricity to capture incoming pathogens and to damage viruses at the genetic level. These systems disable germs that cause strep throat, the flu, and other season illnesses. UV lamps that are installed within your HVAC unit can perform a similar function by using ultraviolet rays to improve your indoor air quality.
For additional details, call ZONE Air & Heating Inc. We'll be happy to provide a free quote or to perform an in-home assessment. You can also find more information about our range of air cleaners and indoor air quality services online.
3 Reasons to Consider a Ductless System for Your New HVAC Installation
Whether you're making major changes to your Terra Bella, CA home or building a new one, determining which HVAC system to install is likely one of your top priorities. With so many options in the market, it can be hard to figure out which one will provide you with the results you want. One option to give serious consideration to is a ductless system. Check out some of the best reasons to consider ductless HVAC for your next installation.
They Are Extremely Energy Efficient
One of the biggest advantages of a ductless system is that they can save you a great deal on utilities since they're more energy-efficient than more traditional models. Unlike a traditional system, ductless systems use less power to operate as they are significantly smaller than other models. The conditioned air goes directly into the room via a tube leading to the indoor air unit. You can also increase the efficiency of the system by opting for a multi-split system that can allow you to create zones in your home which are individually controlled.
They Provide More Flexibility
A traditional, centralized system works by forcing air through a series of ducts installed throughout the home. A ductless system is made up of smaller units that go outdoors and are connected through small tubes to indoor units throughout the home. This allows you to place units where it is most convenient according to the design of your home.
They Are Easy to Install
A professional can easily install a ductless system in your home with little disruptions to the day-to-day activities of your household. A technician will drill small holes in the walls where you'll have your indoor units. Then they'll mount the units and connect them to your electrical system. Since no ductwork is required, there is no need for significant remodeling. Most systems can be up and running in a day.
Contact ZONE Air & Heating Inc.today. One of our experts will answer questions you might have about about our ductless air conditioning products and services.
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Easy Ways to Keep Your Home Warm This Winter
Keep your house comfortable and cozy when the outside temperatures drop by performing a few simple tasks around your Lindsay, CA home. To stay warm this winter, change your air filter, take advantage of your blinds and drapes, seal air leaks, and install a smart thermostat.
Change Your Air Filter
A dirty air filter restricts the flow of air into your heating system. This makes it harder for your heater to warm your home. If your heater is operating with a clogged filter, changing it should provide instant improvement. To prevent this from becoming an issue in the first place, check your filter often and change it every one to three months.
Take Advantage of Your Blinds and Drapes
Open your blinds and drapes to allow sunlight in and warm your home naturally. At night, close them to help keep warm air inside. To really give your home a boost, you can invest in thermal curtains.
Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks allow warm air to escape and cool air to enter. This forces your heater to work harder than it should to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Do a quick energy audit by checking doors, windows, and electrical outlets. Caulk around windows and place weather stripping around door frames to seal air leaks. Install outlet insulation pads to prevent warm air from escaping through your outlet boxes.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats make it easy to keep your home at a comfortable temperature while helping to reduce energy usage. They allow you to schedule temperature changes throughout the day so that your heater runs more often when you're at home and less when you're away. Using the corresponding app, you can adjust the temperature while you're away from home so that your house is warm and cozy the minute you walk inside.
If you need help staying warm this winter, give the HVAC professionals at ZONE Heating and Air, Inc a call at 559-306-6433. We'd love to help.
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Reducing Asthma and Allergy Triggers in Your Pet-Friendly Home
Your pets are a part of your Springville, California, home as well as part of your family. While you love living with your pets, it is likely that you don't enjoy living with their hair and dander. The good news is that you don't have to have your pets live outdoors. With a few tips and tricks, you can easily reduce asthma and allergy triggers that your pet may bring to your home.
Regularly Bathe and Groom Your Pet
The best way to reduce pet dander and hair in your home is to keep your pet clean and groomed. Make sure to bathe your pets once a week and brush them every few days. Consider taking your pet to an outside facility for bathing and brush them outside whenever possible. Regular cleaning will remove the loose hair and dander before they can shed it in your home.
Vacuum Your Home as Much as Possible
Vacuuming can help remove the dander and hair that your pet sheds throughout the home. Try to keep a regular vacuuming schedule. Be sure to pay extra attention to the areas where your pet frequents as well as where they sleep.
Clean Their Bedding Once a Week
Your pet is likely to leave much of their dander and hair where they sleep. Make sure that you keep their bed, blankest, and other bedding clean. This will not only reduce the dander and hair from building up but also will provide them with a more comfortable environment.
Have Regular HVAC Maintenance
Your pet's dirt and dander can circulate through your home. That dirt and dander will likely end up in your HVAC system. This debris will cause your filter to clog more rapidly and the components of your system to become covered in dust. Always check your filter and change it when needed. Additionally, make sure to have your HVAC system serviced twice a year.
If you are looking to reduce asthma and allergy symptoms in your home, contacts us at 559-306-6433. One of our Zone Air & Heating specialists will get your maintenance appointment scheduled.
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3 Smells That Can Signal Trouble With Your HVAC System
The HVAC system in your Porterville, California, home is responsible for keeping you and your family comfortable throughout the years. Unfortunately, there are times when your HVAC system may begin to have problems and will need professional repair. If you detect any of the smells listed below coming from your HVAC system it may be time to call in the professionals.
Burning Smells
Any type of burning smell, whether it smells like melted plastic or an electrical burn, should be a cause for concern when it is coming from your HVAC system. If you smell burning after your system has already been running, there is a good chance there is a problem with your wires. Electrical repairs can be dangerous and should never be attempted on your own.
Rotten Eggs
The smell of rotten eggs coming from your HVAC system can be one of the most dangerous smells associated with your HVAC system. A special additive is added to natural gas, so when there is a leak, it will emit this discernable smell. If you ever encounter this smell you should immediately turn off your HVAC system, open windows in your home, get to a safe place, and contact your HVAC and gas company.
Burning Dust
The smell of burning dust when you first start up your furnace for the season is quite common as the light covering of dust on the system burns off. This smell should go away after about 20 minutes and should not reoccur once your system has been running throughout the season. In the instance that this smell continues or happens frequently, it is likely that you have heavy dust build-up on your heat exchanger or other components. The good news is, this problem is easy to avoid by having regular maintenance performed on your system.
If you detect any of the above smells coming from your HVAC system, don't wait for the problem to get worse. Contact us at 559-306-6433. One of our Zone Air & Heating professionals will diagnose and repair any issue.
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3 HVAC Tweaks to Achieve a More Comfortable Sleep
Getting a good night's rest is likely one of the top priorities in your Tulare, California, home. The right amount of sleep can help you be healthier, allow your body to properly restore itself, and help you feel rested and ready to tackle your day. What you may not have realized is that you can make some simple changes to your HVAC system to help you get better sleep.
Keep Your Air Filters Clean
Your HVAC system is responsible for more than providing your home with heated air. It's also designed to help remove allergens and pollutants from the air in your home. Your system's filter will trap these particles so that they don't continue to circulate through the air. These allergens and pollutants can lead to congestion, itching, and other respiratory issues. To keep your air filter performing as it should, make sure to regularly check it for clogging and change it according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
Keep Your Bedroom Cool
Especially during the fall and winter months, it can be tempting to crank up the heater. However, the truth is your body will sleep better when it is in a cooler environment. Your body will need to cool down in order to relax. When the room is too hot, it can lead to tossing, turning, and constant waking. Program your thermostat to be between 3 and 5 degrees cooler around the time that you normally go to bed.
Keep the Proper Humidity Levels
Humidity is also crucial to proper sleep. If the humidity in your home is too high, the air will seem thick and can make it more difficult to breathe. Humidity can also make you feel sticky, which can make it harder to get comfortable. When the humidity levels are too low, your skin will become dry and itchy. You may also wake up with a sore throat.
Want more tips for a better night's sleep? Contact Zone Air & Heating Inc. at 559-306-6433. One of our professionals can help you find the solutions you are looking for.
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Do You Hear Clanking or Squealing? Call an HVAC Professional
Keeping your HVAC system running optimally in your Porterville, California, home is critical to ensuring comfort and helping it to remain energy efficient. Unfortunately, even well-maintained systems can run into problems from time to time. If you hear any of the noises listed below, it is time to call in the pros.
Clanking
Clanking, bumping, or rattling sounds are usually an indicator that there is something amiss with the motor or blower assembly of your HVAC system. One possible cause is the mounts on the assembly motor becoming loose, leading to misalignment. Another potential concern could be broken bearing or system components that are clanking against other parts. In either case, you should contact an HVAC technician immediately to prevent further damage.
Squealing
When you hear squealing coming from your HVAC system, you will likely find that the problem is the result of a belt that has become loose or worn down. Another cause could be a lack of lubrication with the fan. During routine maintenance, a professional can address both of these issues with some minor repairs.
Repetitive Clicking
When your HVAC system powers up or down, you will likely hear a couple of clicking noises as the electrical system is triggering it to turn on or off. If you hear repeated clicking, though, that should be a cause for concern. This can be a sign that your system is having difficulty starting up, and you likely have a faulty relay or another electrical concern.
Popping
If you hear popping noises coming from your HVAC system when it starts up, or a loud banging, your furnace most likely has dirty burners. When this occurs, the gas is not ignited immediately, instead, it is building up. Then when the ignition hits it, it results in a small explosion that results in popping or banging. This can be a serious issue, and you should have a professional check it immediately.
If you hear any of the noises listed above coming from your HVAC system, contact us at 559-306-6433. One of ZONE Air & Heating Inc. Our HVAC professionals will help diagnose your problem and fix it.
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Prepare for Winter Early With These DIY HVAC Maintenance Tasks
Winter is coming to your Tulare, California, home, and now is the perfect time to whip your HVAC system into tip-top shape. While it is critical to have professional HVAC maintenance performed before the beginning of the winter season, there are a few DIY maintenance tasks that you can perform on your own to prepare.
Change Your Air Filter
Your air filter is responsible for trapping allergens and pollutants and preventing them from getting into your air supply as well as dirtying your HVAC system. In performing this function, your filter will eventually become dirty and clogged, which can restrict airflow and cause your system to have to work harder than it should. Always make sure to change your filter according to the manufacturer's guidelines and check it regularly if your house is dusty or you have pets.
Clean Your Vents and Registers
A common place for dust and debris to hide is on or inside your vents and registers. When you allow this debris to build up, it can reduce the quality of your indoor air and also reduce the flow of air into the room. Overly clogged vents can cause your system to have to use more energy to get the room to the desired temperature. Use a brush attachment on your vacuum to gently remove the dust buildup.
Schedule Your Annual HVAC Maintenance
One of the best ways to prepare your system for the upcoming winter months is by scheduling your professional HVAC maintenance. During maintenance, your technician will inspect and clean all of your system's components to ensure they are working properly and efficiently. They also will check airflow and address any issues that may be causing it to be restricted.
Don't wait until winter to get your HVAC system ready. Follow the steps above and call us at 559-306-6433 today to schedule your maintenance service. One of our ZONE Air & Heating Inc. experienced professionals will get your system ready for the cold months ahead.
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How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality When You Telecommute
Working from home is becoming increasingly popular as the business world runs more and more online. If you telecommute in the Terra Bella, CA, area, you get to enjoy the comforts of home during the workday, but you're cut off from the benefits of the office. One of the best benefits of a properly maintained office is air quality. When you're at home, air quality is your own responsibility. Learn how to improve your indoor air quality and what it takes to ensure your air stays clean and refreshing.
Improve Ventilation
Seal any leaks or cracks in your doors and windows, and if necessary, have a qualified professional inspect your home for adequate ventilation. If the air feels stuffy, open a few windows to allow fresh air to circulate in your home and stale air to escape.
Install an Air Filter
Home air purifiers and HVAC add-on air filters are a practical solution for improving indoor air quality. A high-quality air filter can remove particle contaminants, gases, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air for fresh, pure air quality.
Monitor CO2 Levels
Carbon dioxide isn't deadly like carbon monoxide, but monitoring CO2 levels is an easy way to gauge your indoor air quality. If air quality is low, you likely have a few pollutants. If it's too high, you're wasting energy. A CO2 monitor can help you find the middle ground.
Replace Your Air Filters
When's the last time you changed your HVAC system's air filter? Air filters get a buildup of dirt, dust, and debris over time, so it's best to change it every few months to keep this debris from entering your home.
If you're looking to optimize your interior air quality for your workday at home, ZONE Air & Heating Inc. can help. With our air purification services, we can optimize your interior air quality, and we also offer products such as purifiers and ventilators. Contact us online today to learn about our air quality solutions or call 559-306-6433 to schedule your appointment.
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Be Sure Your HVAC Thermostat is Properly Calibrated
It takes more than just an efficient HVAC system to keep your Porterville, CA, home comfortable. Even high-quality Trane heating and cooling systems won't function properly without a thermostat that's accurate and reliable. If your system doesn't seem to be working correctly, a miscalibrated thermostat is a simple problem to diagnose.
How Your HVAC Thermostat Works
To effectively maintain comfortable conditions, your HVAC system has to constantly monitor the air temperature in your home. When the temperature rises or falls too far, the system begins a heating or cooling cycle to restore comfort. Your HVAC thermostat is the key component that makes all of this happen. Its primary job is to measure the current air temperature and compare it to your desired setpoint temperature.
Why Proper Calibration Is Crucial
As you can see, this process only works if your thermostat can measure temperatures in your home accurately. If the thermostat isn't calibrated properly, it will produce inaccurate readings that can affect your HVAC system's operation. As a result, your comfort is likely to suffer. Your system may also continue running past the point at which it would normally shut down, increasing your energy costs.
Checking Your Thermostat's Calibration
There's a simple test you can perform if you suspect your thermostat may not be reading correctly. All you'll need is a standard glass thermometer, a paper towel, and some tape. Tape the thermometer next to the thermostat, using a folded paper towel to prevent it from touching the wall directly. Wait around 15 minutes before comparing the thermometer's reading to the reading on your thermostat. If there's a discrepancy of more than one degree, your thermostat requires recalibration.
An accurate thermostat is critical to the overall function of your HVAC system. Managing your settings properly can even save up to 10% on your annual energy costs. If poor calibration is preventing you from getting the most out of your HVAC system, check out ZONE Air & Heating's heating and cooling services or call 559-306-6433.