DB Heating & Cooling, Inc. Blog : Posts Tagged ‘Indoor Air Quality’

How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality (and Why It Matters)

Monday, September 30th, 2019

young-couple-sitting-in-home-smilingYou might be wondering, “does my indoor air quality really need to be improved?” If you’re asking yourself that, you probably aren’t aware that without the right systems and services in place, your indoor air quality can actually be worse than the quality of air outdoors.

Today’s homes are built with energy efficiency as a high priority. This means they’re built tightly so they don’t let any conditioned air out, or outside air in. This is fantastic news for your energy bills, but not so great for your Bergen County, NJ indoor air quality. But what can you do?

Well, for starters, you can look into the installation of a whole-house air purifier, of which there are a couple options.

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Indoor Air Quality Concerns You Should Be Aware Of

Monday, April 30th, 2018

woman-blowing-noseEveryone puts effort into getting their air to just the right amount of cool during the summer, which is all well and good. No one wants to live in a sauna for several months out of the year. You shouldn’t just be focused on keeping your home’s air cool, though. You should also take steps to make sure that your indoor air quality is as high as possible. Low indoor air quality can cause all kinds of problems for both your health and comfort levels this summer. Take a look at some of the factors that contribute to poor indoor air quality below, and what you can do to address them.

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Take Advantage of This Superior Indoor Air Quality Product

Monday, February 20th, 2017

indoor-air-quality-productThe air quality in Wyckoff may be in good condition now, but that can quickly change depending on weather conditions. And when the weather warms up again and starts getting more humid, you’ll have more to worry about than just a little discomfort—including mold and mildew. One area that this can build-up in is in the cool, damp environment of your air ducts.

This is reason enough to consider a Wyckoff, NJ UV germicidal light installation. Also called UV lights or a UV air purifier, UV germicidal lights effectively kill harmful microorganisms at the source—your air ducts. Keep reading to learn more about these systems and what they can do for your home and your health.

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How Can a Whole-House Humidifier Benefit You?

Monday, February 6th, 2017

how-can-a-whole-house-humidifier-benefit-youCases of the flu are not rare this time of the year in New Jersey, particularly for 2017. We’re only a month into the New Year and already flu cases have reached dangerously high levels in this area. This is just one of the problems that a Mahwah, NJ humidifier installation could help you avoid, but a pretty significant one.

Dry air lowers immunity, which makes it easier for occupants of a home to pass along illnesses. Additional, dry air can make individuals who are already sick feel worse, whereas a humidifier can help ease symptoms. If you need even more of a reason to invest in one of these systems, we’ve shared even more advantages below.

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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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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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Woodcliff Lake, NJ Indoor Air Quality Tip: What are UV Germicidal Lights

Monday, January 28th, 2013

At DB Heating and Cooling, we get a lot of questions about UV (ultraviolet) germicidal lights and how they can improve indoor air quality in Woodcliff Lake, NJ area homes.  Basically, these lights destroy harmful microorganisms in the ductwork and other components of your heating and air conditioning system. This keeps any airborne pathogens from spreading throughout your home.  Here’s how they work:

UV germicidal lights are also called UVGI systems, and they use an ultraviolet light to destroy the DNA of harmful organisms, thereby killing them and rendering them incapable of reproducing at the same time. While UV germicidal lights are Ideal for medical facilities, office buildings, hotels, and schools, they can also be used in residential applications. UVGI systems are a cost-effective way to improve indoor air quality, and they can be installed with most existing heating and cooling systems.

UV germicidal lights can destroy pollutants that the air cleaners don’t target, but when used alongside air cleaners, UV lamps can provide even better protection against bacteria, viruses, and toxic mold spores. If you have known issues with moisture control or mold growth in your home, UV lights can improve indoor air quality by killing new mold growth; however, the moisture problem will need to be remedied to get the full effect.

If you think you might benefit from a UV germicidal light installation, call one of our Woodcliff Lake, NJ indoor air quality experts. We can answer all of your questions and address any concerns you may have about your indoor air quality. Call DB Heating and Cooling any time to set up a consultation!

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How Indoor Air Quality Can Suffer In the Winter: Bergen County Heating Guide

Monday, January 21st, 2013

During the winter here in New Jersey, it can get bitterly cold. Most of us close up our house as tightly as possible to keep as much heat in as possible. While this is a great way to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home, it can cause the air quality in your home to suffer. At DB Heating & Cooling, Inc, we offer comprehensive indoor air quality installation, repair and maintenance in Bergen County. We wanted to let our customers know some of the ways that air quality can suffer during the winter and an air filtering or air purification system can help.

Winter Air Quality Concerns

Shutting up your home during the winter can help keep more warmth inside. But it can also restrict the supply of fresh air into your home. This leaves your home’s heating system to just recirculate stale air in your home. This can cause contaminants to build up in your home’s air.

Common Household Contaminants in the Winter

The winter is typically a very dry season. Many people suffer from dry skin and nasal passages. But there are certain air contaminants that can start to increase in the dry winter air.

  • Dust – Dust is mostly comprised of dead skin cells. During winter your skin will dry out and so will that of any pets that you might have. This can increase dust levels throughout your home.
  • Pet dander – When your pet’s skin starts to dry out, it can release more dander into the air. This can increase allergic reactions during the winter.
  • Insect droppings – Cockroach and dust mite droppings are huge allergens for certain people. When the air dries out, their droppings can start to enter your air supply.
  • Gas and smoke – During the winter, there can also be a build-up of gas fumes, combustion gases, smoke particles and other fumes that can be harmful.

Benefits of Home Air Filtration

On average, people spend most of their time indoors. With so much time spent in our homes, it would make sense that the air quality in our homes should be a priority. In fact, the EPA estimates that indoor air quality is one of the top five leading threats to respiratory health in the United States. Some of the benefits of indoor air filtering are reduced reaction to allergies, reduced dust levels,  and much more.

If you’re interested in learning more about indoor air quality in Bergen County, contact DB Heating and Cooling.

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