Indoor Air Quality – Semper Fi Heating & Cooling

The Benefits of Using a Smart Thermostat

Written by Semper Fi on December 16, 2024. Posted in Blog, Indoor Air Quality, Reduce Utility Bills.

When the seasons begin to change, you may find yourself having to repeatedly adjust your thermostat to keep your home comfortable. Setting your thermostat to different temperatures throughout the day can reduce your energy bills each month and help you save money. However, it can get tedious to manually change the temperature with a traditional thermostat.

Luckily, as technology continues to advance, we’re seeing the HVAC industry growing with it. Smart thermostats allow you to set your temperature for different times of day and program a specific schedule—but that’s not all they offer.

If you want to learn more about this new HVAC technology, you’ve come to the right place. Semper Fi Heating & Cooling is here to guide you on how smart thermostats work and the top 10 benefits of using one in your home.

How Smart Thermostats Work

Smart thermostats use sensors to monitor the temperature in your home and trigger the heating or air conditioning to maintain your set temperature. You can also program your smart thermostat to maintain different temperatures at different times of day, and the thermostat will learn your routine and make adjustments on its own.

Most smart thermostats connect to your home’s WiFi and allow you to adjust the temperature from an app on your phone. With this convenient feature, you can turn on the air conditioner on your way home from work so your home is nice and cool when you return.

10 Reasons to Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat in Your Home

What sets a smart thermostat apart from a traditional one? Upgrading your thermostat is an investment, and you want to make sure that investment is worth it. We’re here to provide the information you need to make an informed decision. Here are 10 reasons you should use a smart thermostat in your home and upgrade today.

1. Reduce Your Energy Costs

With the cost of everything on the rise, you want to save money where you can. Smart thermostats use machine learning to learn your routine and make adjustments to your thermostat setting throughout the day. It’ll look at the temperature outside, your normal temperature settings, and how long it takes to heat or cool your home. With that information, it’ll adjust the thermostat as needed.

Over time, this clever technology can reduce your annual energy costs by up to 8%, which quickly adds up.

2. Thermostat Adjustments Tailored to Your Schedule

Whether you work a 9 to 5 job or have a more flexible schedule, you can program your smart thermostat to match your schedule. During the summer, you can program your thermostat to keep your home a little warmer while you’re at work and then have the air conditioning kick in when you get home. That way, you always come home to a cool and relaxing environment.

A smart thermostat can also use movement sensors to determine your daily activity patterns and adjust your thermostat temperature accordingly. You don’t have to lift a finger to keep your home comfortable.

3. Improve Indoor Air Quality

Your HVAC system can improve your indoor air quality as it circulates air. Filters in your system catch dust, pollen, and other debris before it travels throughout your home. A smart thermostat can send you alerts to change your filters when they get too full, helping to keep your indoor air clean and dust-free.

A smart thermostat also has humidity sensors that read the humidity levels in your home. It makes adjustments on its own to help prevent mold growth or excessive dryness in your home.

4. Increase Your HVAC System’s Lifespan

Your HVAC system is a significant investment of your time and money, and you want that investment to last as long as possible. A smart thermostat can make minor adjustments to your settings that lessen the wear and tear on your unit, helping it to last longer. The less your system has to work to keep your home comfortable, the longer its lifespan will be.

As mentioned earlier, smart thermostats also send you alerts for routine maintenance services such as filter changes. These minor maintenance practices make sure your system is working properly and can catch potential issues before they become more serious.

5. Balance Comfort and Energy Savings

Saving money on your energy bills doesn’t mean you have to bundle up in the winter while you watch television on the couch. A smart thermostat allows you to customize your temperature settings for maximum energy savings without having to sacrifice your comfort. The thermostat will learn your routine and adjust the temperature to your liking while you’re home.

When you’re at work or away from home, your smart thermostat will adjust the temperature so your HVAC system doesn’t run as often. When you come home, the thermostat will automatically shift the temperature to your personal preference so you stay nice and comfortable.

6. Get Updates & Alerts

A smart thermostat is not only convenient, but it’s also a helpful tool. We mentioned earlier that your smart thermostat can send you alerts for routine maintenance services such as filter replacements, but that’s not all it can do. You can get alerts straight to your phone about:

Sudden Power Outages
Your Energy Use Habits
System Failures
And more!

7. Improve Your Home’s Resale Value

If you’re looking to sell your home, you may be looking into ways you can increase its value. A smart thermostat is an affordable investment that will make your home stand out on the market. Potential buyers will love the convenience and energy efficiency of a smart thermostat, which may make them more interested in your home.

8. Manage Your Settings on the Go

Smart thermostats connect to your home’s WiFi, so you can access your settings from the app on your phone or laptop. This means you can change the temperature in your home from anywhere. If you’re at work during the winter and want your home to be toasty when you get home, you can change the settings from your office before you start your commute home.

Whether you forgot to adjust the temperature before leaving for vacation or the weather takes an unexpected turn, you can just open the app and adjust your thermostat accordingly. This will save you money in the long run and prevent a massive energy bill when you get back from the beach.

9. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

A smart thermostat is a great tool to help protect our planet! Since you use less energy, your home produces fewer emissions that could harm the environment. Not only do you save money, but you also save the environment. It’s a win-win!

10. Peace of Mind

No one wants to spend their time worrying about their HVAC system and whether their thermostat is working properly. As your thermostat gets older, the sensors can begin to fail, leading to increased energy use and an uncomfortable home. If your thermostat is getting older and starting to lose efficiency, it may be time for an upgrade.

With a smart thermostat, you get the peace of mind of a reliable system that will last for years. Many brands come with a warranty that ensures your new thermostat is protected in the event something happens.

Make the Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat Today

A smart thermostat makes adjusting the thermostat a breeze. You save money on your monthly energy bills without having to compromise your comfort. As technology continues to improve, the convenience of a smart thermostat pays for itself.

Ready to make the switch to a smart thermostat? Semper Fi Heating & Cooling will help you install your new smart thermostat and make sure it’s ready to go. If you already have a smart thermostat, we also offer repair services to keep your system running smoothly. Contact us today if you have questions or want to schedule an appointment with one of our HVAC experts.

Cat looking at large pile of pet fur and dirt debris

Air Quality Tips for Homes with Pets

Written by Semper Fi on November 14, 2024. Posted in Blog, Indoor Air Quality.

Pets are a lovely addition to any home and can quickly become part of the family. You love your pets and can’t imagine life without them. However, you may wish to live without all the hair and dander throughout your home. Furry pets such as dogs, cats, and even gerbils leave hair and dander all around the house, worsening allergy symptoms.

What is dander? Our furry friends naturally shed dead skin cells, just like humans do. These dead skin cells can collect on surfaces as dander, which many people are allergic to.

Dogs and cats are the most common culprits for dander and hair, and keeping that under control can improve the air quality in your home. Better indoor air quality helps alleviate allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes and a runny nose.

If you’re looking for help controlling the fur and dander in your home, you’ve come to the right place. This discussion will cover six cleaning tips and tricks you can use to improve the overall air quality in your home.

Regular Grooming

It’s natural for your pet to shed throughout the year, especially during the spring and fall. Regular grooming reduces the amount of loose pet hair around your home, and can even reduce pet odors. The frequency of brushing your pet depends on the type of fur coat they have. Dogs and cats with longer fur such as golden retrievers and Maine Coons need more frequent brushing to minimize shedding and prevent knots and mats in the fur.

If you own a dog, regular baths can also reduce allergens. Depending on the type of fur your dog has, we recommend bathing them around once a month to reduce allergens and prevent skin issues for your pet. Cats do not need to be bathed as they take care of that themselves, so don’t worry about throwing Whiskers in the bathtub.

If your dog is starting to get smelly in between baths, you can use specialized pet wipes to clean your dog without having to hoist them into the washtub. These wipes reduce dander and leave your pet smelling fresh and clean.

Use an Air Purifier

An air purifier is a great tool for improving your indoor air quality (IAQ). They come in a variety of sizes for different spaces, so you can find the right one for your home. Look for an air purifier with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. These filters are made of a fine mesh that is designed to catch air particles such as dander, dust, and other contaminants.

Air purifiers provide your home with cleaner air and fewer allergy symptoms. They are relatively quiet, and you can set them up in an area of your home with the most dander, such as near the dog bed or cat tree.

Wash Pet Bedding

Your pet spends a lot of time curled up on their bed or cat tree, and you’ve probably noticed a ton of fur building up in these places. Regularly washing your pet’s beds, blankets, and toys reduces the amount of allergens in your home. This in turn reduces allergy and respiratory symptoms, making the house more comfortable for everyone.

When you clean these items, clean off any hair buildup before throwing it into the washing machine. Excess hair can build up in your machine and cause a clog, so spot-clean any noticeable mess beforehand. Use hot water and a detergent that is formulated specifically for pets. This way, the blankets and toys are effectively cleaned of allergens while still being gentle for your pet’s skin.

Routine HVAC Maintenance

Your HVAC system consists of your furnace, air conditioner, and a series of ducts that circulate the air throughout your home. Over time, dust and debris can build up and reduce the efficiency of your system.

Routine maintenance and repairs help keep your HVAC system running smoothly without any issues. Minor issues get caught early on, and your system will last a lot longer. These inspections can also check the cleanliness of your system. A professional HVAC cleaning reduces allergens such as dander while keeping your system working like a charm.

Your HVAC technician can also add in an extra filtration system so your HVAC catches more allergens before circulating the air throughout your home. This improves air quality and reduces allergy symptoms.

General Cleanliness

Regular house cleaning reduces overall allergens in your home and improves your air quality. Something as simple as dusting or sweeping cleans up pet dander and prevents itchy eyes. If you have carpets, deep clean them on occasion. Dander and fur like to burrow into the carpet over time, and vacuuming may not be enough.

HVAC Repairs You Can Do Yourself

There are a handful of HVAC repairs you can safely do yourself to improve the efficiency of your system and improve air quality. Change the air filters in your system every 30 to 60 days to reduce allergens in your home. You can also tidy up around your furnace or air conditioning unit so there is proper ventilation and airflow.

Explore Semper Fi’s Indoor Air Quality Solutions

Having a pet shouldn’t leave you sniffling and wheezing from allergens. Regular cleaning and professional HVAC services can reduce pet allergens in your home and improve air quality. Play with your furry companions with the peace of mind that your home is clean and allergen-free.

Looking for indoor air quality services in the Phoenix or Las Vegas areas? Semper Fi Heating & Cooling offers custom IAQ services that will keep your home fresh and clean all year round. Our team of certified and insured HVAC technicians understands the importance of high air quality, and we’ll work with you to find the best air quality solutions for your family.

Family suffering from cold in bed at home

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality During Allergy Season

Written by Semper Fi on November 13, 2024. Posted in Blog, Indoor Air Quality.

Allergy season means more pollen and other allergens in your home. No one enjoys sniffling and sneezing for months out of the year, especially in their own home. While many allergens are present outside in nature, your home is less allergen-free than you think. Allergens regularly pop up throughout your home, impacting your indoor air quality.

What is indoor air quality?

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the amount of pollutants, such as dust, in the air. Whether it be in your home, office, or your kid’s school, breathing in these irritants causes allergy symptoms. While common symptoms tend to be mild itchiness or sniffling, over time these irritants affect your health.

If you want to stop sneezing during allergy season, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll go over common allergy symptoms, common allergens in your home, and what you can do to reduce the amount of allergens in your household.

Common Allergy Symptoms

Allergy symptoms range from mild irritation in the eyes and throat to serious swelling that can be quite uncomfortable. These symptoms are worse for people with lung conditions such as asthma, as allergens can agitate the symptoms they already have.

Common allergy symptoms include the following:

Runny Nose
Itchy Eyes
Mild Cough
Throat Irritation
Congestion
Difficulty Breathing

While seasonal allergies may not seem like a big deal to some, they can impact overall health and quality of life for others. Long-term allergies can stress out your immune system, leading to worsening symptoms over time. While your body tries to fight off the allergens, it can leave you vulnerable to viruses such as the common cold, the flu, or other more serious illnesses.

Allergies are more than just physical symptoms; they can impact your mental health. Allergy symptoms may keep you up at night, making sleeping more difficult. A lack of sleep leaves you tired and cranky during the day, and it can be frustrating to deal with all season long. Allergies affect both adults and kids, impacting their ability to learn in school.

Main Sources of Indoor Allergens

Common allergens in your home include the following:

Dust: Dust particles float around in your air and settle in a fine layer on every surface in your home. It contains a mix of various materials, such as pollen, dead skin cells, material fibers, particles from cleaning detergents, and even airborne mold spores.
Dust Mites: Dust mites are microscopic insect-like critters that live in dust particles. These little bugs love warm and humid environments such as couches, beds, curtains, rugs, and carpets. They are the most common cause of allergy symptoms and asthma. Around 4 out of every 5 homes have dust mites in at least one bedroom.
Pet Dander: Furry pets such as dogs and cats are lovely additions to a family, but they can also agitate allergy symptoms. Dander refers to the dead skin cells pets naturally shed over time. These particles can quickly spread around your home and cause itchy eyes and runny noses.
Mold and Mildew: Mold and mildew can hide throughout your home in places you can’t easily see. Common places for mold and mildew to hide include bathrooms and showers. The high moisture levels are the perfect environment for mold to grow, and the spores agitate yearly allergy symptoms.
Bugs: No one wants creepy crawlies in their home, especially when they make you itchy and sniffling. Cockroaches are a common allergen culprit, and they sneak into your home through tiny gaps and cracks.

How to Reduce Indoor Allergens

Are we left defenseless against these allergy assailants? Absolutely not! You can reduce the amount of allergens in your home with simple cleaning habits every day.

Dust and Vacuum Regularly

Dust and allergens build up on shelves and in your carpet over time. Regular vacuuming, sweeping, and dusting help control the dust and decrease your allergy symptoms. Try to clean up dust weekly to maintain a high air quality in your home.

Change Your Bedding

Wrestling the sheets and pillowcases off your bed can be a hassle, but allergens such as dander and dust mites collect there over time. Change your bedding every two weeks to reduce the number of allergens and keep your bed dust-mite-free.

Clean Your Heater

No one uses their heater during the summer when temperatures are in the triple digits. Your heater collects dust throughout the summer, and this dust can cause allergy symptoms. Clean your heater once a month to remove excess dust and other particles that build up over time.

Invest in an Air Purification System

If you have a high level of dust or other allergens in your home, invest in an air purification system. The REME HALO system catches airborne particles in the filters, improving your overall indoor air quality and reducing your seasonal allergies.

Bathe Your Pets Regularly

Bathing your dog on a consistent schedule reduces the amount of dander they produce. This in turn reduces your allergy symptoms over time. Try to give your dog a bath every 3 to 4 weeks to reduce dander without harming their skin.

Enjoy Cleaner Air with Semper FI’s REME HALO Air Purifier Installation

At Semper Fi Heating & Cooling, we understand that poor indoor air quality and seasonal allergies can leave you feeling unwell and helpless. That’s why we offer a wide range of IAQ services for homeowners in the Phoenix and Las Vegas areas. Our expert technicians specialize in HVAC services and REME HALO air purifier installations to create an allergy-free home.

Interested in a professional indoor air purification service? Book an Air Quality Inspection Today

Discover The Benefits of Replacing Your Old Mini Split System

Written by Semper Fi on June 15, 2024. Posted in HVAC, Indoor Air Quality.

TL;DR: Upgrade your old mini split system for better energy efficiency, comfort, and reliability. Modern units save on energy costs, provide consistent temperatures, and improve air quality with advanced filtration. They are quieter, more durable, and require less maintenance. Eco-friendly refrigerants and energy-efficient designs reduce environmental impact. Contact Semper Fi Heating & Cooling to replace your mini split system and enjoy long-term savings and enhanced comfort.

During the last century, the temperatures in the United States have been 1.5°F warmer than in previous centuries, suggesting increasing warming in the global climate system.

A statistic like this is what makes year-round perfect home temperature invaluable. If nature is not going to provide it, you should find a way to make your home comfortable for yourself. Luckily, an easy way to do this is to upgrade your outdated mini split system.

Why upgrade? Older mini split systems might not offer the performance and comfort that newer models can provide.

Stay with us to discover how this simple change can transform your living space, improve your comfort, and provide many other benefits. Here’s why now is the perfect time to replace your old mini split system.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Modern mini split systems are designed with cutting-edge technology that minimizes energy consumption while delivering superior performance. Let’s see how new systems achieve such impressive energy efficiency:

Inverter Technology

Inverter technology allows the mini split system to adjust its power output dynamically, which makes it different from traditional systems. By modulating the compressor speed, the system can maintain a consistent temperature without the constant start-stop cycle, leading to smoother operation and significant energy savings.

Higher SEER Ratings

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating measures the efficiency of a cooling system over a typical cooling season. Modern mini split systems boast significantly higher SEER ratings compared to their older counterparts, often exceeding 20 SEER.

This indicates a higher level of energy efficiency, meaning the system uses less electricity to provide the same amount of cooling, translating to lower utility bills.

Enhanced Heat Pump Technology

Newer mini split systems often incorporate advanced heat pump technology, allowing them to be highly efficient in heating and cooling modes. These systems consume less energy by effectively transferring heat rather than generating it, particularly in moderate climates.

Improved Insulation and Sealing

Advanced mini split systems come with better insulation and sealing mechanisms that prevent energy loss. This ensures that the conditioned air stays within the designated area, reducing the need for the system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Features like insulated refrigerant lines and tight-sealing connectors play a crucial role in minimizing energy wastage.

Smart Thermostats and Controls

Modern mini split systems are compatible with smart thermostats and controls, allowing for more precise temperature management and scheduling. These smart features can learn your preferences and adjust settings automatically, optimizing energy usage even when you’re not home.

Improved Comfort and Air Quality

Replacing your old mini split system can significantly elevate your home’s comfort and air quality. Modern systems are engineered to provide consistent temperatures, improved air distribution, and advanced features that promote a healthier indoor environment.

Consistent Temperature Control

Advanced mini split systems are designed to maintain a more stable and consistent indoor temperature. By avoiding the frequent on-off cycling of older units, they prevent the uncomfortable temperature swings that can occur with less efficient systems.

Improved Air Filtration

Modern mini split systems come equipped with state-of-the-art air filtration technology. They can capture a wide range of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and even some bacteria and viruses.

Filters like high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) and activated carbon are generally used to ensure that indoor air is clean and free of harmful contaminants. This helps people with allergies or respiratory conditions.

Quiet Operation

Mini split systems operate by making minimal noise. Older systems can be noisy, causing disturbances in your daily life. New units are designed with noise reduction technologies, including quieter compressors and better insulation.

Increased Reliability and Lower Maintenance Costs

Upgrading your old mini split system to a modern model can significantly improve reliability and reduce maintenance costs. Newer systems are designed with durability and ease of maintenance, offering you peace of mind and long-term savings. Let’s explore how these improvements translate to better performance and lower costs:

Superior Durability

Modern mini split systems are more resilient to breakdowns. This reduces the need for frequent repair and extends their operational lifespan. It also means fewer disruptions and more consistent comfort in your home.

Advanced Components

Newer mini split systems incorporate advanced components that are less prone to failure. Innovations such as improved compressors, more reliable fans, and robust electronics contribute to the system’s overall durability and reliability.

Ease of Maintenance

New systems are designed with maintenance in mind, making routine tasks simpler and more efficient. Easy-access panels, washable filters, and modular components mean regular maintenance can be performed quickly and with minimal hassle. This saves you time and effort and lowers the cost of professional maintenance services.

Better Support and Service

Manufacturers of modern mini split systems often provide superior customer support and service options. Access to online resources, detailed user manuals, and responsive customer service teams make it easier to address any issues. This support ensures that you can maintain your system effectively and efficiently, further reducing the likelihood of costly repairs.

Environmental Benefits

Modern systems are designed with advanced technologies that reduce energy consumption and utilize environmentally friendly materials, helping to minimize your carbon footprint. Here’s a closer look at how replacing your old mini split system can positively impact the environment:

Reduced Carbon Footprint

Newer mini split systems use less electricity to achieve the same level of heating and cooling as older models. This reduction in energy use means that they produce lower greenhouse gas emissions, as power plants generate less electricity. This way, you help reduce the overall demand for fossil fuels, helping combat climate change.

Eco-Friendly Refrigerants

Modern mini split systems often use advanced refrigerants with a lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to those used in older units. For example, many new systems use R-32 refrigerant, which has a much lower GWP than the older R-410A. These eco-friendly refrigerants are less harmful to the atmosphere, helping to reduce the impact of cooling systems on global warming and ozone depletion.

Energy Star Certification

Many of the latest mini split systems are Energy Star certified, indicating that they meet or exceed stringent energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Choosing an Energy Star certified system ensures that your mini split is designed to save energy and reduce emissions, further enhancing its environmental benefits.

Longer Lifespan and Recyclability

Modern mini split systems are built to last longer than older models, reducing the frequency with which units need to be replaced. Additionally, many components of modern systems are designed to be recyclable, further minimizing their environmental impact when they eventually reach the end of their useful life.

Wrapping Up: Replacing Your Old Mini Split System

The benefits of replacing your old mini split system make it a worthwhile investment for long-term savings and comfort.

If you are considering replacing your mini split system, Semper Fi Heating & Cooling specializes in delivering the highest-quality service and ensuring your home’s comfort and efficiency.

We are here to offer reliable and affordable HVAC and plumbing solutions tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to replace your mini split system and experience the service we are known for.

Protecting Health With Better Air Quality Indoors

HVAC Maintenance: Protecting Health by Enhancing Air Quality

Written by Semper Fi on May 1, 2024. Posted in Indoor Air Quality.

TL;DR: Indoor air quality is crucial for health, and regular HVAC maintenance is essential for improving it. A well-maintained HVAC system filters out pollutants, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and other health problems. Tasks include changing filters, cleaning ducts, ensuring ventilation, and managing humidity. Advanced strategies like HEPA filters and air purifiers further enhance air quality. Signs it’s time for professional maintenance include unusual noises and increased allergy symptoms. Semper Fi Heating & Cooling in Mesa, Arizona, offers expert HVAC maintenance services to improve indoor air quality and protect health.

Air pollution continues to be a pressing issue globally, with a staggering one in three Americans living in regions with less-than-ideal air quality. While the battle against outdoor air pollution wages on, we still hold the power to improve the air within the walls of our homes. By taking proactive steps to purify the air in our homes, we create a healthier space for ourselves and our loved ones.

Central to achieving this goal is the proper use of an HVAC system. Regular maintenance of your HVAC unit keeps the system running and filtering out pollutants that compromise the air quality inside your home.

This post will focus on the practice of regular HVAC maintenance, protecting health by enhancing air quality. Our homes are safe havens from the pollutants that pervade outdoor environments, so always keep the HVAC system in optimal condition. By keeping these systems well-maintained, we can take a significant step towards improving indoor air quality.

The Link Between HVAC Systems and Air Quality

In addition to circulating air throughout your house, the HVAC system filters out tiny airborne specks like dust. A well-maintained HVAC system with clean filters helps keep indoor air quality by removing the microscopic intruders that can compromise our health if we breathe them in.

With the correct filters and regular maintenance, the HVAC can eradicate nasty air pollutants and make your home air more breathable. Common pollutants include:

Pollen
Pet dander
Dust mites
Mold spores
Cigarette smoke
Cleaning solution fumes

But it’s not just about having an HVAC system in place. You also must keep it in good working order. Regular check-ups and cleanings ensure the system filters out those unwanted particles. By staying on top of maintenance, you actively contribute to controlling and reducing contaminants in your home.

Health Risks of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Just as outdoor air pollution can affect your health, so can the air quality inside your home or workplace. You spend a significant amount of your time indoors, so it’s no surprise that the air quality in these spaces can directly impact your well-being. Continuous exposure to poor indoor air can lead to many health issues that you should be aware of:

Respiratory Issues – If you struggle with asthma, you’ll find that low-quality indoor air can make the symptoms worse. Even if you’ve never had respiratory problems before, living or working in environments with polluted indoor air can cause you to develop them.
Increased Cancer Risk – Radon and secondhand smoke can significantly increase the risk of lung cancer.
Heart Disease – It might not be the first thing you think about when considering air quality, but poor indoor air can damage blood vessels and lead to heart disease.
Cognitive Decline – Some studies suggest prolonged exposure to subpar indoor air quality can lower focus and lead to cognitive decline.

The Health Benefits of Quality Air

When you keep your HVAC system in good working order, you can expect serious health benefits. The air you breathe indoors circulates through this system, and you’re inhaling quality air if it’s clean. That lowers the chance of catching respiratory diseases and battling with allergies. Irritants like dust get filtered out, leaving behind fresh air.

Quality air plays a role in how well you sleep at night. When properly maintained, the HVAC system keeps the air in your bedroom cool and fresh, making it easier for you to drift off and stay asleep. And when you think about the long haul, breathing clean air day in and day out means you’re looking at a future with potentially fewer health issues.

HVAC Maintenance Tasks for Better Air Quality

If you’re serious about maintaining the best possible air quality within your home, you’ve got to give your AC system the attention it deserves. Regular inspection and upkeep can significantly improve the air you breathe indoors. Fortunately, a handful of straightforward tasks can make your home a healthier place to live.

Regular Filter Changes

HVAC filters trap many airborne particles and stop them from entering the airflow. To keep everything running smoothly, change these filters every 90 days or more frequently if you have pets or live with a smoker. When selecting a new filter, pay attention to the MERV rating that matches your system’s requirements and your air quality needs.

Duct Cleaning and Inspection

Ducts can accumulate dust and other impurities with daily use, negatively impacting air quality. To prevent these issues, professionals recommend inspecting and cleaning the ducts every 3 to 5 years. Periodic inspections can catch any leaks or damage that might be letting contaminants into your air, so keep that in mind.

Proper Ventilation and Air Flow

It’s essential to keep air vents unblocked to allow free movement of air throughout your home. Regularly check that furniture or curtains aren’t obstructing your vents. Additionally, consider integrating ventilation improvements, like energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), into your system to improve air exchange and filtration.

Reducing Humidity Levels

Too much humidity can foster mold growth and increase allergen levels, while too little can irritate your skin and respiratory system. Your HVAC system acts as a dehumidifier, pulling excess moisture from the air. Keeping the humidity in check (ideally between 30% and 50%) can make your home feel more comfortable and improve air quality.

Advanced HVAC Maintenance Strategies

If you’re serious about improving your indoor air quality game, it’s time to look into advanced HVAC maintenance strategies. Upgrade regular filets to HEPA ones. These filters can trap tiny particles other filters would miss, including pollen, dust mites, and even tobacco smoke. That means cleaner air circulating through your home, reducing allergy symptoms and making your living space more comfortable.

UV-C germicidal lights use ultraviolet light to kill off bacteria and viruses that can circulate through your HVAC system. This addition can be particularly beneficial during flu season or if someone in your household has a compromised immune system.

Lastly, consider getting an air purifier. They pull in your home’s air and pass it through filters to remove contaminants. Some models even target specific pollutants, such as VOCs or pet dander, making them a versatile tool for better air quality. By incorporating these strategies, you’ll notice a significant improvement in the air you breathe at home.

When to Seek Professional HVAC Maintenance

If your system is making unusual noises, not heating or cooling as efficiently as before, or you notice an unexplained increase in energy bills, these are your cues to call the pros. If you or your family members begin experiencing more allergies indoors, it could be a sign that your air quality isn’t up to par, pointing to a need for a professional checkup.

Having a professional maintain your HVAC system has its perks, such as taking preemptive action against possible issues, saving you money and prolonging the life of your system. Better yet, a well-maintained HVAC system runs more efficiently, which can lower your energy bills. Most importantly, regular maintenance keeps the indoor air clean, reducing the risk of respiratory issues.

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality in Mesa, Arizona

To truly enjoy better indoor air quality, you’ve got to roll up your sleeves and commit to regular HVAC maintenance. Your HVAC system plays a huge role in filtering and circulating the air you breathe every day. Ignoring its upkeep means letting dust, pollutants, and allergens run wild in your home.

To see an immediate improvement in the air you breathe, hire Semper Fi Heating & Cooling in Mesa, Arizona, the foremost experts in HVAC maintenance. Protecting health by enhancing air quality is our mission, and we take it seriously. We will clean every component of your HVAC unit, from the filter to the vents and the inside of the ducts.

To further improve your air quality, we can install the revolutionary REME HALO Air Purifier, so you never have to worry about what goes into your lungs again. Don’t hold your breath, call us today!