Tag: dust

Why Your A/C Filters Get Dirtier Faster

by Cris Scott
dirty ac filter
Dust-clogged A/C filter restricts airflow

If you find yourself having to change your A/C Filters more often than you think you need to; there may be a few things that are causing your air filter to become dirty quicker.

Lack of regularly scheduled air conditioning maintenance and the way you operate your cooling and heating system could be causing your air filters to become dirty faster than they should!

A/C Filter Maintenance

If you are not changing your A/C filters monthly, or when necessary, your cooling and heating system will work less efficiently and cost you money.

The frequency at which you will need to change your A/C filter will depend on a number of factors such as how often you use your system, do you have pets, are you remodeling and how many contaminants are entering your home.

Quality of Your Filters

If you are not choosing one a good quality A/C filter it will not last very long before it needs to be changed. Air quality is measured by a MERV rating (minimum efficiency reporting value) – the higher the MERV ranking is, the more efficient your A/C system will operate.

Air Conditioning filters that have a lower MERV rating tend to be less expensive than filters with a higher MERV rating so they can be tempting to buy. While these filters may be less expensive, it is important to remember that they will last a shorter amount of time before needing to be changed, increasing your cost in the long run

 

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Leaking A/C Ductwork

Another issue that affects how quickly your A/C filters are becoming dirty is when your system has leaking air ducts. When your system’s air ducts are leaking it causes dust and other airborne contaminants to be pulled into your unit from areas that are used less often and are generally dirtier than the rest of your home. Not only does this mean your system’s air filters will become clogged and dirty more quickly, but it also means your system will run less efficiently, use more energy and increase your costs.

Not Running Your Fan On “Auto”

Your system’s thermostat will provide you with two different fan settings to choose from – “on” and “auto”. When you choose to set your system’s fan to the “on” setting, your system’s fan will run continuously until you turn it off. When you choose to set your system’s fan to the “auto” setting, your system’s fan will turn on and off automatically as it cycles through each heating or cooling cycle. By setting your thermostat to “auto”, your system will be able to run and process the airborne contaminants coming into your unit more efficiently.

However, if you do not see the problem clearly or none of these tips helped you to solve your A/C Filters problem, please do not hesitate to contact us to receive more information about it!

 

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Organic Pollutants in the Home

by Cris Scott

Wich organic pollutants are more dangerous?

Organic pollutants found in your home that you should be concerned about are molds, mildew, VOC’s, fungi, bacteria and dust mites. Some, such as pollen, are produced outside the home and enter your home on your clothes, your pets, your hair or simply by opening and closing the front door. That is why, sometimes, getting a New AC Westchase should solve at least part of the problem.

Organic Pollutants

Mold and mildew that are generated in the home discharge spores into the air. Mold, mildew, fungi and bacteria are often found in areas of the home that have high humidity levels, such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. Dust mites and animal dander are problematic when they become airborne while dusting, vacuuming, making beds or when fabrics are disturbed.

 

Remember that the average 1500 sq. foot home in Florida generates approximately a wheelbarrow full of dust. And each ounce of that dust contains about 4000 dust mites! Dust mites have been identified as the single most important trigger for asthma attacks.

 

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What that means to you and your family is simple and straight forward; allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are the most common health problems associated with indoor air pollutants. Symptoms frequently include watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing, headache, dizziness and fatigue.

CALL TODAY! Easy Breezy A/C’s certified technicians will be happy to help you alleviate and eliminate these contaminates.

 

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Your Heating And AC Unit Might Be Making Your Home Dusty

by Cris Scott

Your house is brimming with plenty of duties: washing dishes, doing laundry, vacuum cleaning, on top of the never-ending job of dusting. Although each of these projects tend to be inescapable, a few may seem as though they must be done constantly. When you are having difficulties managing your dusty house, it is possible your heating and cooling unit is making the issue worse.

The good news is, for virtually any heating and cooling issue which could result in extra dust, we have an easy and productive answer to the problem.

Create a trap for the dust

If you are inspecting your HVAC machine to find signs to what is causing such a dusty environment, your current air filter is the place to begin. Air filters need to be examined monthly at a minimum in addition to being changed or wiped clean if they’re too dusty. If your house is unusually dusty or you have shedding pets, it is a good idea to switch your air filter more regularly.

Most of the particles you find in the old filter is dust that has been removed from the air flow in your home. Any time your current air filter gets obstructed, your HVAC machine cannot effectevly remove dust out of the air, so a greater portion of it remains inside your home.

Not every filter is the same, and you will probably find air filters with a higher MERV rating to be more effective. Investing in these better-quality air filters comes with a compromise; they will probably have a longer lifespan and will also pick up smaller particles that many lower rated filters will not, but are pricier and can be slightly less energy efficient.

Any time you’re replacing your HVAC filter, you also need to look to confirm that it fits snugly with a firm seal around every side. Space between the filter and your unit or inadequately sized filters enable dirt and dust particles to pass easily through the unit and into your living space.

 

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Fix all air leaks

Leaking ducts are extremely common and are a more difficult issue that leads to unnecessary dust. Tiny spaces may form in the ductwork as a result of old age, deterioration, low quality, or substandard installation, and are often found in especially dirty sections of the attic and basement. Such cracks allow airborne dirt and dust to move past your home’s air filter, straight out the vents, and into your home.

Check a number of your home’s air vents closely and if you find an accumulation of dust built up on the fins or near the air vents, you might have leaky ducts.

If the structure and design of the house and your air conditioning unit will allow it, you could safely check a large amount of the ductwork yourself. Shut off all lighting and use a flashlight to check the ducts. This will make it easier for you to watch the movement of dirt and dust floating around, which will direct you to the area of a leak. A lot of modest leaks are able to be appropriately patched using duct tape if they are within your reach.

To complete more difficult checkups or servicing, think about hiring a licensed heating and cooling specialist with the necessary expertise. They are able to spot and fix leaks in areas you cannot access, and these areas are usually among the dirtiest pieces of the HVAC unit.

Try not to run dry

People located in more humid environments often get a break from issues with more excessive dust in their homes, while people who live in drier locations encounter many more challenges with dust. Airborne debris is able to move without restraint over moisture less air, allowing it to make its way substantially further within an air conditioning unit. Any time the environment is more humid, dirt and other debris settle more quickly, leaving greater opportunities for it to get caught by the filters.

This isn’t just an issue in less damp environments, but also throughout the more arid season of winter. And of course, if your HVAC unit has leaking ductwork attracting the drier wintry air out of the attic, you are likely forming particularly welcoming conditions for dust within your home.

Aside from properly sealing the ducts, the most effective defense from really dry air is using a good humidifier within the home. For those living in extremely arid climates, it is worth looking into a whole-home humidifier, which sometimes also assist in preserving furniture, floors, and trim made of wood.

Dusting effectively

All of these tips could help you minimize the volume of dust inside your home, nevertheless, they will not totally relieve you of your dusting duties. That being said, when you take on the task again, use this secret to help: change the thermostat’s fan setting into the “on” position. As long as the filter is clear, it will capture most of the dust that gets pulled up. Just be sure you return it to the “auto” position once you are done.

 

If you have exhausted all of our how-to tips, or simply feel you need or would prefer an experienced AC technician to do the job for you, contact the skilled professionals at EasyBreezy A/C Services in the Tampa Bay area today!

 

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Dirty Sock Syndrome Part 2

by Alicia

As we saw in Part 1, Dirty Sock Syndrome is caused by bacterial and fungal growth on the evaporator coil. In this article, we will discuss how to treat prevent the problem.

So, you have Dirty Sock Syndrome. Now What?

The good news is that there are ways you can fix dirty sock syndrome and enjoy high-quality indoor air.

Cleaning is your first remedy. You will need to do a thorough cleaning of the evaporator coils to get rid of mold and bacteria living inside as well as stop your house from smelling like an old gym bag. Use cleaning products along with gloves and wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy. Although, a DIY job is only recommended to those who have sufficient knowledge and proper tools.

Otherwise, call in a professional to do the work on your behalf. The HVAC professionals at EasyBreezy AC will first diagnose the problem and then clean the coil and drain pan. Specialists make use of non-acid or low-acid cleaners to effectively kill mold while not damaging the subtle inner workings of your AC unit. Book an appointment with a trusted air conditioning company now to treat your Dirty Sock Syndrome. Don’t forget to have regular maintenance and inspections scheduled once or twice a year to prevent further issues from happening.

You should also consider coating the drain pans and coils. The coating material should contain an antibacterial agent which prevents regrowth of mold. While the antimicrobial coating is effective, it is still imperative to keep your coils clean as possible because the buildup of organic material produces a base for mold and mildew to grow. Doing so will assure smooth performance of your air conditioning.

If any of these measures do not prove to be highly effective for you, then it is time to replace the coils and maintain them to ensure the problem won’t return. You have to take into account your unit’s age, though. If it is already fairly old (12+ years), it may just be time to get a whole new unit.

 

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How to Treat Dirty Sock Syndrome

  1. Choose a high-quality air conditioning filter

    Bacteria, mold, and mildew need porous substances to grow. Get rid of them from the air before they get in your coils.

  2. Use a whole home air purifier

    They prove to be an excellent aid in killing mold and bacteria. Here at EasyBreezy A/C, we recommend cold plasma ionizers. They are especially ideal for people with compromised immune system, asthma, or allergy problems. A UV light is another option we can provide (though we prefer non-ozone producing IAQ products).

  3. Hire a professional to clean your coil

    While you can perform basic cleaning all alone, it is far better to team up with a professional for help. They will have special cleaners available to them that are designed to clean evaporator coils.

Prevention is Key!

Your AC unit is one of the biggest investments you can make for your home. Don’t let dirty sock syndrome give you so much stress. Early prevention is your best solution.

How to prevent Dirty Sock Syndrome?

1. Keeping up with the routine maintenance of your air conditioner is one of the best ways to prevent all sorts of problems with your AC.
2. Change your air filters regularly. If your filter tends to get dirty quickly, then there may be another problem with your system.
3. Installing a whole home indoor air quality (IAQ) product, like the Phenomenal Aire, will dramatically help reduce and prevent bacteria, fungus, and mold growth in your home.

No matter what the season is, it is always important to make sure your air conditioning unit is working efficiently and not converting into an ideal ground for dirty sock syndrome.

However, if you do not see the problem clearly or none of these tips helped you to solve your A/C problem, please do not hesitate to contact us to receive more information about it!

 

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Dirty Sock Syndrome Part 1

by Alicia

Upon entering your home, the first thing you noticed is the stinky odor. It is not the garbage, neither the piled-up laundry of your little munchkins. What could be the culprit then?

Your air conditioning.

Your house might be suffering from dirty sock syndrome.

The average American spends almost 93 percent of their life indoors, which makes indoor air quality an immediate issue. Dirty sock syndrome attacks most homes, and you need to pay strict attention to it.

In this two-part article series, we will discuss what dirty sock syndrome actually is, what causes it, and how to solve it efficiently.

You can jump to part two here.

What Is Dirty Sock Syndrome?

 

Dirty sock syndrome is a stale, foul-smelling odor that is often produced from an air conditioner with a dirty coil. This coil is the heat pump coil in the blower or air handler of your AC. Apart from a very dirty coil, there are also little microbial organisms present that feed on the dust, dirt, and other things that’s accumulated on it. This is why your home is dealing with a terrible smell.
The smell travels as your AC pushes air around the home, making all rooms have a disgusting odor. Some homeowners mistake dirty sock syndrome as a mold problem because of its mold-like smell. This can cause for a serious concern since mold leads to headaches and other health issues.

 

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What Causes Dirty Sock Syndrome?

 

Bacteria and fungus growing on the evaporator coil.
Constant use of your air conditioning can cause moisture formation on the evaporator coils. Dust will then be collected inside the system and fasten itself to the coils.
Once attached, the dust and moisture can grow bacteria. The cold and hot temperatures used by the air conditioning makes it an excellent place for the bacteria to flourish.
The bacteria and fungus growth will lead your AC system to slow rot from within. It is because of the decomposition that you smell a stinky odor when the unit is on.

 

Is Dirty Sock Syndrome Dangerous?

 

No doubt, dirty sock syndrome smells horrible and is a real annoyance. But fortunately, it is not usually considered devastating or life-threatening since the mildew and bacteria are not extremely hazardous to the health but could irritate asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Though at some point, dirty sock syndrome can pose health risks if mold occurs in the air conditioning unit and starts to develop. It can cause sneezing and coughing and those with severe allergies, asthma, or have respiratory problems will likely the suffer most.
You may also experience eye irritation and difficulty breathing if mold grows within your system. The strong smell from the AC unit can make you feel sick too. Long exposure to mold also carries long-term health risks as it emits microbial volatile organic compounds – gasses which generate the odor that associated with mold.

If you have Dirty Sock Syndrome or mold has grown inside your AC, you need have a professional  conduct an immediate, thorough inspection and cleaning of the HVAC system. Se here at EasyBreeze will be more than ready to hlp you solve this issue, we are a call of distance!

See Dirty Sock Syndrome Part 2 for solutions and tips for prevention.

 

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Welcome Spring Cleaning and HVAC Maintenance

by Alicia

Now that we are fully in the throws of the Spring season we know that our nice days of cool weather will be fading away and will soon be replaced with the hot and humid days of Summer. Spring is the best time of year to have maintenance done on your AC unit as it is right around the corner from the hottest days of the year, but your AC unit has not yet been completely stressed and pushed to its limits. Proper maintenance will ensure that your AC unit is up to the task when that time soon comes.

WHY DO OUR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE EACH SPRING?

 
Allergies


Spring follows the harshest time of year for your AC system: Winter. You start by bringing out your thick winter clothes and blankets – which are now introducing more lint and dust your home than what you had before. Because of the cool weather you are running the furnace much more frequently which keeps your air dry.

You also are not likely to be leaving doors and windows open – which means that dry air and extra lint and dust does not get “aired out” of your home. By this point, your air filter is likely the worst it has been all year, especially if you haven’t been changing your filter regularly. Your home has now become a breeding ground for the ever-dreaded allergies and Spring is right around the corner to add to this poor air quality with pollen. And this year’s pollen season has started early and is expected to be a rough season.

 

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Efficiency


Because of the reduction of air quality both inside and outside of your home, your system is running harder and becoming less efficient each day. The less up-to-date your system is on maintenance, the harder it is working to continue to keep your home cool. Annual maintenance helps you find problems with your central air unit and ventilation system, which in turn will help restore your AC system to its best efficiency.


Longevity


If your system is not running as efficiently as it could then it is no surprise that you may also experience break downs and additional problems at a faster rate. Annual maintenance will keep your system running as efficiently as possible which will slow down wear and tear on your system and may even keep it running longer than its expected life span.

If you want more orientation or you want to request a service, please do not hesitate to contact us to receive more information about it!

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Improving Indoor Air Quality In 3 Easy Steps

by Alicia

It is important to keep the air that we breathe clean. Proper use of filters, frequent cleaning of the HVAC unit, and maintaining a clean environment will help ensure cleaner air.

Proper Use of Filters

Filters are usually effective for up to three months. Change your filters frequently to keep unwanted particles out of your unit, out of your ducts, and out of your indoor air. Filters are the most important boundary between polluted air and your HVAC unit, so changing them in a timely manner is imperative.
 

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Frequent Cleanings

Just like keeping a clean oven or washing machine, it’s known that certain machines cannot function properly if they’re dirty. Having the AC unit cleaned periodically will help maintain the integrity of the unit and keep it working at full capacity. In order to do this, you will need coil cleaner, a hose, gloves, and eye protection. You will need to know how to turn off the unit from the circuit breaker as well and have time to complete the task. There are a series of steps you will need to take in order to open the unit and clean it. Or you can call the pros; they’ll be able to knock it out in no time.

Maintaining a Clean Environment

The best thing you can do for your indoor air quality is to clean the inside of your home on a daily basis. Keep surfaces dust-free, sweep and mop regularly, and groom your pets each day to keep pet dander at a minimum. Since HVAC units are designed to pull air in and out of the house – they do not bring “fresh” air into the house. The EPA recommends opening windows about once a week to cycle fresh air into the house to prevent a stuffy feeling in the air and reduce odor in the home. You can also utilize the bathroom fans and the exhaust fan over the stove to help pull moist air out of those rooms.

Make sure you’re taking care of the machine that takes most care of you and your home will be a cleaner and more efficient one.

If these tips helped you, you want more orientation or you want to request a service, please do not hesitate to contact us to receive more information about it!

 

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Why You Should Have Regular Maintenance For Your HVAC System

by Alicia

Its Springtime! Which means many individuals are beginning to pack away winter clothes, are getting ready to deep clean their home, and are preparing their patios for barbecues. One important thing to remember during this rush into Springtime is your air conditioning unit. It has likely sat dormant the majority of the last few months.

Perhaps the heat was on during a few nights during the Florida winter or the AC may have run for a short bit as Spring fought its way to us, but it likely did not get as much use in the last few months as it is about to get in the coming months. Regular maintenance is the key to your A/C unit functioning and cooling air properly and efficiently.

Here’s why it is important to perform (or have a pro perform) regular maintenance on your HVAC:

Prolong the Life of Your A/C Unit

Much like an oil change to your car, regularly scheduled maintenance is one of the most important ways to care for your unit. Regular maintenance of your air conditioning keeps parts well lubricated and clean, so that they can function as best as they can. That means parts are able to last longer and when they show signs of too much wear, they can be easily spotted and replaced during your A/C tune-up.
 

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Keep it Running

The last thing you want in the Florida Summer heat is for your air conditioner to break down. A poorly maintained unit is more likely to break down or not run as efficiently as it could. Save yourself from a costly repair or replacement by getting your HVAC system tuned up, call the pros at EasyBreezy AC.

Save on Your Energy Bill

When your air conditioning system is properly maintained, it does not have to work harder to meet the demands of keeping your home cool. When an A/C system is overworking itself, that means you are footing the bill for the extra energy needed to get the job done. Having your air conditioner receive regular maintenance will save you some money on your energy bill.

If these tips helped you, you want more orientation or you want to request a service, please do not hesitate to contact us to receive more information about it!

 

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