This National Wellness Month, Get Better Indoor Air Quality

All About Indoor Air Quality

National Wellness Month is all about celebrating self-care, reducing stress, and creating healthy habits and routines that promote physical, mental, and emotional health while taking care of our overall well-being. Since this approach is multi-faceted, knowing where to start can be hard, but let’s begin with the quality of air indoors.

Indoor air quality, otherwise known as IAQ, is concerned primarily with how safe and healthy it is to breathe the air indoors - in homes, buildings, and other enclosed spaces. This usually deals with the level of indoor air pollutants such as microorganisms, gasses, combustible products, dirt, dust, and other suspended particles in the air. While it may be impossible to bring the levels of air contaminants down to zero, keeping it as low as possible is crucial. Otherwise, the health and safety of residents may be negatively impacted. This post will share the health effects of poor indoor air quality and tips to improve indoor air quality

Understanding the Health Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality

sickPoor indoor air quality has many undesirable effects on the body and a person’s respiratory health. Some of these ill effects may manifest soon after exposure, while others take a while, sometimes taking anywhere from months to years before rearing its ugly head. 

These symptoms may be as mild as eye, nose, or throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, or they could be more severe. Those who have never had respiratory issues may find themselves experiencing allergic reactions, while chronic allergy and asthma sufferers may notice that their episodes are suddenly becoming much more frequent and intense. It’s time to take action and improve indoor air quality services to help eliminate and prevent these health symptoms.

Maintaining the HVAC System Improves IAQ

filterOne of the best and most effective ways of removing air contaminants and maintaining high-quality indoor air is probably also one of the simplest since it should be done anyway: to keep a home’s HVAC system clean and in excellent working condition. Aside from heating and cooling spaces, homeowners must note that the HVAC system also recirculates indoor air in the process. It is essential to perform regular air filter replacement and schedule routine HVAC maintenance visits with a qualified professional to ensure that the air it takes in and redistributes is clean.

By replacing the HVAC’s air filter at least once every quarter, homeowners can ensure that the filters can still trap unwanted particles and keep them out of the air - something that won’t be possible if there is a dirty filter. Changing the air filter on time also makes the HVAC unit more energy efficient, helping homeowners save energy and money from lower energy bills. On the other hand, regular maintenance visits ensure that the HVAC system works correctly and does its air filtration job as it should, improving efficiency and extending the unit’s life.

Devices That Improve Indoor Air Quality

As an added layer of protection against indoor air contaminants, homeowners may also choose to purchase and install air-cleaning appliances at home that improve indoor air quality. Two of the most popular types of air cleaners and filtration systems are the air purifier and the UV sanitizer. While both devices effectively clean indoor air, how they achieve this is where their differences begin.

An air purifier cleans the air by passing it through a series of filters that trap big and small particles so that the air that comes out is cleaner. On the other hand, a UV air sanitizer does not have filters and instead uses UV-C light technology to kill microbial particles, such as germs and viruses, that may be too small to stick to a filter. These two different air cleaning methods give homeowners excellent options for improving air quality, especially concerning the health problems they face at home. People who find themselves worried more about germs and viruses can opt for UV air cleaning technology, while those pestered by allergens such as dust, dirt, pollen, or mold spores may want to choose a filter-based air purifier instead.

About Mr. Air AC & Electrical

Mr. Air AC & Electrical has over 30 years of experience serving Pompano Beach and the surrounding areas. They offer same-day services, financing, and the latest technology. Call them today for indoor air quality services in Pompano Beach, FL.

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How to Practice Electrical Safety This Month

Common Electrical Safety Tips and Tricks for Homeowners 

Homeowners experiencing an electrical problem should leave it to the professionals because a lot can go wrong when trying to DIY electrical solutions. When solving an electrical issue, there is a lot to consider, including the proper wattage, safety equipment, and the warning signs of a problem.

It is easier for homeowners to prevent common problems like an overloaded outlet than to fix a larger wiring issue down the line. Use these tips to make any home safer this electrical safety month.

Stop Overloading Outlets

outletThere is not enough importance on learning how electricity works in a home. Not all homeowners understand surge protectors are necessary if they use more than one plugin an outlet. Not all outlets can contain the same amount of surge or wattage.

It is dangerous to overload an outlet. When an outlet is overloaded, there is too much wattage in the outlet, causing it to short and overheat. Appliances can also short and stop working if outlets are overloaded.

Although a non-working appliance can be frustrating, it's not the worst danger. When using too many outlets and appliances at once, outlets can overheat and cause electrical fires. This is more common when people are not home. Experts recommend using multiple outlets in a home instead of simply one and unplugging appliances when they are not in use.

Check For and Use Proper Wattage

wattagesNot all appliances and the plugs they come with are the same! It is important to learn what wattages are and the recommended wattages for an outlet and appliance. If the appliance holds a wattage higher than the outlet, this can cause the outlet to overload, short, and overheat.

A watt is simply a measure or a rate used to calculate how much energy is needed to power appliances such as lamps and light fixtures. If the correct wattage is not used with the right lamps and light fixtures, this can cause an increase in electric bills and the fixture to overheat. 

Stay Clear From DIY Solutions

Before trying to fix the problem, it is best to call an electrician. Electricity can be deadly and is not something to play with. Even a simple solution like an outlet repair can cause damage to a home or homeowner. Professional electricians train for just about any electrical problem, and many are happy to explain the recommended wattage to interested homeowners.

Electrical hazards are serious and should be avoided. Electricians have tools and uniforms that can protect them from these hazards. Instead of DIY solutions, homeowners should focus on staying safe with electrical safety tips like unplugging appliances and staying clear of open wires.

The tools that electricians use are also very expensive! It is not worth it to purchase the tools as they are expensive, and if homeowners do not know what they are doing, it can worsen the situation, causing a blackout.

About Mr. Air AC & Electrical

Mr. Air AC & Electrical has served the residents of Broward and Palm Beach County for over 35 years. They provide same-day, straightforward pricing, financing, and 24-hour emergency service. They also offer a membership club with special perks. Call them today for electrical services in Pompano Beach, FL.

Black History Month HVAC Facts

Get To Know the Black Inventors That Revolutionized Modern Heating and Cooling

Without these three spectacular African American inventors, homeowners would not have the innovations they love! It is essential to read and understand their stories, especially as the country celebrates black history month.

HVAC is an industry constantly changing and adapting to new techniques and tools. While this is true, most HVAC companies use the same essential heating and cooling systems ideas learned from black inventors in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Three names that changed the HVAC industry are David Crosthwait, Alice Parker, and Lewis Latimer.

David Crosthwait and His Boiler System

David Crosthwait and his boiler system should win an award for its groundbreaking and help! Nearly a century after its creation, the boiler system is used in homes and businesses. It is an affordable and long-lasting (up to ten years) system that provides warmth with water.

Homeowners should also know that he created temperature regulation devices similar to the thermostat controls used today in homes. It was the first of its kind and helped regulate hot and cool air quickly and efficiently. Vacuum pumps are another invention that shifted the industry to what it is today.

Alice Parker

Alice Parker and Her Safe Gas Furnace

Alice Parker was a black woman inventor who knew that there was a problem she wanted to fix. This brilliant mind had a lot stacked against her but did not let it get to her. Women during this time did not have the same freedoms or rights as men, but they pushed on and made their path.

An invention she created that changed the HVAC industry forever was the gas furnace with ductwork. This was significant because it was the first safe furnace that was also affordable! Now, warmth during the cool months was something everyone could afford.

It was also a lot safer. Instead of using extremely flammable substances and materials like wood and coal, which could easily spread to the rest of the house, the fuel was gas. The duct creates a barrier and allows the warm air to pass through and out of the home without causing a fire, a big concern.

Lewis Latimer and His Top 3 Inventions

Lewis LatimerLewis Latimer is a household name for HVAC technicians as he created an indoor air quality system that uses condensation and air already in the home to purify the air. This was great for households with allergies and illnesses.

However, this was not the only remarkable invention he created. He also had a strong hand in inventions like the telephone and lightbulb. Although he did not invent them alone, he made grand changes so that they could be more useful.

About Mr. Air AC & Electrical

Friendly and local, Mr. Air AC & Electrical offers various air conditioning and electrical services at competitive and upfront prices. They also provide online and over-the-phone appointment settings with friendly service technicians. Call them today for air conditioning services in Pompano Beach, FL.