DB Heating & Cooling, Inc. Blog : Archive for the ‘Indoor Air Quality’ Category

What Types of Contaminants Do UV Germicidal Lights Eliminate?

Monday, October 27th, 2014

Achieving the best indoor air quality for a home sometimes requires more than using mechanical air filters to trap contaminating particles. The ductwork in a house can collect biological pollutants that will lead to serious threats to the health and comfort of the people indoors—and standard filters and even electronic air purifiers will not do much good against these intruders.

Almost any home can start to develop biological contamination inside its HVAC system, usually because of high humidity. A dehumidifier is helpful for prevention, but when it comes to fully protecting your indoor air quality from biological pollutants, you will need to have installation of ultraviolent germicidal lights, also known as UV air purifiers. The professionals at DB Heating & Cooling are available to help you with installing UV germicidal lights in Paramus, NJ. Give them a call today.

What UV germicidal lights remove from your home

The concept of ultraviolet radiation to kill biological contamination originated with a Noble Prize-winning doctor at the turn of the century; the doctor discovered that the high frequency UV lights helped with treating tuberculosis. UV radiation strips away the nuclei of cells, killing the cells and preventing them from reproducing. Aside from its medical uses (UV germicidal lights are a basic part of modern hospital sanitation), this power kills off the following pest in a home’s HVAC system

  • Mold and mold spores: This is one of the most common dangers that can infiltrate a home’s ductwork. Some molds are harmless (although you still want to get rid of them because they can cause ductwork damage) but other send out toxic spores that lead to a variety of health issues. UV germicidal lights kill off both the mold and the spores.
  • Viruses: The same way the UV lights inside a ventilation system of a hospital help to prevent the spread of infectious viruses through the ducts, they can also eliminate viruses from moving through your home.
  • Bacteria: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognizes UV treatment as an effective way to eliminate harmful bacteria that can cause a number of illnesses. Most types of harmful microorganisms will not survive exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Let professionals evaluate your indoor air quality

Before you decide on installation of UV germicidal lights in Paramus, NJ, you should know exactly what is causing trouble for your indoor air. If you have trouble from molds, viruses, bacteria, or other harmful microorganisms, we will set you up with an effective UV air purifier to make your home safer. You can also rely on us for regular maintenance and any necessary repairs to keep the system running.

Call the experts at DB Heating & Cooling to find out what air quality issues you have, and then find the right system to eliminate them.

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The Consequences of Neglecting Duct Repair

Monday, October 20th, 2014

The ductwork in your home carries cool or warm air through the vents that lead into your home. The ducts are an important part of your HVAC system, yet few people give them much thought. When the furnace, heat pump, or air conditioning system won’t seem to keep your home quite as comfortable as it should, some people may pass it off as a normal occurrence while others assume it means the HVAC system is in need of repairs. However, it’s just as likely that your ducts have cracked, torn, or have loose connections, and you need a trained technician to examine your HVAC system as well as the ductwork.

It may be difficult to detect when your ducts are in need of repair. But the majority of homes in the U.S. have some sort of problem with the ducts, which causes homeowners to pay more every month and could lead to problems with the heater or air conditioner. If you’re unsure as to whether you need duct repair, be sure to call a technician, like one of the friendly professionals at DB Heating & Cooling in New Milford. Here are some of the ways that neglecting this valuable service can hurt you in the long run.

  • Higher Costs: When your ducts have holes, conditioned air escapes through the ducts instead of into your home. Yet, you still pay more money on your utility bills for the air that is produced, meaning you pay extra on an HVAC system that expends part of its energy cooling or heating an empty space, such as an attic. Calling for duct repair increases the efficiency of your unit, saving you some money every month.
  • Poor Performance from Your HVAC System: Of course, as that air escapes through the ducts, less of it will reach your home, which means it takes longer to feel the full effects of your heating or air conditioning system. Duct repair will help your HVAC system cool or heat your home more quickly, keeping you more comfortable every day.
  • HVAC Repairs: Finally, faulty ductwork may lead to HVAC repairs. With broken ducts, your HVAC system has to work harder and run for longer periods in order to get your home to the desired temperature. This can cause certain parts to wear down or become overworked and fail suddenly.

If you need duct repair in New Milford, or if you need an HVAC inspection to diagnose reduced performance from your ducts, call the professionals at DB Heating & Cooling today!

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What’s Involved in Duct Cleaning?

Monday, August 4th, 2014

In the U.S., people spend on average 85% of their time indoors. Unfortunately, the quality of indoor air has dropped over the last half century as homes and buildings become more sealed against energy loss. The same stale air circulates through ventilation systems, and soon dust, dirt, and other unpleasant contamination builds up inside ductwork.

This is why regular duct cleaning is so important. It helps eliminate this major region of pollutants that gathers in a home and contributes to lowering the quality of the air its residents breathe. Duct cleaning provides other benefits as well, such as taking stress away from air conditioners and heaters by allowing air to flow easier through the ductwork.

Duct cleaning is a skilled job that requires professionals. Call DB Heating & Cooling to schedule duct cleaning in Bergen County from an experienced indoor air quality team.

How professional duct cleaning is done

The basic concept behind cleaning an extensive ventilation system in a home where most of the ducts are difficult to access is to use a power vacuum to change the pressure within the ducts. This dislodges contaminants from the duct walls, and then the vacuum uses suction to draw them out of the system. To do this job, professionals seal up all the vent registers in a house to close off the ductwork, then attach an enormous power vacuum onto the HVAC system where it leaves the air conditioner/heater.

Duct cleaning can also target specific places within the ducts that have more serious levels of dirt buildup using agitation equipment and smaller vacuums. The technicians remove vent registers and send in special rotary brushes to scrape away ground-in dust and dirt without damaging the duct walls. Special ductwork vacuums then suction away the loose particles.

During duct cleaning, technicians take note of any serious issues within the ducts, such as leaks or the development of potentially dangerous molds and biological growths. After they finish the cleaning, they can recommend repairs or the installation of UV germicidal lights to treat these situations and make sure the ducts are in the best condition possible.

How often should I schedule duct cleaning?

If more than two years have gone by since you had your last duct cleaning—or if you can’t remember ever having duct cleaning—you need to call professionals right away. In general, homes will benefit from a cleaning every two years, although it depends on the level of dust and dirt that enters the home. Some houses need it more often, some less. Your duct cleaners will help you find out how frequently your home should have the work done.

Call us to learn more about how we can provide your home with healthier air.

DB Heating & Cooling offers a number of services to help you achieve better indoor air quality in Bergen County, from duct cleaning to humidifier/dehumidifier installation.

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What Kinds of Tools Are Used in Duct Sealing?

Monday, July 14th, 2014

One of the great misunderstandings of home repairs is that “duct tape” is useful for repairing broken ducts. But duct tape is essentially worthless for this job, although it can help in hundreds of other ways for household chores. This misconception of the purpose of duct tape goes back to the 1950s, when what was until then called “duck tape” received a deceptive new name.

When it comes to sealing ducts, you need to rely on professionals who use a set of special tools for the job that are out of the reach of most consumers. Sealing ducts doesn’t only involve special tools, but also special training. If you require duct sealing in Waldick, NJ, call up only trained technicians to handle it. The indoor air quality experts at DB Heating & Cooling will bring the best tools and top-quality training to the job of sealing your leaky ventilation system.

The tools used in professional air duct sealing

  • Leak detectors: A key part of the process of sealing ducts is to locate where the leaks are. The technicians turn on the HVAC system to send air through the ductwork and use detectors that contain a fan and a pressure sensor to track down where the ducts are losing pressure and how large the leaks are. This will give the technicians a good idea of how much work needs to be done and what sort of methods will work. (For example, in cases of extreme leaks, they may suggest replacing sections of the ducts.)
  • Mastic sealant: Mastic is a resin-based sealant which technicians apply to gaps and leaks using a caulking gun. Mastic will stick to most surfaces and remain flexible even after it dries, making it resistant to breaking when the gaps expand and contract during temperature changes. It also keeps a smooth surface to offer little resistance to airflow.
  • Metallic tape: This is true “duct tape,” metal foil used to create actual mechanical seals along damaged ducts. Some technicians prefer these tapes to mastic sealant because they have an even higher durability to temperature changes and do not age as rapidly. However, whether a duct sealer uses metallic tape of sealant to fix a leak will usually depend on the size and location of the gap. Skilled technicians will know the right method for each situation.

Let the professionals take care of your leaky ducts

We will send out a team to handle the duct sealing in Waldick, NJ that you need to restore your ventilation system to like-new condition.

When you have damaged ductwork, place the duct tape aside to seal up boxes for storage in the attic. Call DB Heating & Cooling and speak to our professional air quality technicians.

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How Does a Whole-Home Dehumidifier Work?

Friday, July 11th, 2014

As we head into the most humid time of the year in New Jersey, you may be wondering what you can do to reduce excess humidity in your home. Even though your air conditioner removes humidity as part of the cooling process, your AC will need to work harder in order to sustain the temperature at which you set your thermostat when humidity is high. But there is a way to help your air conditioner through periods of excessive humidity that can help you be more comfortable, too: consider installing a whole-home dehumidifier to your air conditioner in Waldwick.

What Happens When You Dehumidify?

The comfortable range for humidity is anywhere from 30-60%. During June, July, August and September, the humidity averages for New Jersey are anywhere from 58-87%. To dehumidify the air, a dehumidifier collects the air around it, runs the air over cool coils, pulls the excess moisture from it, and sends the air back dry. The water from the humidity is removed from the house via the condensate pipe that drains into your sewer. Typically, a dehumidifier is set to a specific humidity level so that the space doesn’t become too dry. When you consider how much extra humidity we can have during the summer months, it is easy to see where a dehumidifier can benefit your home and air conditioning system.

Other Benefits of a Whole-Home Dehumidifier

There are other benefits to installing a whole-home dehumidifier other than making your space more comfortable:

  • Help with allergies – allergies can be exasperated by excessive moisture in your home. Not only does moisture promote mold and mildew growth, dust mites flourish with it. By removing the excess moisture in your indoor air, you can help prevent mold, mildew and dust mites from proliferating.
  • Better energy efficiency – your air conditioner can remove only so much humidity. In times of excess humidity, it will have to work harder to achieve the same level of comfort in your home. By giving it a boost in the form of a dehumidifier, you’ll help your AC to run more effectively and efficiently.
  • Less strain on your system – when it’s hot and humid, it is inevitable that your air conditioner will be working more. Having a tool that helps remove the excess humidity means your system doesn’t have to overwork to make everyone comfortable.

Don’t Like That Sticky Feeling? Call Us

Humidity makes everything feel heavy, icky and sticky, and it feels the same to your air conditioner. Help your AC work more effectively and efficiently by considering the installation of a whole-home dehumidifier.

DB Heating & Cooling experts are here to help answer any questions you may have about installing a whole-home dehumidifier in Waldwick, so give us a call.

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Indoor Air Quality in Paramus: How Do Air Filters Work?

Friday, June 13th, 2014

As it gets hotter, air quality can decrease, particularly outside. While your air conditioner can greatly improve the air quality in your home, you may need some extra assistance with the help of an air filter.

Why use an air filter to improve your indoor air quality in Paramus? Allergy sufferers can have a terrible time from spring until fall, and others may be sensitive to dirt, dust and other airborne pollutants. A high-grade air filter can also help your air conditioner by greatly reducing the dirt, dust and debris that can accumulate therein.

What types of air filters are available for your air conditioning system? There are a few different ones on the market, so our experts at DB Heating & Cooling have put together a list for you:

Standard

Every air conditioner comes with a built-in, standard air filter. This filter is not intended to help with air quality, although it can help a little bit. The standard filter’s main job is to help keep dirt, dust and larger debris from entering and clogging your system. This filter is made from spun fiberglass, sits in a cardboard frame and should be changed every 1-3 months to avoid clogging.

Pleated Air Filters

Because of their pleated construction, pleated air filters can be a good way to start eliminating allergens and other air pollutants from your home. The way pleated air filters work is by having tightly-woven material folded into pleats, enabling the capture of small particles. Pleated air filters come in different thicknesses, ranging from 1-4 inches. Sometimes the thickness of a pleated air filter can restrict the air flow in your air conditioning system, so it’s best to consult with a professional before purchasing one.

Electrostatic Filters

Electrostatic air filters charge the particles around them, then capture the particles using an opposite charge. Using this method allows for even very small particles to be captured, making this type of filter very effective.

HEPA Filters

HEPA filters have a capture rate of 99%, and are able to catch particles that are 1/300th the width of human hair. Because of their strength, it is strongly recommended that you consult with an expert before using a HEPA filter as it can constrict the air flow in your air conditioner’s system.

Looking for Better Air Quality? Call Us

Your indoor air quality in Paramus is important – don’t compromise your comfort by purchasing an air filter that doesn’t meet your needs.

Call the indoor air quality professionals at DB Heating & Cooling today and schedule a time to speak with one of our experts about improving your indoor air quality.

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When is Duct Cleaning Necessary for My Westwood, NJ Home?

Thursday, August 29th, 2013

The ductwork in your home distributes cool air from your central air conditioning system. Without it, your system wouldn’t be able to adequately cool your home. In towns like Westwood, NJ, with high summer temperatures and equally high humidity, your ducts are a vital component to keeping your home comfortable.  Duct cleaning is hardly the most exciting way to spend your money, but it may be a necessary one: especially if you used your air conditioning system regularly.

When air circulates throughout the ductwork system, it also carries with it dust, debris and airborne particles. Good filters on your air conditioning system can mitigate that a great deal, but when those filters become clogged, or when the ducts spring leaks along the way, then dust can creep in. As the amount builds up, it circulates through your home. Sensitive family members or those with allergies may find their symptoms worsening. On a less severe note, excessive dust build-up can decrease air flow through your ducts, forcing you air conditioning unit to work harder and resulting in higher energy bills accordingly.

The Environmental Protection Agency suggests a duct cleaning if you can spot mold growing on your vents or other components in the duct system, or if the ducts become excessively clogged (i.e., the air flow from your air conditioning unit is reduced). Either way, they strongly suggest retaining a trained expert to conduct the operation. A qualified technician will utilize tools and techniques that do the job cleanly and accurately, improving the quality of your air in the process. A less professional service may not create adequate seals, resulting in larger amounts of dust release into your home. In the worst cases, they might damage your duct system, creating leaks and further contributing to the problem.

If you believe that your ducts need cleaning, either because the signs of excessive dust are obvious or you believe that it’s contributing to allergic reactions, then it pays to call in a professional. DB Heating & Cooling has duct cleaning experts on staff and handles calls for house servicing all over Westwood, NJ. We are devoted to absolute customer satisfaction, so give us a call today!

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Air Quality Issues and Your Air Conditioning in Emerson, NJ

Monday, July 29th, 2013

All of the cool air that comes into your home has to travel through your air conditioning system. This means that your air conditioning system is an ideal device to make an impact on your home’s air quality. However, the impact is not always a good one. Here at DB Heating & Cooling, we wanted to put together a few of the ways that your AC can affect your air quality and what you can do to make sure that it helps improve the quality of the air the you breathe.

Modern homes are built very air tight so that they can keep as much of the heated or cooled air inside of them. While this is great for efficiency, it can allow many different types of contaminants to build up in your home because of the lack of fresh, clean air from outside. Many different kinds of pollutants can get trapped in your home’s air including dust, pet dander, bacteria, pollen, insect droppings and many others. These can cause respiratory issues for your family—especially if any of them suffer from allergies or asthma.

So what can you do to improve your Emerson, NJ home’s air quality? There are a number of different products on the market that are designed to help you remove pollutants from your air and also prevent them from even getting into your home.

  • Air filters – One of the best ways to remove pollutants from your air is to use an air filter. These types of products sit in your ducts or your air handler and trap particles as they pass through the filter. There are many different kinds of air filters and there are also air purifiers that you electrostatic electricity to remove particulates from your home’s air.
  • Duct sealing – One major source of air pollutants is holes in your ducts. If your ducts are old or if they weren’t installed properly, they could be allowing many types of outdoor contaminants to get inside your home. Getting your ducts sealed will keep them from getting in and it will also greatly improve the efficiency of your home.
  • Duct cleaning – Something that every homeowner should have done on a regular basis is regular duct cleaning. As your AC operates it will pick up any contaminants that happen to be in your ducts and circulate them through your air. Getting your ducts regularly vacuumed and sanitized is a great way to improve your air quality.

For all your installation, repair or maintenance services for your air conditioning in Emerson, NJ,  just call DB Heating and Cooling.

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Why Duct Cleaning Should be a Part of Spring Cleaning in Bergen County

Monday, March 18th, 2013

Spring cleaning is a popular activity across America. As soon as it’s warm enough to open our windows and doors to air out our home, we find new ways of getting more organized, of removing unnecessary belongings, and tidying up around the home. While most homeowners welcome spring cleaning duties, many overlook the hidden system of ductwork in the walls and ceilings. After all, it’s not as easy as vacuuming or cleaning the shower. Fortunately, the experts at DB Heating & Cooling have it all figured out. For duct cleaning in Bergen County, call us today!

Here are some reasons why you should make duct cleaning part of your annual spring cleaning routine:

  • Air quality. This is one of the best ways to improve your air quality. As heated and cooled air passes through your ductwork, it picks up dust, debris, and any microbial growth inside. Dirty ducts can make these substances airborne and circulate them throughout your home. For homeowners with sensitive allergies, this can be hazardous.
  • Energy-efficiency. Dirty ductwork can account for significant energy loss, without periodic cleaning. Even the smallest layer of dust can adversely affect the volume of conditioned air that reaches your living room or bedroom.
  • System lifespan. Another reason to clean your ducts is to extend the life of your heating and cooling system. Dust and debris buildup not only affect the passage of air and the quality of the indoor air, they also impact all of the system’s components. They can increase the wear and tear on motors and fans, for example.
  • Mold growth. While there are other ways to prevent mold throughout your home, duct cleaning is a great way to ensure that mold doesn’t become a problem in your house. As a potentially harmful health risk, mold also spreads quickly given the right humidity conditions.

Duct cleaning should be part of each household’s spring cleaning. It improves the air quality of your home, and it can help you save money on your energy costs. For duct cleaning in Bergen County, call the experts at DB Heating & Cooling today! 

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Benefits of Duct Sealing: Paramus, NJ HVAC Tip

Monday, February 11th, 2013

If you have a forced air system in your home, all of the conditioned air in your home has to go through those ducts. Your ducts are critical to your home’s comfort and to the proper operation of your heating and air conditioning system. Having your ducts sealed in Paramus, NJ by a professional contractor can have a very positive impact on your home. At DB Heating & Cooling, we provide duct sealing services throughout the Paramus, NJ area. We thought it would be helpful to our customers if we put together some of the benefits of getting their ducts sealed.

Common Duct Problems in Paramus, NJ

  • Leaks – Over time, your ducts can wear out and get old. When that happens they can crack and start to leak. As air travels through the ducts it can leak out of those holes. This can decrease the efficiency of your system and cause you to waste money. It can also allow outside contaminants, insects or rodents to get into your ducts as well.
  • Blockages – The average house has about 20 pounds of debris inside of it. Not only can it decrease the efficiency of your heating and air conditioning system, it can also cause big problems for the air quality of your system. As air moves through your ducts if can pick up the contaminants, allergens and other particles that are in them.

Benefits of Duct Sealing

Duct sealing is a great idea for homeowners throughout the Paramus, NJ area. Here are some of the potential benefits.

  • Greater efficiency – Having holes and leaks in your ducts reduces the efficiency of your heating and AC system because it allows the heated or cooled air out of your home. When you seal up your ducts more of that energy will stay in your home.
  • Air quality – With duct sealing, outdoor contaminants can enter your home and your air supply.

If you’re interested in duct sealing at your home in Paramus, NJ, call DB Heating & Cooling, Inc..

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