Four Factors That Determine Your Air Filter’s Lifespan
It might not be something that you think about every day, but an air filter is one of the most important parts of your HVAC system. It captures unwanted air particles such as pollutants, dirt, and dust, which could otherwise easily spread throughout your house. Over time, these bad particles will build up on the filter, which can lead to inefficient flow and costly repairs.
If you want a cleaner house and reduce the risk of unforeseen repair costs, you should start thinking about regular inspection and replacement of your filter. However, most people might not know when to replace their air filter, so we created this short guide to provide a general starting point.
Take note that multiple factors can determine either extend or shorten the lifespan of each filter.
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#1: Periodical Changes
A general rule of thumb is to change it at the start of every new season. If you live in a part of the country that doesn’t have all four seasons you can check your filters and change them as needed every 4-6 weeks. This ensures that your air filter is working properly and doesn’t accumulate too much buildup.
#2: Filter Materials
Another thing to consider is the type of filter used in your home. The most common variant is a mechanical air filter, which uses fibers to catch air particles before they enter your ventilation system. Specifically, most people will use disposable mechanical fiberglass filters because of its low cost. However, the cheap filter only captures a small portion of unwanted particles, so it’s best to check it every few weeks to see if it needs a replacement. You can also consider using pleated or washable filters, which are more expensive but highly effective and includes a longer lifespan. Clean it once a month by spraying with water from a hose to further extend a filter’s longevity.
#3: Home Size
The size of your home also dictates your filter’s overall durability. HVAC units in smaller homes require less energy to disperse clean air in each room, which means your air filter will last longer. However, those with larger homes with more rooms and additional floors will need a better filter because of the higher amount of energy required to bring in clean air. Using a budget filter for a larger house will only add more unclean air throughout your home.
#4: Daily Habits
A final set of factors to consider are your habits at home. Those who smoke on a regular basis might find that just opening a window isn’t enough to remove the cigarette smell and its harmful effects. A portion of the toxic output can still find its way through your air filter, which can harm others living in your house and further decreases your filter’s lifespan. If you have pets, you might spend more money on replacements due to the high volume of fur that will accumulate on filters.
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Four Ways To Save On Your Energy Bill This Spring
Saving money is always an appealing proposition. Particularly in the limited free time we have, we’d rather spend our time outside enjoying the sunshine and the fun activities that come with it than worrying about your HVAC. However, when you come back inside to cool off, you’ll probably see an increase in your energy bills due to the uptick in air conditioner use. Between the costs of participating in seasonal activities and utility bills, this adds up!
Increasing your home’s energy efficiency is a way to decrease your energy bills without a significant amount of time and effort. You’ll also be lending the environment a hand in lowering pollutants and potentially harmful emissions.
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Operate your thermostat efficiently
As you’re racing out the door to enjoy the sunshine or leave for a weekend getaway, make sure you adjust your thermostat on the way out. There’s no reason to leave it on full blast if you’re not there to enjoy it. Reduce its air flow or shut it off when you don’t need it to ensure your bills reflect your actual A/C use.
Use ceiling fans
Not only do ceiling fans offer a refreshing breeze, but they can also help save you money. Ceiling fans can lower your energy bill costs as much as 30 to 40 percent, and make a room feel six to eight degrees cooler without you touching your thermostat. As every longtime homeowner knows, make sure your fan is spinning counterclockwise, so it generates a downward flow that accelerates the evaporation of perspiration and decreases the room temperature.
Open windows and doors
Even though spring and summer days can be hotter than you may have expected, shutting off your air and opting for natural breeze when possible will improve your bottom line. When the temperature drops at night, consider lowering your air flow or turning it off completely to let cooler air circulate throughout your home.
Use energy-efficient window treatments
According to the Department of Energy, the gain and loss of heat through regular windows account for 25 to 30 percent of residential heating and cooling energy use. If you haven’t already, it’s in your best interest to update your current windows to energy-efficient treatments that fit your climate, improve your comfort, and increase your savings. In the process, seal any air leaks so cold air no longer escapes your home. This also ensures your air conditioner isn’t working overtime to compensate for the loss, which in turn reduces your monthly energy costs. It’s a win-win.
3 Common HVAC Noises and What They Mean
Sometimes, you don’t even know there’s a problem with your HVAC until it’s too late. This often stems from the fact that we just don’t know the signs and are therefore blind to indicators of trouble. One of the most obvious signs that your HVAC is malfunctioning is the uncharacteristic sounds coming from the appliance itself.
Normally, you don’t even notice the sounds your HVAC makes because it’s just not very noisy, aside from usual hums or the whooshing of air through vents. Plus, let’s face it: if we’re not confronted with the consequences head-on, we assume all is right and dandy in the world. Ignorance is bliss, right? Wrong. If you hear anything disruptive, chances are it’s time for a serious inspection by a certified contractor in your area.
Here’s a list of the most common HVAC noises and what they mean so you can resolve the problem sooner!
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Clanking
Do you hear something coming from your system that sounds like the clamor of banging pots and pans? This “clanking” is abnormal and could mean parts are loose, like the blower motor fan or blades/pipes that are colliding. Clanking sounds are up there with more severe issues because of the costs associated with replacing broken or loose parts. If you hear these kinds of noises, shut off your system and call a technician immediately.
Hissing
Hissing is typical when air leaks from your system. If you hear it in your walls, your ducts could be leaking, too. This isn’t only a nuisance, but it’s also costly because the air that should be circulating throughout your home is now retreating into your walls.
First, use your best judgment to measure the volume of the hissing. Loud hissing noises from your ducts generally signal duct repair beyond the scope of even the most seasoned DIYer. Minimal hissing could mean an issue starting in your air vents. Sometimes these hissing sounds happen when air filters are loose or not the right size, thus causing an opening in the seal. The air is then bypassing the filter by going around it instead of being pulled through the filter. This, on the other hand, is a relatively simple fix that a technician could walk you through so you know what to do if it occurs again.
Rattling
If rattling noises are coming from your outdoor unit, it could mean debris (twigs, rocks, etc.) is caught inside. HVAC grates are made thin enough to block large obstructions, but occasionally things slip through. In this case, the best thing to do is turn off your system, cut the power to the unit, and remove the debris. Any visible damage to the condenser coils, compressor, or fan should be repaired by an HVAC technician. Internal rattling in your furnace or other components is treated similarly: turn it all off and call your HVAC technician, as these stoppages are harder to remove.
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5 Nonnegotiable Factors When Finding An HVAC Technician
The verdict is in: you’re purchasing a new air conditioner or HVAC system. Now you face a slew of questions: Do you know the brand and kind of appliance you’re buying? How about the installation team? What are the costs of installation and initial setup? How do you know if you’re getting the best deal or if you’re being overcharged?
Because there’s a lot more to consider than meets the eye, we’ve arranged the most important, non-negotiable details to nail down when you’re choosing an HVAC contractor or installation company. No matter what stage of the purchase process you’re in, these tips will surely be helpful in moving you forward. If nothing else, remember this: ask as many questions as you need to be answered BEFORE your air conditioner is paid for and installed!
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#1: Certified Technicians
There’s no excuse for shoddy work. When going about selecting an HVAC contractor, make sure they’re qualified to do the job correctly and within your timeline. Check out their website, browse online reviews (from credible sources), and read how they plan to add value to your experience. “Added value” can mean different things to different people, but the company’s commitment to quality should be clear across the board.
#2: Easily Accessible
You should be able to quickly get in touch with the contractor you select. Especially in emergencies, you don’t want to be stuck with hazardous materials. Regardless of the circumstances, make sure you can call a number that reaches an actual person or that you can leave messages on their website if this is more convenient for you.
General food for thought: these days, an updated website goes a long way. It’s a hub for information, communication, and organization. “Updated” doesn’t have to mean expensive. To us, it means implementing tools and mechanisms that make it easier for customers to reach contractors. These aspects will be evident the second you arrive at the company’s website.
#3: Reasonably Priced
Each company claims to have the best service and prices. But does it? If a deal sounds “too good to be true,” it usually is, so buyer beware. It’s great if a company shows an appreciation and understanding of its customers with specials and rebates, but when those aren’t available, the work must justify the price.
At I Want Smart, transparency is vital. We believe genuinely good labor and exceptional service shouldn’t be cheap. This is why we go to great lengths to qualify contractors: to make highly valued, pre-approved work readily available to customers through our website.
#4: Great Customer Service
When everything is going wrong, it’s easy to appreciate someone swooping in to save the day right when you need it. However, when everything is going right, it’s the details that matter in making you, the customer, feel like you’re of value to a business. If they’re keeping you in the loop about specials, events, or relevant news, it’s a good sign that they’ve invested time in thinking about what is valuable in serving you.
As we mentioned before, a responsive website is critical: it’s a member of the customer service team. You’ll notice how a company handles leads by how quickly, politely, and efficiently they follow up with you, either via phone call or email.
#5: Fair and Honest Treatment of Customers
All of our previous points work together to hammer this one home. Excellent customer service, reasonable and transparent pricing, accessibility, and qualified workers all exist to create trust between customer and contractor. If just one of these categories goes by the wayside, the rest are inevitably weak. If the company adheres to a strict code of conduct, integrity, and indeed goes the extra mile for its customers, it’ll show.
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Improving Your Home’s Air Quality Doesn’t Have To Be A Chore
Tis the season for hayrides, pumpkin patches, cozy sweaters, and, although less pleasant, allergens. Allergens and pollutants hit their stride in winter; nearly everyone is prone to at least some exposure, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things we can do to stay ahead. Taking steps to improving your home’s air quality will work wonders in restoring health and creating a pleasant atmosphere for your family and friends.
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Clean House
Cleaning your whole house in one day is probably not the way you want to spend a Saturday. If it is, no one’s stopping you. But, just in case it’s not, remember: Rome wasn’t built in a day. Cleaning one floor or one room per day will help you stay on track and mitigate allergens. You’ll be able to spend more dedicated time on making sure no stone is left unturned, thoroughly vacuuming, mopping, and dusting in the nooks and crannies you normally gloss over in your hurried daily routine. Cleaning dirt, dust, and allergens out of your home is essential to breathing in clean air that is healthy for your respiratory system. To minimize the accumulation of dust, consider more high tech options. Electronic whole house air cleaners and ultraviolet light can help maintain a clean environment. I Want SMART can help provide whole house solutions while maintaining clean air and maybe even saving a Saturday or two.
Humidify
In the colder temperatures of the fall and winter, the air becomes dry with less moisture in the air. Moist membranes line our respiratory system – including the nose and throat – that catch dirt, dust, and different virus bacterium before they make contact with our lungs. Very dry air can lead to a number of uncomfortable side effects: aggravated throat and nose, itchy or flaky skin, tight joints, and even added creaks in your wood floors from improper moisture levels.
Humidity helps block allergens from sensitive areas of our lungs. Purchasing a humidifier will help alleviate irritation so your family can breathe easier and fight infection better. Many humidifiers are now equipped with sensors that will, in essence, control the output depending on the outdoor temperature and moisture level. No more running down to the basement to adjust for condensation on the windows!
Filter It Out
Over time, potentially harmful allergens and particles can build up in your ducts, making it harder for your air filter to do its job of delivering clean air. Getting your ducts in a row and switching out your filter ensures that clean air is entering your home effectively. Clean filters also cut down on the overall cost of running your HVAC equipment by avoiding costly repairs.
Be Green
Most people assume what we mean by ‘going green’ is to install a higher-efficiency HVAC system in your home to circulate quality air at an overall lower cost. While this is certainly a good idea, we mean “green” in a more literal sense: plants. Plants naturally convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, providing us with the air we need to survive. Energy-conscious consumers can fill their home with plants to purify the air in an efficient way.
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Factors to Consider When Installing New HVAC in an Old Home
Gentrification is on the upswing: forgotten neighborhoods are reviving and young couples are putting down their phones to pick up hammers and restore beauty in dilapidated homes. The spring and summer real estate market will also begin to pick up as the weather gets nicer (hopefully). If this applies to you, let’s talk air conditioning.
Installing a new air conditioner in an older home poses some unique challenges. Antique homes normally don’t have convenient places for an HVAC system, which could turn your summer project into a sweatbox. Here are some things to think about before jumping into air conditioner commitment.
Pick the right contractor
Signing on an honest, fair contractor is key to staying on budget and getting the job done right the first time. The contractor is responsible for determining the size of your unit, explaining your options and installing the unit. I Want SMART’s expert contractors are a certified, dynamic group of technicians that has extensive education in the field. They will walk you through the process and give you common sense solutions that come from years in the industry.
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Explore your options
Creating room for bulky ductwork means you might have to compromise on traditional elements of the house that made you fall in love with it in the first place (like crown molding, wainscoting or wood floors). Ask your contractor about HVAC systems that would fulfill your basic needs. They are out there: a ductless-split system could cool and heat those areas. Instead of conventional systems that require ducting throughout the house, much smaller refrigeration lines are routed through your house and connected to individual cassettes in each room. It would require creative cutting and patching on other surfaces of your home, but it would be an economical way to cool your home while maintaining its integrity.
Make sure it’s the right fit
Choosing the right sized unit is essential. A unit that’s too big or small could cause loud noises, frequent breakdowns, and inconsistent temperatures in each room of the house. No, bigger is not always better: a bigger unit will not overcompensate for a unit that fits your house perfectly. Oversized units cycle on and off more often, which uses more energy and ends up costing more in maintenance.
Make sure your contractor is certified and knows industry standard calculations for your home. No two houses are alike, and although the style might be similar to a house down the street, you have no idea what lies underneath the floorboards or in the attic.
Know the power of your house
Anytime energy is mentioned, you should hear electricity. Your old house could only be equipped with enough energy to turn on some minor lights and appliances. Take a minute to consider your home’s electrical panel and if it needs an update to accommodate for the energy your new HVAC system will use. If it does need a service upgrade, an electrician needs to replace it before the HVAC goes in. Visit our HVAC FAQs to answer more of your questions.
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Take Control of Moisture and Humidity Indoors
You know what they say… too much of anything is a bad thing. This saying particularly applies to the amount of moisture and humidity that you have inside your home. With so many other household chores, who has time to worry about a few water droplets? In reality, all that moisture and water can cause some major issues to start forming in your house, which are not cheap to resolve.
What are the major things I need to focus on to control the moisture levels in my home?
Attic and basement ventilation
Ah, the forgotten attic and basement strike again. It’s so easy to forget about rooms in which you are not spending a lot of time. However, since basements are partially or fully underground, they harbor a lot of moisture. Attics, on the other hand, are famous for having a lack of ventilation and heightened climate conditions. If it is hot outside, it is probably scorching in your attic, and if it’s cold out, you can guess that it is near freezing up there. This causes condensation to form that can rot wood and grow mold.
This is why having an HVAC professional inspect the ventilation quality of your home is so valuable. A consultation appointment could save you from a black mold issue or replace rotting windows in your house, far before their expiration date. Proper ventilation throughout your entire home, in the seen and unseen areas, ensures clean and comfortable air all year long.
Water drainage
Have you cleaned out your gutters lately? It is important to make sure that the water running through your gutters is going in the right direction. If there is a blockage somewhere in your gutters, you are risking that water pooling near the foundation of your house instead of moving away from it. What does this mean for you? Every house has little cracks and imperfections where water or moisture can seep through into the foundation of your house. Bad news.
Kitchen
Cover those pots and pans when you’re cooking if you can help it. Anything cooking on the stove that contains liquid spreads additional moisture throughout the air. To be on the safe side, it is best to flip on the vent over the stove to help remove some of the grease and moisture from the kitchen. We recommend choosing an EPA certified product if you are looking for an efficient ventilation option.
Bathroom
Who doesn’t love a nice hot shower? The answer is your bathroom ceiling and wall paint. All that added moisture from your shower can cause paint to peel, mold to grow and bathroom ceilings to take on water damage. Again, this goes back to proper ventilation for every room in your house. If you don’t have a bathroom fan installed in your ceiling, now is the time to get one. A functioning bathroom fan can limit the amount of moisture in your bathroom and prevent water damage from taking over.
Need more information your heating, cooling, and ventilation needs?
At I Want SMART, we connect you with the best HVAC professionals to meet your needs. Contact us to find out how we can help you get started on your next project today.
Spring Cleaning Checklist for Your AC Unit
When the weather starts to warm up and the snow is melting, it’s time to jump into spring cleaning. Dusting, organizing, washing the couch covers, cleaning the floors, and cleaning out the garage are normally some the first items on the list. While you are outside washing your windows, you may realize you never thought about other warm weather preparations on the outside of your house. Ah yes, that good old AC cover is still wrapped around your unit waiting for you. Before summer starts rolling in, there are a few things that need to be done to keep your AC blowing in the cool breeze all season long.
Your AC Spring Cleaning Checklist
Uncover your condenser
If you placed a cover on your condenser over the winter, it’s now time to remove it and do a general inspection on the condenser. Do you see any major weather damages? Nesting animals? If you didn’t cover your condenser over the winter, there might be some snow and ice removal that needs to be done.
Grab the clippers
After all those long winter months, some of the shrubs and other plants in your yard may have overtaken their boundaries. Go through with a pair of hedge trimmers and make sure that all of your landscape is at least 18 inches away from your AC unit. This will help avoid things from getting caught in the fan or blocking air intake to the condenser.
Hose it down
If you see a lot of debris on and in-between the fins of your unit, it might benefit you to take a hose with a spray nozzle attachment and clear some of the grime off your condenser. Remember to keep your hose at a 45-degree angle when you are spraying your unit so that it can properly clean out the crevices.
Air filters
Before you turn the AC on, you need to change the air filters out. We recommend using a pleated HVAC filter to ensure the best air filtration throughout your home. If you are frequently using your AC in the summer, you should be replacing the filters once a month to maintain a healthy air quality in your home.
Detective work
Once your air filter is replaced, there are still a few things you need to keep in mind before you click on the AC. When you are putting the air filters in, check to make sure there are no gaps that unfiltered air can pass through. If you are unsure that your filtering system is working properly, don’t hesitate to have an HVAC professional take a look at it.
“I have more questions on AC maintenance!”
At I Want SMART, we are here to connect you with qualified contractors to resolve your heating, ventilation and cooling needs. Visit our SMART locations page to find a location near you or contact us to speak with a representative today.
Stop Winter Allergens in Your Home
When it comes to seasonal allergies, most people know the ins and outs of the Spring and Fall allergy seasons. People may not know, however, that those irritable symptoms in the winter can be caused by concentrated allergens in your home or workplace.
Is it possible to have winter allergies?
Yes. Believe it or not, there are irritants brought on by the cold weather and enclosed living conditions. Mold, dust mites, pet dander, and dust are some of the most common irritants during the winter months. Without the ability to open your windows and let some fresh air inside, all of these air pollutants build up in your air ducts and filters.
Are you suffering from indoor allergens?
Side effects of winter allergies can often mirror the common cold. However, the common cold should only last around 10 days, so if your symptoms are continuous you might be suffering from indoor allergies. Coughing, sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, runny noses, dry nasal passages, bloody noses, and dry skin conditions can all be related to indoor irritants.
What can I do to lessen my allergy symptoms?
There are many things that you can do in your own home to decrease those winter blues. Simple things you can do to stay proactive are dust, change your bedding and vacuum frequently. This cuts downs on dirt, dust, dander and dust mites. The next step is to make sure your house has a whole home humidifier to keep the climate from getting too dry. Most humidifiers today include an automatic humidifier control that will automatically adjust to outdoor temperatures to maintain optimal levels of relative humidity indoors. If you suffer from dry skin a whole house humidifying system can really help regulate the climate more efficiently in your home.
Air ducts can capture dust and pollutants that blow through the vents and travel throughout your home. Households that deal with seasonal allergies should look into getting whole house filtration systems. There are many high-efficiency filtration products available today. See your SMART Contractor for more information.
Finally, remember to contact your SMART provider to perform regular maintenance on your heating system and air filters. A simple system check and/or cleaning can do wonders for your home!
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