Touchstone Heating & Air Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Indoor Air Quality’ Category

What Kinds of Contaminants May Be Living in the Ducts?

Thursday, January 8th, 2015

No one really wants to think about the “things” living in the cool, dark places of their home, but it may surprise you just how many contaminants can be in your home’s ductwork. Any type of contamination in your home is reason for concern, but the contamination in your ductwork can be blown directly into your living spaces, giving these contaminants direct access to you. Understanding what types of contaminants can live and thrive in your ductwork can help you prevent them from taking up residence in your home and improve your overall indoor air quality in Gainesville.

Types of Contaminants

Here are some of the more common contaminants you can find inside ductwork:

  • Mold and mildew – mold and mildew need only a little bit of moisture in a cool, dark place to grow and thrive, making your ductwork a top residential area for them. Faulty ductwork can be especially prone to mold and mildew growth as the holes and cracks offer ample, excess moisture to keep the growth thriving.
  • Dirt and dust – this is probably one of the more expected contaminants, but don’t underestimate what dirt and dust build-up in your ductwork can do to your HVAC system.
  • Vermin – mice, squirrels, raccoons and other vermin love the protection and warmth of ductwork, so if they can get to it, they will – and they don’t come alone. Additionally, they’ll use the nest as both a bathroom and kitchen, so you can wind up with animal feces and food residue in your ductwork.
  • Insects – there are few kinds of insects that enjoy the protection of a ductwork system, but none so much as cockroaches. Cockroaches tend to be more pervasive in urban areas, but they will seek shelter from the cold during the winter months no matter where they are. Some people have severe allergies to cockroaches which can contribute to allergy discomfort and even asthma triggers, so it’s important to make sure they don’t create a community in your ductwork.

The “ick” factor of ductwork contaminants can be pretty high, but with a thorough duct cleaning, you can substantially reduce the contaminants in your ductwork and improve the indoor air quality of your Gainesville home.

Think your ducts need cleaning? Call Touchstone Heating and Air Inc., today and schedule an appointment with one of our experts.

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How Can You Tell Your Ducts Are in Need of Repair?

Thursday, December 11th, 2014

Your ductwork is the delivery system for your home’s heating and cooling, and when something is wrong with it, you’ll see the effects in a few ways. It can sometimes be hard to tell when your ductwork has become faulty, so here are some signs to look for if you suspect you may need duct repair in Starke:

  • High energy bills – faulty ductwork can account for up to 30% of your home’s total air loss – a pretty significant amount that can seriously increase your energy bills.
  • Poor indoor air quality – are you noticing large amounts of dust and/or dirt in your home? Particles can enter through cracks and holes in the ductwork and accumulate in your home. If you are seeing a great deal of dust and dirt settling on your furniture, it may be time to have a professional take a look at your ductwork.
  • Strange odors – just as dust and dirt can enter your home through faulty ductwork, so, too, can odors and fumes. Additionally, mold is more likely to grow in faulty ductwork due to extra moisture and contaminants entering the system, so if you smell a stale odor coming from your vents, it may indicate that mold is present.
  • Uneven heating and cooling – ductwork doesn’t corrode or disconnect uniformly; as such, one of the telltale signs that you may have ductwork issues is uneven heating and cooling. Some of your vents may be in good working order while others won’t be, causing uneven heating or cooling in your home.
  • Not enough heating or cooling – depending on the level of air loss, your living spaces may not receive the volume of warm or cool air they need to be comfortable.

Why Hire Professionals for Duct Repair?

Ductwork can be long and complicated, and reach to the deeper parts of your home, including crawl spaces and attic spaces. It is also important to know what to look for and to understand how to repair the ductwork so it lasts a long time. Trained professionals have the expertise and knowledge to be able to repair your ducts in Starke quickly and efficiently.

If you are seeing the signs of faulty ductwork, call Touchstone Heating and Air, Inc., today and schedule an appointment with one of our experts.

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What Are the Benefits of Scheduling Prompt Duct Repair?

Monday, October 20th, 2014

The ducts are a key component of any home HVAC system, but they can fall prey to a number of problems that keep the unit from running as efficiently as it could. Ducts may develop cracks, come loose at the joints, or even collapse. Or, your ducts may have a design flaw that keeps one area of the home from feeling as cool or as warm as you’d like. In fact, a majority of homeowners have problems with the ducts that lead to up to 30% of air loss, a major drain on their energy bills.

Noticing a problem with the ducts may be tough, but there are a few signs to look out for. If one area of the home never seems to be as cool as the rest, it could be a problem with the air conditioning system, such as low refrigerant or a struggling compressor. On the other hand, it’s very likely a problem with the ducts. Prompt duct repair is vital if you want to achieve the following results.

  • Fewer HVAC Repairs: When there are holes in the ducts, air leaks through, which means your home will not feel cool as quickly as it should. This means that your unit will have to work harder to keep up with the loss, which could cause parts to wear down quickly and fall into a state of disrepair.
  • Greater Efficiency: Furthermore, when parts become worn, they simply cannot run as efficiently as they should. Worn down parts will take longer to heat your home and consume a lot of energy in the process, leading to higher energy costs. With prompt duct repair, your HVAC system can distribute air as it is supposed to, and won’t spend excessive energy making up for a faulty duct.
  • Better Air Quality: Finally, duct repair can actually help improve the air quality in your home. A leak in your ducts may allow pollutants like dust and bacteria to enter from the attic or crawlspace and infiltrate your home, causing sickness or aggravating existing conditions like asthma and allergies. Well-sealed ducts keep these from infecting your home.

The technicians at Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. know properly sealed ducts are key to a comfortable home. Call our office today and ask about scheduling professional duct repair in Gainesville.

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Reasons To Be Concerned About Increasing Your Indoor Air Quality

Monday, September 8th, 2014

Most people equate temperature with comfort levels, particularly indoors, but there are other things to consider when it comes to your indoor air; one of these things is your indoor air quality. Indoor air can carry 2-5 times more contaminants than the outside air, making it possible for your indoor air to be less healthy than the outdoor air.

If you are concerned about your indoor air quality in Lake City, Touchstone Heating and Air, Inc., has a number of products and services that can help you and your family. Call today!

What Are the Symptoms of Poor Indoor Air Quality?

Here is a general overview of symptoms caused by poor indoor air quality:

Common Symptoms:

  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Itch, watery eyes
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches

More Serious Symptoms:

  • Nose bleeds
  • Constant nose congestion
  • Wheezing
  • Allergic reactions
  • Respiratory attacks (asthma)
  • Rashes
  • Muscle pain (myalgia)

Products and Services That Can Improve Indoor Air Quality

There are a number of whole-home products and duct services that can help increase your indoor air quality:

Products

  • Mechanical air filters – mechanical air cleaners are framed filters in which filter media captures and retains particles in your indoor air. These filters typically fit into your indoor unit (though not always), and need to be changed every 3 months in order to stay effective.
  • Electronic air cleaners – electronic air cleaners use electricity to charge, trap and remove particles. There are two types of electronic air cleaners – ion generators and electronic precipitators – and while they are similar, they do work in slightly different ways.
  • UV germicidal lights – UV lights are used to destroy and eradicate biological contaminants. They do this by radiating cells with UV-C light.

Services

  • Duct cleaning – professionally cleaning your air ducts removes dust and dirt build-up, and growths such as mold and mildew, from your system. A professional duct cleaning can significantly reduce the amount of airborne particles in your living spaces.
  • Duct sealing – faulty ductwork not only loses air through holes and cracks, it lets in pollutants, including particles and fumes, which can reduce your indoor air quality. Sealing these ducts can eliminate this problem.
  • Duct repair/replacement – sometimes ductwork is so damaged and/or worn that it requires replacement. New ductwork is clean and free of wear and tear that can compromise air quality.

Touchstone Heating and Air, Inc., has the products, services and professional specialists you need to help improve your indoor air quality in Lake City. Call us today and schedule an appointment.

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Why You Need to Eliminate Mold from Your Ductwork

Tuesday, August 19th, 2014

Your ductwork can become the perfect place for mold growth if not cleaned and maintained. Mold thrives in areas that are cool, dark and moist, and it only takes a single spore and a little bit of moisture to develop a mold problem. Mold is a biological organism, so simply cleaning it off may not completely remove the spores; to truly eradicate mold, it needs to be destroyed. UV germicidal lights can be great weapons against mold growth in Jacksonville, and Touchstone Heating and Air, Inc., can help you with professional installation. Mold can cause a number of health hazards and greatly decrease your indoor air quality, so it’s important to remove it as soon as possible.

Health Issues That Can Develop from Mold Growth

Mold can be tremendously inflammatory for a lot of people, causing discomfort and potential health problems. Here are just a few issues that can be caused by mold growth:

  • Aggravation of allergies – mold spores irritate a wide range of people, particularly those who have allergies. Sneezing, coughing and wheezing are all typical allergic reactions to mold.
  • Asthma attacks – mold spores can bring on asthmatic reactions, resulting in attacks.
  • Exposure to mycotoxins – mycotoxins are harmful metabolites produced by mold spores. There are a wide range of reactions people can have to mycotoxins, including skin rashes, respiratory issues, vision impairment, neurological issues, fatigue, circulatory problems and others.

How UV Germicidal Lighting Helps with Mold

UV germicidal lighting uses UV-C lights rays to destroy the DNA of biological pollutants like mold. The radiation from the UV-C rays kinks a cell’s DNA, while also destroying the life-sustaining proteins the cell needs to survive. As such, UV lights not only destroy living cells: they ensure that these cells cannot replicate, thereby eradicating further growth and infestation. UV lights are over 99% effective in destroying biological contaminants. Typical placement for UV lights is in ductwork and over the evaporator coils in your indoor unit.

Smelling Something Musty? It May Be Time For UV Lighting

The most common sign of mold growth in ductwork is a musty, stale odor that you’ll smell when your air conditioner cycles on. If you are smelling this odor coming from your vents, it may be time to consider the installation of UV germicidal lights in Jacksonville. Have questions?

To learn more about UV germicidal lights call Touchstone Heating and Air, Inc., today and schedule an appointment with one of our experts.

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3 Benefits of Installing Air Purifiers

Tuesday, August 5th, 2014

Good indoor air quality is a big part of your indoor comfort, but it’s also important for health. One of the best ways to improve your indoor air quality is to add a whole-home air purifier to your air conditioning system. While room air purifiers can help with some indoor air quality issues, the best way to truly improve indoor air quality is to upgrade to a whole-home air purifier. There are a couple of choices when it comes to choosing an air purifier in Lake Butler, which is why it’s important to work with professionals like the ones at Touchstone Heating and Air, Inc. to choose the air purifier that’s best for you.

3 Benefits of Installing an Air Purifier

  • Better health – if you are concerned about biological pollutants such as bacteria and/or viruses, an air purifier will destroy these kinds of particles.
  • Odor removal – do smells from activities like cooking tend to linger far longer than they should? An air purifier can help remove offensive odors from your indoor air.
  • Prevention of biological growth – mold, mildew, fungi and algae all thrive in cool, dark and moist environments, making your air conditioner a great place for them to thrive. Using UV germicidal lighting can stop this kind of growth from developing and proliferating.

Types of Air Purifiers

There are 3 common types of air purifiers on the market:

Electronic precipitators clean the air by sucking air into an ion field, charging the particles, and then attracting the charged particles to oppositely-charged plates that should be cleaned every 3 months. An ion generator is similar to an electronic precipitator in that it charges particles in an ion field, but it does not capture the particles; rather, the charged particles attach to surfaces throughout the home, such as counters and walls. UV germicidal lights are different from the electronic filters. UV germicidal lights use UV-C light to destroy the DNA of biological pollutants (like mold, mildew, bacteria, viruses, etc.) to prevent them from reproducing and surviving. UV lights do not have the ability to attract particles, so they are usually placed in specific areas such as over the evaporator coils or in ductwork.

If it’s time to improve the indoor air quality with an air purifier in Lake Butler, call on installation experts you can trust: Touchstone Heating and Air, Inc.

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Key Aspects of Duct Sealing

Monday, July 14th, 2014

Your ductwork is an integral part of your air conditioning system. When there are cracks, broken seals, or detached sections in your ductwork, you can lose a lot of the air passing through the ducts. Duct cleaning can eliminate obstructions from dust and dirt, but to truly get your ductwork into the best shape possible, you may want to consider duct sealing in Lake City.

Potential Signs of Leaky Ductwork

The following can indicate that there are existing problems with your ductwork:

  • Higher than normal energy bills without big changes with the in-or outdoor temperature
  • Rooms that are difficult to cool
  • Stuffy rooms that are uncomfortable
  • Visible kinks in ductwork

The Benefits of Duct Sealing

There are multiple benefits to sealing your ductwork:

  • Saves Energy

Sealing ducts increases your energy efficiency tremendously by reducing and/or eliminating air loss in your ductwork. This, in turn, reduces your energy bill, which can help you save money.

Leaky ductwork can allow multiple types of particles into your HVAC system, including allergens, dust and dirt. By sealing the ductwork, you can effectively reduce the amount of particles entering your system.

  • Better Comfort

Leaky air ducts can contribute to the creation of hot and cold spots throughout a home. Reinstating a healthy, consistent flow of air to your home can help eliminate uneven cooling.

  • Improved Safety

Gas appliances, such as dryers, water heaters and furnaces can release combustion gases through their vent work that can get drawn into your ductwork from a problem known as backdrafting. Sealing your ductwork can greatly reduce the risk of backdrafting in your air conditioner’s system.

  • Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Sealing faulty ducts helps your system become more energy efficient; when you use less energy, you reduce your carbon footprint.

Duct Sealing Is Not a DIY Project – Call a Professional

Duct sealing involves a lot: a full inspection of your entire ductwork system, testing of the supply and return vents, checking for backdrafting, and of course, the sealing and repair work. It’s a lot of skilled work, and it is better left to someone with the training to do it.

If you think your air conditioning system in Lake City could benefit from duct sealing, call Touchstone Heating and Air, Inc., today and schedule an appointment.

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What’s Involved in Duct Replacement?

Monday, July 7th, 2014

The ventilation system in your home needs to maintain an airtight seal along its length, from each individual vent to the air conditioner and heater. Leaky ducts need repairs the seal them, or else the air pressure in your ventilation will start to drop, leading to decreased comfort and an overworked HVAC system.

Sometimes, duct sealing and basic repairs are not enough… you need to have the damaged and aging ducts replaced. If the ducts received improper installation in the first place and are causing you to lose energy, you should also have them replaced with skilled, professional work. If your ductwork has reached the point where repairs will no longer do the job, call Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. in Lake Butler, FL for duct replacement to take handle the work.

What to expect during duct replacement

When technicians come to your house for duct replacement, they will perform a number of tests to determine the extent of the damage to the ventilation system so they can pinpoint which duct section require replacement. They will also gauge your HVAC system to determine which kinds of ducts will work best for replacement.

Selecting the ductwork material is an important part of replacing the ducts. There are three standard materials for ductwork in homes: sheet metal, flexible plastic, and ductboard. The installers will balance out space needs, insulation ability, and cost to make sure that you have the right replacement material.

The replacement job will proceed with removing the existing ducts and setting in the new material, often using a newly constructed wooden frame for support. The installers will seal the new duct to the older sections using mastic sealant or metallic tape. During the process, they will make sure that the new ducts run straight and without any kinks or sags that could cause inefficient performance.

Once the new duct(s) are in place, the technicians will run the HVAC system and perform tests along the new stretch to make sure there are no leaks or heat loss/gain from poor connections. Professional technicians won’t leave your home until they are certain that the new ventilation additions are helping, not hurting, your home’s efficiency.

Although you can locate DIY guides on-line for how to handle duct repairs and replacements, this job is too important for you to allow amateur work to jeopardize it.

Call the skilled team at Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. for duct replacement in Gainesville, FL. We will do the job fast and right the first time.

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How Clean Ducts Lead to Better Efficiency

Monday, April 21st, 2014

Your duct system helps transport conditioned air (both hot and cold) from your HVAC unit into the various rooms of your home. In the process, dust and dirt can build up inside your ducts, as can bacteria and other biological contaminants that flourish in our Florida humidity. This can lead to poor performance from your heating and air conditioning system over time. A good duct cleaning service can get rid of all that, and here in Lake City, FL, duct cleaning is offered by a number of reputable companies. More than just cleanliness and the lack of dust spreading throughout your home, clean ducts lead to better efficiency for your HVAC unit overall.

Why Duct Cleaning Means Higher Efficiency

Build-up in your ducts tends to have two specific effects that damage your system’s efficiency. Firstly, it blocks the flow of air through the system, forcing the HVAC unit to work harder to get the conditioned air into your home. Second, depending on the nature of the build-up, it can affect the temperature of the conditioned air, making it warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter. In both cases, it can have a detrimental effect on your central unit. The lowered efficiency means that it must work harder to do its job, raising your monthly energy bills and adding unnecessary strain on individual components. That, in turn, will increase the likelihood of a major breakdown taking place, as well as costing you more than you should be paying to operate your HVAC system.

Dirty ducts don’t simply spring up over time, and most can go for quite a while before requiring a cleaning. Because clean ducts lead to better efficiency, you should definitely plan for the operation to be performed by a company that knows what it’s doing. Here in Lake City, FL, duct cleaning services are offered by the trained professionals at Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. We have the personnel and the experience to perform the operation with courtesy and care, and our dedication to your satisfaction means that we’ll treat your home like our own.

Give the experts at Touchstone Heating and Air a call today to set up an appointment and let us help ensure that your system is as efficient as it can be!

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What Are UV Germicidal Lights and How Do They Work?

Monday, April 14th, 2014

UV germicidal lights sound like some complicated piece of equipment out of a mad scientist’s lab. In fact, they operate according to very simple principles and can do wonders for your home if properly installed. They improve the quality of your air inside your Gainesville, FL home, connected to your HVAC system and filtering out all manner of contaminants. What are UV germicidal lights and how do they work? A brief rundown follows.

UV stands for “ultraviolet,” a part of the light spectrum that we can’t see, but which has a profound effect on germs and bacteria. Exposure to UV light renders germs unable to replicate. The light basically acts as a sterilizer for your home without resorting to harmful chemicals. Air passes through the light, exposing any bacterial or other pathogens to it and effectively destroying them in the process. When attached to a centralized furnace or air conditioner, it can process a large percentage of the air in your home, improving the air quality immeasurably.

This is beneficial to all members of your household, but especially those who suffer from allergies or possess similar sensitivities. Here in Florida, allergens are everywhere, and the presence of mold and bacteria can pose an active health risk for certain individuals. UV germicidal lights form a strong line of defense against sickness and disease, as well as making your home a more comfortable place to live.

For more on UV germicidal lights and how they work, contact the experts at Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. We handle UV lights and other air purifiers in Gainesville, FL, and we can perform both installation and repair services with the professionalism and courtesy you expect. Give us a call today!

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