Extend the Lifespan of Your Furnace

Did you know furnaces typically last around 15 years before they need to be replaced?  Heating systems need proper maintenance to reduce the risk of breaking down unexpectedly. With these tips for extending the life of your furnace, you can keep it running smoothly for as long as possible.

Change Air Filters Frequently

Most people do not change their air filters as often as needed. This can lead to poor indoor air quality inside your home and potentially damage your furnace.  When your filters are dirty, your furnace must work harder to maintain airflow and as a result, the lifespan of your system is shortened. Changing your air filter regularly is one of the easiest and least expensive things you can do to maintain your heating and cooling system.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

If your home has an outdated analog thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat. Older thermostats don’t have the same precision of newer, advanced models, resulting in your furnace working harder to provide the temperature you want.

Keep Your Home Well Insulated Hot air lost through window

There are many places for heat to disappear, like the attic or windows, leading to a less comfortable home and a harder working furnace. Adding some insulation and sealing up any leaks in your air ducts can keep your home warm all season long. Addressing air leaks can be done by pursuing a home energy audit or by having a yearly air duct inspection.

Schedule an Annual Inspection

Don’t make the mistake of ignoring your furnace until something major is wrong. An annual inspection could have caught that issue early on and saved you from costly repairs.

Digital Camera

Get Your Air Ducts Cleaned

Like cars, heating and cooling systems perform better with regular maintenance. When done correctly, air duct cleaning is very beneficial to the longevity of your air handling units. Despite using filters, your heating and cooling system still gets dirty through everyday use. This dirt is filled with contaminants and air pollutants that can harm your indoor air quality and cause your heating and cooling system to work harder, shortening the lifespan of your system.

There are several factors that can increase the need for regular air duct cleaning. The number of occupants in your house, whether you have pets, and if anyone in your house has allergies can all increase the frequency with which you should clean your air ducts. Reduce the need for potentially costly repairs by scheduling an air duct cleaning with your local NADCA-certified contractor.

Original article written by NADCA

Sick Building Syndrome

Does it ever seem like no matter how often you wash your hands or use hand sanitizer avoiding the illnesses circulating the office seems impossible. Sickness can strike from time to time but what about when you feel sick every time you are at work? The indoor air quality of the office might be the cause, one in four buildings can be classified as a “sick building” and the effects might be more serious that you think.

What is Sick Building Syndrome?

The EPA defines Sick Building Syndrome as “situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified.” Individuals may be healthy, but after spending time in a sick building they may experience certain side effects including:

  • lack of energy
  • irritated eyes
  • inability to concentrate
  • headaches
  • eye irritation

The symptoms and severity of Sick Building Syndrome may vary from person to person depending on their sensitivity to airborne allergens. Breathing polluted air may not immediately affect some, but it may cause respiratory diseases in the long run.

What are the causes of Sick Building Syndrome?

Sick Building Syndrome can stem from causes such as inadequate ventilation, chemical contaminants, or a buildup of allergens. Examples of these allergens are:

  • mold
  • mildew
  • pollen
  • dust mites

A buildup of these containments can occur in the air ducts of office buildings and, as air circulates through the ducts, the containments are blown around and distributed throughout the building. This causes the people within the building to be continuously exposed to the allergens and air pollutants.

What is the cost of Sick Building Syndrome?

Sick Building Syndrome creates bigger issues than just giving employees a stuffy nose.  According to The American Lung Association, US adults miss about 14 million workdays per year because of asthma, which is an issue commonly triggered by poor indoor air quality

According to the EPA, almost $60 billion dollars are lost in productivity due to poor indoor air quality.

Sick Building Syndrome can affect workers ability to productively and efficiently do their jobs, which can add up to be a major loss for employers. Reducing sick building symptoms through properly maintained HVAC systems can lead to $10-$30 billion in productivity gains, better indoor air quality, and happier and healthier employees.  

Original article written by NADCA