10 Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality By Following These Easy Tips

It is summertime and boy, do we love the outdoors. We love the warm weather, cookouts, and pool or lake time. However, statistically, we spend 90% of our time indoors, at home, when we travel, and while working or shopping. Given the time we spend indoors, ensuring optimal indoor air quality is crucial. Here are a few recommended steps to improve the air in your home.

Recognize Indoor Air Quality Contamination Sources

Reducing the concentration of contaminants entering your home is a good place to start.

Pollen, mold spores, and exhaust can enter a home through small gaps around windows and doors, or ductwork leaks. While each gap might be quite small, the combination of these spaces can be the equivalent of a hole several inches in diameter. Closing these gaps will reduce the quantity of contaminants entering a home.
A garage is often the storage space for fuels, paints, and adhesives. Vehicles and lawn care equipment may leak fuel. A habit of warming a car up in the garage will significantly increase the amount of carbon monoxide that enters a home even when the garage door is open. Make sure the door between the home and garage is well sealed.
Carpet, manufactured flooring, paints, stains, and adhesives give off volatile organic compounds (VOC) for the useful years of their service. The same is true for upholstered furniture and mattresses; the foam contains petroleum byproducts. We register the scent of VOCs as the “new” smell. The concentration of VOC falls off quickly, but they are still released in low quantities for years.

Fully Use the HVAC System

A major function of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is to produce clean, fresh air.

During the summer, the air conditioning system removes about half of the moisture to keep the indoor relative humidity between 40 and 60%. This is important, since outdoor relative humidity soars above 90% during July and August in Texas. Removing humidity inhibits the growth of mold and mildew in moist spaces (bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms). Annual professional maintenance is essential to ensure the air conditioner performs this function properly.
Even the most basic air filter efficiently removes about 80% of airborne contaminants with each cycle. Consult with your HVAC professional to determine the appropriate MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) filter for your system.
When ultraviolet light is installed inside HVAC ductwork, it disrupts the DNA and cell walls of organic contaminants, including pollen, mold spores, dust mites, bacteria, and viruses. If UV lights have not been installed in your system, inquire with your HVAC professional about after-market installation.
Whenever a heating or cooling cycle ends, gravity drops airborne dust particles inside ductwork. This dust can be removed by duct cleaning; it is recommended that ducts be cleaned every 3 to 5 years.

Further Simple Indoor Air Quality Steps

Regular and thorough cleaning removes the largest number of airborne contaminants, and they are removed permanently from the home. Whenever a home is dusted, mopped, and vacuumed, the visible results are evident. Don’t forget hard-to-reach areas, bedding, and drapes.
Opening windows or doors strategically can reduce the concentration of contaminants, including VOCs that are not collected by other cleaning techniques. Find advantages times, during mild temperatures and low pollen counts.
For troubled areas or family members with delicate health problems, consider a room air purifier. The portable units can move from room to room and have multiple filtration stages, including activated charcoal to remove VOCs and odors.

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality with Help from AllCool AC

Routine maintenance and preventative tips like we have outlined can help improve indoor air quality in your home to help those with chronic respiratory issues. Schedule your indoor air quality consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified AC maintenance technicians put their experience to work for you.

August 13, 2024August 13, 2024

8 Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality for COPD Patients

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality for Those with Chronic Respiratory Issues

Twelve million people in the US have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, and millions more might have undiagnosed COPD. COPD is a group of illnesses that include emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and severe allergies, all of which inflame the tissues of the lungs and make breathing difficult. Common factors in developing COPD include:

Tobacco smoke
Genetics
Pollutants in the home, workspace, or environment, including dust mites, pet dander, pollen and mold spores, bacteria, viruses, and fumes from household supplies.

These illnesses demand excellent indoor air quality to reduce potential irritants to lung tissue. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce airborne contaminants and improve indoor air quality, including wise HVAC choices.

Frequent Cleaning. Most airborne contaminants are heavier than air; when the air is still, gravity brings them to whatever surface is below. Dusting, vacuuming, and mopping frequently permanently remove them from the home.
Change Air Filters. The air filter collects airborne particles with every heating and cooling cycle, but it does not take long for the collection of dust, pollen, and dander to clog the filter. Normally, the filter is changed every three months, but a family with COPD may need to change the filter more often.
Increase the MERV. Air filters are rated by the size of the openings in the filter surface called Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value—the higher the MERV number, the more particles that get removed. Determine the highest rating of filter your system can handle and buy a supply of these filters.
Consider UV Lights. Ultraviolet light is extremely disruptive to cell membranes and DNA; it is the part of sunlight that causes sunburn. When UV light is installed in HVAC ductwork, it gives dust mites, pollen, bacteria, mold, and viruses a fatal case of sunburn. The remaining lifeless husks can be collected by cleaning or an air filter.
Annual Clean/Inspect. Every HVAC system should receive a preventative maintenance check each year. During this visit, further cleaning will ensure fewer particles get through and sufficient humidity is removed to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
Duct Cleaning. Airborne particles that are in the duct when the heating/cooling cycle ends will be deposited inside the duct and eventually form a thick collection. COPD and other breathing illnesses may require frequent duct cleaning.
Reduce Harmful Fumes. The overspray from cleaning supplies and other household aerosols can be a problem. Choose all-natural supplies in spray bottles to reduce the irritation from fumes. (Make sure to keep fuel, paints, and adhesives in air-tight containers when stored in the garage.)
Fresh Air. Opening windows or doors at the right time can help dilute the concentration of airborne particles, but it must be done at the right time. When is the right time? When the air temperature is agreeable, and the outdoor pollutant level is lower than the indoor level. Avoid times of high pollen count or mold spore count, for example.

This is not an exhaustive list, but it is a good start for improving indoor air quality.

Let AllCool AC Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Home.

Routine maintenance and preventative tips like we have outlined can help improve indoor air quality in your home to help those with chronic respiratory issues. Schedule your Katy AC repair consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified Katy AC repair technicians put their experience to work for you.

July 23, 2024

6 Tips for Summertime to Reduce AC Repair

Katy AC Repair Tips to Reduce HVAC Repair Costs

As the summer heat intensifies, south Texans depend on air conditioning for every aspect of life: transportation, work, and being at home. We tend to choose when and how long we expose ourselves to the heat and humidity of the great outdoors.

For this reason, it is important to care for the entire home to enhance the safety, health, and comfort air conditioning brings. The following Katy AC repair steps can help cool a home with better results and efficiency.

Katy AC Repair Tip 1: Acknowledge Solar Power

Many homes are built to accentuate natural lighting, brightening certain spaces for aesthetic purposes. However, this natural lighting can increase solar gain and make a home warmer than desired; the light energy entering a home can increase the indoor temperature by as much as 10 degrees on very sunny days.

Blocking the light on the south side of the house from about 9 to 5 can keep a home cooler and require fewer cooling cycles per hour. Early morning and late afternoon light is less intense and should be more enjoyable.

Katy AC Repair Tip 2: Understand Radiant Heat

Heat also travels through solid objects; when the exterior of the home becomes hot, the heat travels through the building material and enters the home. The purpose of insulation is to create a barrier to radiant heat.

A poorly insulated home allows more heat to pass through walls and ceilings than is comfortable. After construction, usually, the only accessible space for insulation is the attic, so make sure your attic is adequately insulated.

Katy AC Repair Tip 3: Recognize the Benefits of Maintenance

Air conditioning systems are quite remarkable. They cool a home, remove humidity, clean the air, and keep the moving air fresh. The whole house can be cooled to a precise temperature setting and maintained day and night, as desired. However, this precise mechanical system must be properly maintained to ensure it functions properly and efficiently.

Without regular maintenance, performance suffers, cooling costs soar, and the components (or the whole system) reach a premature end of useful life. Manufacturers and HVAC technicians recommend scheduling annual preventative maintenance and quarterly air filter replacements.

Katy AC Repair Tip 4: Schedule Temperature Changes

Many thermostats are programmable, but few homeowners take the time to program temperature changes to their advantage. Is the house empty for extended periods? Do family sleep patterns coincide?

These are two lengthy periods in which the temperature setting could be raised by 5 to 8 degrees without affecting comfort. It would, however, affect energy efficiency and cost to the benefit of the family budget. Take a few minutes and read the instruction manual for the thermostat.

Katy AC Repair Tip 5: Inspect the Vents

Vents are strategically placed throughout the home to ensure the indoor air is thoroughly mixed; supply vents are placed low, and return air vents are placed high. During normal household activities, vents can be covered or blocked by drapes, clothing, or furniture. Take time to notice vents regularly to ensure they remain clear for adequate air movement.

Katy AC Repair Tip 6: Use Ceiling Fans Effectively

Ceiling fans generally assist the air conditioning system, helping to mix the air for improved cleaning and cooling. Static air can develop thermal layers, with warm air high and cool air low. A ceiling fan set to turn counterclockwise will pull the air up and push air out to the sides of the space, mixing the air and moving it toward return air vents.

Call the Katy AC Repair Experts

Routine maintenance and preventative tips like we have outlined can help you reduce Katy AC repair costs this summer. Schedule your Katy AC repair consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified Katy AC repair technicians put their experience to work for you.

July 23, 2024

Katy AC Installation

How to Hire a Katy AC Installation Contractor

The decision to replace an existing air conditioner or select a system for a new home requires research into two factors:

High-quality equipment best suited for your home.
A high-quality contractor to enter your home and professionally install high-quality equipment.

The research will uncover a bunch of contractors who can install a new air conditioning system. How can someone narrow down the search? Here are a few things to avoid in the Katy AC Installation process.

Someone Waiting with AC Installation Equipment

Be wary if a contractor approaches you with equipment ready to install. There are several problems with this approach.

Air conditioning systems are custom-matched to a space, there is no “one-size-fits-all” with these building systems.
Sometimes these contractors have access to overstock or unsold equipment at a low price.

The US Department of the Environment has recently discontinued certain refrigerant gases. An outdated system may use such a refrigerant, making it extremely difficult and expensive to replace the refrigerant.

Determining the proper equipment requires an assessment of a home, followed by a load calculation—a technical equation used to determine the proper size system. The assessment gathers information concerning the square footage, insulation R-value, orientation of the home in relationship to the sun, and the number/size of windows and doors. Since these qualities are unique to each home, no one can determine the correct size before making the calculation.

Someone Willing to Cut Corners

Owning and running a business is expensive. Contractors should be willing to verify licenses, insurance, and training certificates.

Quality contracting companies have location addresses, business licenses, and standing in the community.
HVAC contractors must carry both liability and workers’ compensation insurance to protect every client.
HVAC contractors will carry licenses and/or certifications necessary to complete tasks associated with the equipment. For instance, refrigerant gas requires certification to purchase and use.
HVAC contractors will be able to demonstrate training records. This might include on-the-job training records, licensing training, or factory training for specific equipment.
Most installations require local permits. A contractor should not be willing to forgo technical steps.

Someone Emphasizing Katy AC Installation Cost

Remember, a low-cost system might be the bargain it is made out to be, but it may cost more in the long run. However, there might be other financial dangers:

It is tempting to consider a purchase at a “bargain-basement price,” but there are more things to consider than just the initial cost. These systems last between 15 and 20 years, so a decision based on price may haunt you for many years to come.
A questionable contractor might use pressure tactics, but wise consumers will not fall for this.
A reputable contractor will not insist that a purchase this size be paid in cash.

Quality AC Installation contractors will seek to meet the needs of the client families by:

Building a proper business foundation.
Acquiring the necessary training, both academic and on-the-job.
Doing the needed assessment and proper load calculations, asking abundant questions, and finding the right solution for every home they service.

Katy AC Installation Experts are Just a Phone Call Away

Let us help keep you cool this summer. Schedule your Katy AC Installation consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified Katy AC Installation technicians put their experience to work for you.

June 27, 2024

Air Conditioning Maintenance Myths Explained

Katy Air Conditioning Maintenance Truths for All Homeowners

In the absence of knowledge, sometimes we just assume. When the assumption gets passed on, it becomes a myth and is easily transmitted. Here are a few Katy Air Conditioning Maintenance myths that are still being bandied about and the reality that dispels them.

Shutting the Air Conditioner Off during Vacations Saves Energy/Money

It sounds correct. Should the system run while the home is unoccupied? The myth is built on the assumption that air conditioning is primarily about comfort. Turning the system off for an extended period leads to:

A crucial function of air conditioning is removing humidity from the indoor air. When the relative humidity exceeds 65%, surfaces feel sticky. The added humidity will ruin painted and finished surfaces, causing peeling and discoloration. In addition, the added humidity will encourage mold and mildew to bloom. The infestation is dangerous and can be very difficult to remove.
Another function is ventilation—moving and cleaning the air. Returning from vacation to a smelly, hot house will not be the welcome greeting.
An air conditioner does not just cool the air, it also cools the walls, the flooring, the furniture, etc. Returning the house to the desired temperature requires significant energy. Keeping the whole house cool is much more efficient than restoring it to the desired temperature.

Instead of turning the air conditioner off, turn the thermostat up; setting the temp at 78 to 80 degrees will call for enough cooling cycle to remove humidity and keep the air moving. Returning the house to the desired temperature is much easier this way.

*A related myth is that closing the vents in an unused room will save energy. The air conditioner will still attempt to cool that space by forcing air around the door. It will also make that room unhealthy.

Bigger is Better/Smaller is Superior

Being extravagant or frugal when replacing an air conditioner might seem to make sense, but these approaches will not produce the desired results.

A larger-than-necessary air conditioner will cool a space too quickly, creating short, but frequent cooling cycles. Not only does it cause excessive wear on the electronics, but the short cooling cycle does not adequately remove humidity.
A smaller-than-necessary air conditioner will run longer than it should and struggle to cool the space during periods of extreme heat. It puts unnecessary stress on the components and uses more energy than necessary.
Air conditioning technicians will complete a load calculation study to determine the proper “size” air conditioner. This ensures the system will function properly and efficiently for the maximum length of time. The technician will gather information concerning square footage, ceiling heights, size and number of doors/windows, and insulation materials. This helps determine the cooling that is needed by each unique home.

Air Conditioners Function Well Without Maintenance

There is never a doubt that vehicles of any size or type need periodic maintenance. The same is true of cooking and laundry appliances. Why do homeowners believe that a complex heat and air conditioning system can perform efficiently without regular maintenance?

Air conditioners employ electronic controls, gas chemistry, and mechanical components to perform precise activities within well-designed controls. These processes need adjustments and testing.
The environment is filled with contaminants that stick to surfaces and block the energy transfer necessary for indoor air conditioning.
The system components are so interdependent that stress or failure in one necessary part spreads the stress to other parts.

Katy Air Conditioning Maintenance is tricky!

Let us help keep you cool this summer. Schedule your Katy Air Conditioning Maintenance consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified Katy Air Conditioning Maintenance technicians put their experience to work for you.

June 13, 2024

How Your AC Affects Indoor Air Quality

Is Your HVAC System Affecting Your Indoor Air Quality?

Sir Edward Coke, a 17th-century English jurist, wrote, “The house of everyone is to him as his Castle and Fortress.” It is used in the legal field, but it reflects how most people feel about their home. “Home” is a retreat from daily threats and dangers. Homeowners do everything possible to correct the problem and reestablish security whenever there is danger. However, what if danger is lurking on the inside of the home? Indoor air quality is just such a danger.

Poor indoor air quality affects the most necessary human function—breathing. Airborne particles can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, resulting in runny noses, watery, itchy eyes, a sore throat, and intense headaches. When family members are vulnerable with compromised health conditions, poor indoor air often triggers allergies or asthma attacks. This danger needs to be changed, so let’s get to it.

Sources of Pollution to Your Indoor Air Quality

Each home is unique, but pollution sources are quite common.

Organic particles abound, both plant and animal. Seasonal allergens include pollen from trees and wildflowers (or weeds, if you prefer), mold, and mildew. Year-round allergens include dander (skin cells) and hair from pets or livestock. Of course, we must not forget the danger posed by viruses and airborne bacteria.
Inorganic particles are also serious threats. These include exhaust from family vehicles, lawn equipment fuel, paints, and solvents. The local environment also contributes to the problem. If your home is near a highway or a dirt road, expect dust to find a way inside your home.
When furniture, carpets, flooring, and finishes are manufactured, the materials contain volatile organic compounds that will be released into the surroundings for years. We recognize them as a “new” smell, and it does not pose a danger unless in high concentrations.

Mitigating Problematic Indoor Air Quality Particles

Particles from different sources will need to be removed differently. The object of mitigation is to remove pollutants and dilute the number of particles in the air.

The first line of defense is the air filter in the HVAC system. With each heating or cooling cycle, the filter permanently removes the vast majority of both organic and inorganic particles. Filters are rated by the percentage of particles of a certain size, called Minimum Efficiency Rating Value or MERV. If indoor air quality is a serious concern, check the operation manual to determine the proper range of filter rating for the system.
The air conditioner removes humidity from the indoor space. Removing humidity prevents the growth of mold and mildew spores. These spores can be extremely dangerous allergens.
Remember to use natural ventilation and open windows and doors at the right time. Early mornings are ideal. Opening the home to the outdoors dilutes the concentration of particles indoors, but only when the concentration of pollen and mold outdoors is low.
For further protection, consider adding ultraviolet lights to the ductwork. Ultraviolet rays are the damaging, burning rays that cause sunburns. It disrupts cell walls and neutralizes organic allergens, including pollen, viruses, and dust mites. Your HVAC professional can give details concerning these lights.
If a family member is extremely vulnerable, consider a room or whole-house air purifier. Purifiers use a series of filters, including activated charcoal. Activated charcoal removes gaseous pollutants, including VOCs and exhaust. Room versions are portable and can be moved to a space most advantageous.

Are You Concerned if Your HVAC is Affecting Your Indoor Air Quality?

Schedule your indoor air quality consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified indoor air quality technicians put their experience to work for you.

May 23, 2024

HVAC Hurricane Preparation

HVAC Hurricane Preparation Tips for Katy Homeowners

The predictions for hurricane season 2024 are about normal; the number and severity of named storms is about the same as the last few years and 4 to 5 major storms are expected to make landfall along the US coast. Since South Texas has a coastline prone to hurricane landfalls, this pre-storm season is a time to do serious HVAC Hurricane Preparation.

These plans include storing pre-prepared food and plenty of water, determining when to board windows, mapping evacuation routes, and preparing various building systems for high winds, heavy rainfall, and frequent lightning.

HVAC Hurricane Preparation plans for residential HVAC systems are often ignored or receive little attention than necessary. Here are six HVAC Hurricane Preparation tips that deserve more consideration.

HVAC Hurricane Preparation Tip 1: Review Insurance Coverage

All insurance policies are not created equally, so make sure that you are adequately covered for hurricane damage. The wrong time to discover you are underinsured is after the storm. The damage from such storms might be minor and it might be severe. Does your coverage include making repairs to expensive building systems like your heating and air conditioning system? You have a few weeks to investigate this issue.

HVAC Hurricane Preparation Tip 2: Generator Installation

Major hurricanes are only one reason to consider a whole-house generator; anything that threatens the power grid gives reason to contemplate the purchase and installation of a generator. Planning an installation takes time for design, site prep, and wiring installation—the installation process might take a month or more. If you need a generator installed, begin now without delay.

HVAC Hurricane Preparation Tip 3: Consider a Whole-house Surge Protector

The threat from lightning is greater during a major thunderstorm than from a hurricane, but the wind will produce multiple power surges as the power fluctuates rapidly. Does the danger warrant installing protection that prevents major power surges?

If a surge protector is not installed before the next storm, make sure to trip the breaker, shutting off the main power supply during the worst part of the storm to avoid damage from strong surges. If you plan to evacuate before the storm arrives, shut off the main power to the house and the water supply to avoid damage in your absence.

HVAC Hurricane Preparation Tip 4: Remove Identified Flying Objects

Take a walk around the property, noticing objects that can be picked up by winds that often exceed 100 mph. Large items, like lawn furniture, should be stored away. But other items that seem small and innocent enough need to be stored as well; your garden gnome might end up in the neighbor’s front room or the next subdivision.

HVAC Hurricane Preparation Tip 5: Condenser Protection

The outdoor portion of a central air conditioning system is the condenser unit, and the condenser is especially vulnerable to hurricane damage. Explore methods to both secure the unit to the pad and protect it from flying debris. If the condenser’s pad is vulnerable to flash flooding, consider raising it out of harm’s way.

HVAC Hurricane Preparation Tip 6: Careful Post-storm Inspection

When the worst of the storm has passed, do not make assumptions. Turn the power back on before making a thorough assessment of the house and yard.

Before stepping outside, look for downed powerlines. The current from such lines, lying in a puddle or on saturated ground, can be deadly.
Look around for damage from downed limbs or trees.
Inspect the condenser unit for damage from wind, flying debris, and flood waters.

Do not restore power to the home if the home or condenser unit has been damaged. A minor problem can become a catastrophic failure if repairs are not done.

Get HVAC Hurricane Preparation Tips from All Cool AC & Heating

Contact All Cool AC & Heating today at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified technicians with your HVAC Hurricane Preparation.

May 23, 2024

Katy AC Repair

Katy AC Repair or AC Replacement, Which is Right for You?

Air conditioning became common in the 1950s and by 1960, most new homes were built with central AC. With nearly 70 years of available data concerning air conditioner use, the information concerning longevity is pretty accurate. That is, the average lifespan of air conditioners ranges between 15 and 20 years, while regular preventative maintenance and timely AC repair can add years of service—five to ten extra years.

This information might impact your present situation if your AC system is approaching its teenage years. During this time, you can expect repair bills to mount. It can bring up a dilemma—keep repairing it or replace it. Here are some vital pieces of information to help you make this determination.

The Intricacies of Katy AC Repair

It will also seem that repairs are cheaper than replacement; after all, the replacement cost can be quite expensive. However, there are further cost considerations that should put the replacement cost into a balanced perspective.

Research repair invoices for your system and pay attention to the accumulation of bills. One repair bill might not be significant, but a high total or an increase in repair costs might give a different story.
This research might also reveal the necessity of repairing the same part repeatedly. When this happens, it often indicates a weakness in the system that is not being addressed. That means further repairs should be expected.
When both factors are combined, it signals a rising cost that you should be aware of.
As the system ages, larger components are threatened by wear and tear. Large components = large cost. It is at this time that repair costs and replacement costs must be closely compared and considered. Replacing expensive parts on a failing system might not be a wise decision.

“Staying the course” might make sense . . . until it doesn’t.

The Reality of Age

As your system ages, other realities affect the bottom line and impact financial decisions.

Older systems, with weakened components, will still try very hard to meet the temperature setting called upon with the thermostat. Cooling with weaker parts requires more energy, and more energy costs more money, and this might become apparent. If you are unsure, request the energy bill from the same month for the last two years, and compare the amount of energy for each month. The energy amount is measured in kWh.
Older systems may also suffer in performance. It might be evident during a period of extreme heat; a heat wave might leave occupants uncomfortably warm. An older system might also fail to remove adequate humidity, leaving everyone and everything feeling sticky and moist.
An older system gives you a glimpse of the future and allows you to plan for a future replacement. Saving money or adjusting the budget will help you prepare for the large purchase that is sure to come. It is a better plan than wishful thinking.

Preparation should include scheduling the eventual replacement and avoiding times of serious schedule pressure by Katy AC Repair technicians.

Contact Your Katy AC Repair Experts Today

Schedule your Katy AC Repair consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified Katy AC Repair technicians put their experience to work for you.

April 30, 2024

How Ceiling Fans Affect Indoor Air Quality

Do Ceiling Fans Affect Indoor Air Quality?

Before air conditioning, there were ceiling fans. In 1887, a brilliant inventor attached fan blades to a sewing machine motor and installed the fan to the ceiling. But ceiling fans continue to be prevalent in U.S. homes 75 years after the introduction of central air conditioning systems. More than 70% of homes in the U.S. feature ceiling fans, with an average of 2.8 fans in each home. Are ceiling fans necessary or beneficial? Are they just a nostalgic holdover of outdated building methods?

The answer is “No.” to both questions. Ceiling fans and air conditioners work together to increase efficiency and comfort. Here are a few advantages to having and USING ceiling fans during the hot summer.

Ceiling Fans Do Not Cool the Air

The temperature of air remains the same whether it is moving or still: a breeze that blows 95⁰ air certainly does not change the air temperature. However, moving air makes us feel more comfy than motionless air, and here is the reason. Our bodies sweat as a natural defense against a rise in body heat. The moisture on our skin meets hot air and evaporates. The air does not become cooler, but our skin temperature is cooler. This evaporation of moisture, happening directly on the skin, creates a naturally occurring comfort without affecting temperature change.

Ceiling Fans Use Less Energy

Ceiling fans cost less to run than air conditioning systems: a ceiling fan uses 50 watts, and the air conditioner uses at least 3500 watts. While ceiling fans cannot replace the comfort of air conditioning, they might save some cash on only mildly warm days without discomfort. Be assured that running ceiling fans with AC systems does not make a significant difference in utility use.

Ceiling Fans Can Be Used Strategically

If fans do not change the air temp, do not run ceiling fans when a home is unoccupied. However, if you prefer to sleep in a cool room, try turning the ceiling fan on or up rather than turning the AC down. Certainly, use ceiling fans during extremely hot days to mix the air well for better cooling. The air conditioner will be struggling to keep up, and turning the AC thermostat down generally does not produce the desired results. A ceiling fan will contribute to the comfort level.

Ceiling Fans Contribute to Improved Indoor Air Quality

Most airborne particles are heavier than air and fall to surfaces—floor and furnishing—when the air is still. Ceiling fans help keep these particles moving so they can be collected by the air filter during the cooling cycle. (If you suffer from a seasonal allergy, consider turning ceiling fans off during days with high pollen count.)

Direction Matters

Most ceiling fans have a direction switch that should change when changing from heating to cooling seasons. The clockwise rotation pulls air up to mix with warmer air near the ceiling, while the counterclockwise rotation pushes air down for a cooling effect. Consider changing ceiling fan directions at the same time as Daylight Savings Time changes.

Are You Concerned if Your Ceiling Fan is Affecting Your Indoor Air Quality?

April 30, 2024April 30, 2024

How Routine AC Maintenance Affects Indoor Air Quality

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality With AC Maintenance

We have waited all winter long for the return of warm weather, and finally, springtime sunshine is bringing warmer temperatures. Soon, we will be switching from the HEAT to the COOL setting on the thermostat. We really appreciate these two settings since we are aware of the comfort they bring. A lesser-known function of the HVAC system is the role it plays in improving indoor air quality.

An enclosed space with no air movement quickly develops a stale, musty smell and is not safe for human habitation. Opening the space to outside air immediately freshens the air, but outside air is subject to seasonal temperature fluctuations. The furnace and air conditioning can adjust the air temperature, but they must also keep the air fresh and clean; hence the V in HVAC stands for ventilation.

As the cooling season begins, there are three important roles needed for keeping indoor air quality high:

You Play a Role in Indoor Air Quality

How is indoor air quality measured? By determining the number and content of airborne particles (usually parts per million). You might see these particles when sunlight shines into a room at certain angles. These particles consist primarily of dust, pollen, and other very small items small enough to be carried in moving air.

The important thing to know about these particles is that they are heavier than air. Therefore, whenever the air stops moving, these particles fall on whatever surface is below them. You contribute to indoor air quality when you:

Dust horizontally surfaces in a way that removes the particles.
Vacuum and mop floor surfaces.
Change and clean bedding, etc.

These normal cleaning activities play a vital role in removing pollutants. Unfortunately, this is a never-ending process; while you forever remove the existing pollutants, more particles will take their place.

Your HVAC System Plays a Role in Indoor Air Quality

The technology that heats and cools your indoor space requires the movement of a massive amount of air: the blower motor moves the entire volume of your home every two minutes or so. This movement of air does two things vital to improving indoor air quality:

The moving air mixes the air well. These both mix the thermal layers of air to even temperature throughout the space and mix concentrations of particles—say odors from cooking. Moving air also adds comfort.
All this moving air passes through an air filter, which collects most airborne particles.
(Filters are available in a variety of ratings, with increasingly smaller openings to capture smaller particles. Check with an AC maintenance professional to determine the best filter rating for your HVAC system.)

While you remove particles that have settled onto surfaces, the air filter collects the particles that remain airborne. That is quite a combination!

Professional HVAC Services Play a Role in Indoor Air Quality

The engineers who designed your HVAC system recognize these measures are not enough; all manufacturers give homeowners guidelines that include annual inspection and cleaning of the system. A technician will clean:

The outdoor condenser unit. Polen, dirt, and grass clippings get sucked into the network of tubes and fins, preventing the heat transfer vital to air conditioning.
The blower motor fan. It is strange to see particles that can collect on moving fan fins, but it is visible on ceiling fans as well.
The evaporator coils and drain pan. This area of the air conditioner stays wet during the cooling season. Dust is attracted to the wet surface and can clog the drain line. When this happens, the humidity that is removed from the air ends up on the floor, making a mess and damaging nearby surfaces.

If indoor air quality is extremely important to your family because of health concerns—allergies, asthma, or compromised immunity, consult with an AC Maintenance professional concerning further measures to reduce certain pollutants in the home.

Call the AC Maintenance Experts at All Cool AC!

Schedule your AC Maintenance consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified AC Maintenance technicians put their experience to work for you.