Top 5 Tips On Keeping Your Furnace Air Filters Clean

When it comes to household cleaning, you must make sure that your furnace air filters are clean and monitored regularly. Air filters are essential for removing particles from the air to ensure you have a good quality of air inside your house. In addition, it should be well taken care of and it should be checked once in a while to ensure its effectiveness. First and foremost, you must have your gas equipment checked regularly.
It is strongly suggested that you change and clean your air filters. Imagine having dirty furnace filters. They increase your heating expenses and lessen the life span of your furnace. You should inspect and check your replacement filters at least once a month. During the heating or cooling seasons, be sure to check them at least twice a month.

Make sure to clean and wash them monthly if you have permanent filters. Electronic air cleaner filters should be cleaned and washed every one or two months. When checking on the blower motor, be sure that you have turned off the electric power first before working on the motor. If your furnace belt is broken or damaged, replace it immediately. And make sure that the part you are using for replacement is the right part. It is good to have a spare belt on hand at all times. Be sure to turn off the power first before making any adjustments or modifications. When oiling the fan monitor, always check the motor keenly. There are some types of furnaces that need not be lubricated. However, most of the fan motors need regular oiling.

In addition, when examining the fan or blower, make sure that the fins on the blower fan are dust-free and have no dirt on them. Make sure that the frame or housing of the fan is free of debris. When checking on the dehumidifier, make sure that you set the proper humidity level to save on heating expenses. It is advised that you clean your humidifier one a month. However, if you are using hard water, you need to check on it more often. You should replace the pad or wick of your humidifier once a year. It is important to check the chimneys and vents. But before that, you should examine whether your chimney or vent is obstructed with debris. If you have metal chimneys, paint the exposed metal chimney with an outdoor primer then apply outdoor latex paint to inhibit rust.

It is advised that you keep your furnace area clean and tidy. As much as possible, do not store chemicals, paint strippers, paint thinners, chlorine, kerosene, gasoline and other similar chemicals in the furnace room. Remove any obstructions that could get in the way when you are examining the furnace.
These are just some of the tips that you can follow in order to maintain that dust-free household air that you have always wanted using air filters.Kathryn Whittaker has an interest in Health. To access more articles on air filters or for additional information and resources on clean air visit this air filters website.

The Top 10 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Buying a Furnace or Air Conditioner

Purchasing a new heating, cooling or air quality system for your home is one of the most important buying decisions you and your family will make. Before committing to such a large investment, it’s important to do your research and ask some serious questions so you can avoid making the following mistakes:

1. Choosing an Unqualified or Unlicensed Contractor

Picking the right contractor could be the most important part of the furnace or air conditioner buying process – yet most people don’t ask enough questions to make sure the contractor is properly qualified and experienced for the installation. Always ask if they are members of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI).

Membership in HRAI, which represents over 1,000 contractors nationwide, shows that the contractor is qualified and reputable, as they must have the following credentials:

* All required trade licenses and provincial certifications

* Liability insurance up to $5,000,000

* Technical Safety and Standards (TSSA) registration

* Compliance with Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)

* Compliance with Dispute Resolution Process

* Compliance with Ontario Environmental Regulations

BBB members are part of a nationwide organization dedicated to upholding the highest level of integrity and ethics in customer service, communications, advertising and dispute resolution.

2. Getting Only One Estimate

When you’re shopping for a new gas furnace or central air conditioner, you should always get more than one estimate. Ensure that each estimate is written on a proper form and always take the time to review and compare the quality of the equipment and warranties offered. Does the estimate include the removal of old equipment and materials? Are permits included in the estimate?

Be sure to pay attention to the Sales Consultant to see how knowledgeable and professional they are. How long have they been in the business? Did they explain all of the rebates that are available for your system? Your experience with the Sales Consultant could be a good indicator as to what type of service to expect from that contractor later on.

3. Always Going for the Lowest Price

You should always select a contractor that promotes the quality of their installation service and equipment at reasonable rates, rather than just picking the one that offers the lowest price. The lowest price does not necessarily mean the best value. For example, the less expensive contractor might not offer valuable services such as 24-hour emergency response or maintenance and service agreements after the installation.

4. Thinking Price is the Only Factor

The purchase price should not be the only important factor in your decision. The noise level of your new system is something you will have to live with everyday, while the energy efficiency of the system will determine how much your heating or cooling costs will be (energy efficiency is determined by the SEER ratings – be sure the Sales Consultant fully explains what these numbers mean). Choosing the right product for your lifestyle will allow you to live comfortably and save money.

5. Ignoring the Fine Print in the Warranty

It is important to fully understand the warranty that is being provided by each contractor. You should always inquire if the warranty covers parts only or both parts and labour. Also ask if there any extra charges above and beyond the warranty coverage, such as an after-hours service labour charge. Always ensure that the contractor provides you with a written warranty form for your records.

6. Forgetting to Ask About Insurance and WSIB Coverage

The contractor you deal with should always have public liability and property damage insurance. If sub-contractors are utilized, the contractor should also have the proper liability insurance. If the contractor isn’t insured, you could be held fully responsible for any damages to the equipment or your home during the installation process as well as any medical costs if an installer is hurt on the job.

Always make sure the contractor is in good standing with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. For large jobs, you may want to request a copy of their latest WSIB certificate.

7. Making Too Big of a Deposit

Holmes Heating Inc. does not request a deposit, unless the equipment is unique and subject to re-stocking charges in the event of an order cancellation. If a deposit is required, it should never be more than 20% of the total job and all payments should be made directly to the company named in the contract.

8. Not Asking for References

Reputable contractors will be more than willing to provide you with the names and addresses of customers they have done work for. Ask neighbours, family, friends and co-workers their opinion of any contractor they’ve used in the past.

9. Believing Your System Will Never Break Down

In case something goes wrong with your system, it’s always a good idea to make sure that the company you choose has after-sales service capability. Inquire if they have a full service department and ask how many service vehicles they have on the road. Do they respond to calls after 11 p.m. or on weekends? How quickly can they be there if you have no heat? Holmes Heating Inc. guarantees a 4-hour emergency no-heat response time to keep you warm in case your furnace quits in the middle of winter.

10. Lack of Proper Training or Instruction

Most contractors have a habit of installing the furnace or air conditioner and then leaving without explaining how to properly operate or maintain the system. This leaves you, the homeowner, with the task of trying to figure out exactly how to reset electronic thermostats and replace furnace filters (which can become quite costly if not done properly). Holmes Heating Inc. provides all of its customers with a free training DVD, which outlines these procedures, step-by-step, in a friendly and courteous manner.

Whether you're shopping for a new gas furnace or central air conditioner or you're looking for air quality and duct cleaning service to keep your family healthy, you can count on Holmes Heating for all of your heating and air conditioning needs.

www.HolmesHeating.com

Better Health With Ultraviolet Germicidal Protection Air Purifiers During Furnace Season

 

With heating season approaching it's always good to change the air filters and have the furnace cleaned. It's also time to think about your home's health. An unhealthy home can make you sick, and with windows and doors closed all winter it's a good idea to consider adding an air duct mount germicidal protection system. These air purifiers sterilize air and destroy bacteria, viruses, and mold. Very popular with allergy sufferers they are also a gread addition to any home for health reasons. UV is known to destroy many airborne pathogens. Those with allergies or asthma should consider germicidal air purifier protection. Newer homes are built air tight for increased efficiency, but that means the home cannot breathe and air becomes stagnant. If you have a new home you need a UV air purifier, and duct mounted units clean the entire house, not just a room.

Everyone faces many risks, including various pollutants and toxins in their daily environment. Most of us know that outdoor air pollutants such as smog or car exhaust are toxic, but many of us do not realize how dangerous the air inside buildings can be to our health. The EPA states that the air even in the largest and most industrialized cities is less toxic than air found in typical homes. Many people do not know that indoor air pollutants can be two to five times higher than outdoor air pollution and can sometimes be 100 times higher.

Various micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungi often become airborne and this is a common cause of illness or allergy. With the threat of biological warfare, the eradication of airborne pathogens becomes even more important.

Ultraviolet germicidal lamps provide a much more powerful and concentrated effect of ultraviolet energy that can be found naturally. Such lamps sanitize air that is passed directly in their path to destroy pathogens that come in contact with the UV rays. Musty, moldy type odors can be eradicated, along with tuberculosis, cold and flu viruses, and other airborne diseases. These air purification systems are particularly beneficial to those suffering from allergies (common allergens are molds, mildew, and fungi). These microbes are destroyed, improving health and breathing conditions.

A popular and low cost source for furnace mounted air duct UV germicidal protection air purifiers is CaluTech. Chosen by the United Nations, US Army, and even Nasa employees to sterilize the air. CaluTech is a registered medical device manufacturer recorded with the FDA.