7 Common AC Maintenance Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Believe it or not, the average American household spends more than $104 on electricity each month. One of the biggest contributors to that cost is the air conditioning system they have in place.

Though there’s no way to completely eliminate your air conditioning system’s energy use, there are things you can do to make sure the system runs as efficiently as possible. It all comes down to taking care of routine maintenance throughout the year.

Maintenance is important, but many homeowners end up making mistakes when it comes to keeping their systems running well. Here are a few of the most common AC maintenance mistakes people make and what you need to do to avoid making them yourself.

1. Not Checking Your Filters

All air conditioning systems bring air from outside your home into the unit, cool it, and send it into your house. This helps keep the air fresh at all times. However, it does mean that any dust, debris, and allergens in the air outside your house can make it indoors.

That’s why modern systems have a series of filters in place to catch those contaminants. The more your unit runs, the more debris and contaminants those filters will catch.

For most homeowners, filters need to get inspected and replaced once every three months. Leaving dirty filters in place doesn’t just hurt your home’s indoor air quality—it also makes your air conditioner work harder to cool your home.

Replacing your filters is the best way to keep your air conditioner running smoothly for years to come.

2. Ignoring Strange Noises

Every air conditioner makes noises when it turns on. However, after living with the system for even a few weeks, you know which sounds are normal and which are different.

Those strange sounds aren’t something you should ignore. In fact, they’re a surefire sign that your unit needs repair work as soon as possible.

If you ignore these early sounds and signs of damage, there’s a chance that your system will develop more severe problems. Worse, it could break down altogether when you need it most.

If you hear strange noises, don’t wait. Schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible.

3. Forgetting to Clean Your Air Vents

Your air vents can collect a lot of dust and debris over the year. Anytime your air conditioning system turns on, the air gets forced through those vents and into your home. Any debris and dirt trapped in the vents will get sent out into your home anytime the AC system turns on.

Though it doesn’t impact your air conditioner’s efficiency, the best thing you can do is clean your air vents at least once a month. This will help keep your indoor air quality as high as possible.

The cleaner your air stays, the less likely you and your family are to develop allergies and other upper respiratory conditions.

4. Not Scheduling Routine Tune-Ups

Anytime your air conditioner turns on, the components experience wear and tear. Staying on top of routine tune-ups will help keep your system working and reduce the frequency of more expensive repairs over the years.

Just because your unit is running smoothly doesn’t mean it’s in good shape. It still needs tune-ups at least twice a year to work well.

Not scheduling regular tune-ups with your trusted air conditioning service is the easiest way to shorten the lifespan of your system and increase your risk of unexpected breakdowns.

5. Leaving an Outdated Unit in Place

No matter how often you schedule routine AC maintenance service, you will eventually need to replace your air conditioner. In fact, the average AC system lasts for roughly 15 years with proper care and maintenance.

As your system ages, it will start to develop more problems and will run less efficiently than it used to. Leaving that old system in place is never a great idea.

If your unit is approaching 15 years old or is older than that by several years, don’t wait. Get the unit replaced as soon as possible. The sooner you do, the sooner your electric bill will decrease and the more comfortable your home will be.

6. Setting the Thermostat Too Low

When your home is warm, it seems like turning the thermostat as low as it will go is the fastest way to cool your house. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The amount of air the system puts out will be the same no matter what temperature the thermostat is set at. Turning the thermostat lower won’t actually make your home cooler faster. It just forces your air conditioner to work harder until your space reaches a comfortable temperature.

Worse, if you forget to reset the temperature, the AC will keep running until it reaches that ultra-low setting. That means more wear and tear and more energy consumption every time.

7. Choosing Repair Technicians Based on Price Alone

Every air conditioning system will need repairs eventually. Though it’s important to shop around and get estimates from different HVAC contractors, you should never make your decision based on price alone.

When it comes to the quality of repairs, you get what you pay for. Choosing a contractor that charges the lowest rates often means you get the lowest quality service.

Instead, work with a contractor that has experience working on your type of unit and stands behind their work every time. You might pay slightly more, but you’ll get better service and won’t have to worry about paying for the same repair twice.

Avoid Making These AC Maintenance Mistakes

Staying on top of routine maintenance is the best way to extend the life of your home’s HVAC system. Familiarize yourself with these common AC maintenance mistakes and do what you can to avoid making them yourself.

If you’re worried about your system or know that you’ve made one or more of these mistakes in the past, schedule a repair appointment as soon as you can.

At Florida Heat & Air, our team is here to help you keep your home comfortable year-round. If you need to schedule a preventative maintenance tune-up or have an air conditioning or heating emergency, don’t wait. Contact us to get a free estimate today.

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Think Florida Heating Is a Joke? Think Again!

Florida State is one of the places in the U.S. that enjoy the best climate conditions. The people here experience long summers with a sub-tropical climate almost throughout the year. But this should not be the reason why you take Florida heating for granted because the weather can also get extremely chilly in winter.

Most homes in Florida use heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling. But this is only nice for cooling because if you run the heat for a few hours during winter, you won’t like it when your power bills show up. 

So, what can you do to heat your home during winter in Florida? Here are a few Florida heating options that can keep you comfortable throughout the chilly months.

Traditional Furnace

You can either use gas or electric furnace for heating when the weather gets chilly in Florida. You must know that these options can be pretty costly, especially if you only need to use it for a few hours. However, when the weather is too chilly, and you need some reliable heat, you have no option but to sacrifice.

Despite being expensive upfront, the traditional furnace for your heating option is energy efficient. Well, the amount you’ll spend on power bills for this will depend on the size of your home, technologies, and whether you’re installing new ducks or not.

Heat Pumps for Florida Heating

Heat pumps are a very expensive investment to have in your home but can be energy efficient in the long run. You can use heat pumps for several heating options in your home. You can connect it to your boiler system for hot water or connect a geothermal to heat the home.

With the geothermal heat, the pumps will provide the required warm air from the heat in the ground. Installing the geothermal Florida heat pump parts can be very expensive upfront. Once installed, it will provide Florida heating and cooling supply for winter and summer, respectively.

Air Conditioner

Air conditioner units in Florida come installed with heat strips for heating during the chilly months. 

This heating system is fantastic for those who’ll only need to heat at night and for a very short time. One disadvantage of this system is that the amount of energy needed for a few hours of heating can be too much, hiking your utility bills. 

You must also know that when the temperature goes below the freezing point in Florida, the heat strips will not keep up. Therefore, these are not an appropriate heating system when the weather becomes cold or when you can’t afford the high power bills.

Take Care of Windows

Sometimes, it’s unnecessary to invest in expensive equipment to improve the air quality in your house. You must improvise whatever you have with you, including the windows. To preserve heat within the house, you must understand when it’s appropriate to open or close the windows.

Opening all your windows during the day means that you’ll be inviting cold winter air inside the house and releasing the warmer air to the yard. Even if your windows stay closed, other things such as cracks and warping can still invite cold air inside.

You need to ensure all your windows have a very tight seal so that your HVAC system can deliver the required temperature. You should start considering window repairs and replacements when winter approaches.

Insulate the House

Having high-quality insulation in your house will help with the cold weather and the warmer months as well. A good home insulation system comes in handy to keep your house warm during winter and supply cool temperatures during summer.

A well-insulated house will give your heaters an easy time providing the warmth as warm air won’t be escaping. This is perfect for reducing the amount of energy needed as well as burn less fuel.

The best time to start the insulation process is during winter before the colder months catch up with you. Focus your insulation system mostly on the attic because almost half of the heat in the house can escape through the roof as warm air rises.

Warm the Floors

Cold floors result in cold feet during winter, and you must look for ways to improve the situation of your floors. One of the cheapest ways to keep your floors warm is to add some extra rugs and carpet. These thick fabrics work well in lessening the effect of moisture generated from beneath your feet.

You can also consider installing a fireplace to warm up the entire living room, ensuring everyone in the family stays comfortable. Another long term alternative is to let go of the beautiful laminate and tiles and use wood flooring instead. 

Lower heater setting to keep your floors a little bit warm is excellent. Anything that can minimize the heat loss from the floor can be of great help for your home.

Consider Cooking at Home

If you’re used to eating out or ordering food, winter should be the time to show your prowess in kitchen matters. A simple act as cooking dinner for the family can help a good deal in heating the house the entire night.

Running the oven can’t be a long time solution for the cold temperature. You can think about it as a way to save some power as well as enjoy some warm, home-cooked meal. No one will resist the warmth they’ll receive standing next to the oven during the cold days.

Stay Warm in Florida, Heat Up!

You not only need to add some heat at home during winter but also do all it takes to avoid losing heat unnecessarily. Florida heating can be costly if you don’t do it right. Think of the best heating options that are cost-friendly and comfortable for the entire family.

If you want more expert advice on how to stay warm in winter, get in touch with Florida Heat and Air for expert tips and tricks. We’re here to ensure the cold temperatures do not get the best out of you.

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Stop Summer Mold! How to Prevent Mold Using Your HVAC System

The summer season brings bright sun, warm weather, and longer days with it. But something a bit more unpleasant comes alongside those wonderful things: mold.

Mold thrives in the humidity of summertime. Once it starts to grow, it can be difficult to stop the spread. Read on to learn why mold is dangerous and how to prevent mold using an HVAC system.

How Dangerous Is Mold?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, molds are a natural part of the environment and don’t typically cause problems. But when mold begins to grow indoors, it can become dangerous fast. Once mold spores land on a wet spot, they spread quickly, releasing allergens and irritants into the air.

These allergens can negatively affect indoor air quality. Inhaling mold spores can cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma attacks in certain individuals. Exposure to mold is also associated with a variety of other health effects and symptoms, including a runny nose, irritated eyes, skin rashes, and more.

What Causes Mold to Grow?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold grows in places with a lot of moisture. It can enter the home through doors, windows, and vents, or it may be brought in from the outside by people and pets. Once inside, it can grow on almost any type of material, including wood, tile, fabric, and more.

Chances are, you have mold in your home. It is impossible to eliminate mold, but the key to prevention is managing moisture. If mold lands on a damp or wet area, it will multiply.

You can identify mold growth by sight and smell. It may smell musty and look like dark green, yellow, brown, black, or gray spots. If you are wondering how to prevent black mold, there are ways to test for mold type, but regardless, you should remove any mold as soon as you are aware of it. 

How Can an HVAC System Help?

As temperatures and humidity levels rise in the summer, the risk of mold growing in your home increases. Mold also thrives in stagnant air. Luckily, an HVAC system can help in all those areas.

The perfect mold growth temperature in Fahrenheit ranges between the high-70s and the mid-80s. Because of this, you should aim to keep your house temperature around the low- to mid-70s. If you keep the inside of your home cool with an HVAC system, you can prevent mold from being able to grow in the first place.

Stagnant air allows mold spores to settle, enabling growth. An HVAC system is designed to improve air circulation throughout the home. This helps in keeping mold spores from landing and staying put in one area of the house, making it easier to ventilate and improve air quality.

When it comes to the ideal humidity level for mold growth, you should aim to keep indoor humidity levels under 60 percent. Low humidity means less water vapor is in the air, and mold cannot grow. If you can get it there, try to stay between 30 and 50 percent humidity indoors.

HVAC systems actually extract water vapor from the air. Removing water vapor decreases the humidity level and helps regulate it. Before summer starts, you may want to have a professional take a look at your A/C to make sure it is running optimally and removing as much water vapor as it should.

If you are going on a summer vacation, you should factor in the temperature of your home while you’re away. Set your thermostat to regulate the temperature and keep it around the low 70s. This will help prevent mold from growing, so you can enjoy your time away without worry.

What Else Can You Do to Stop Mold Growth?

While using an HVAC system can help prevent mold from growing and spreading, you may need to take additional steps to combat it.

For example, while an HVAC system can decrease humidity indoors, it can only do so much. You may need to invest in a dehumidifier to regulate areas prone to dampness. If you live in an area affected by hurricanes or floods, then a dehumidifier is a necessity to manage moisture.

Certain indoor activities can increase humidity levels, too. For instance, cooking on a stove, showering, doing laundry, and washing dishes can up the humidity inside your home. 

The key here is to ventilate. Open the windows or set up fans to improve airflow when you are doing these activities. Doing so will help keep the area dry.

Spills and leaks should also be cleaned up as soon as possible. If you are aware of a plumbing leak, don’t let it sit, or moisture will begin to build up. You should also close widows if it starts to rain to avoid wet windowsills and floors. 

If it has started to grow indoors, you need to clean up dangerous mold in house areas immediately. With a simple mix of detergent and water, you can scrub mold away on your own. But make sure the windows are open and the area dries completely. 

After cleaning up mold, you may want to get an air purifier. Setting one up near the moldy area can help grab and remove mold spores from the air. An air purifier can also extract other allergens and pollutants to improve air quality, which may help to prevent future mold growth.

If you are still struggling with mold after taking these preventative steps, you may need to talk to a mold removal professional. These experienced professionals will inspect your home and provide recommendations on how to go about cleaning up the mold. If the mold only affects a small area, you may be able to tackle it on your own, but professional removal services will be needed for large areas.

Ask an Expert About How to Prevent Mold

If you have more questions about how to prevent mold using an HVAC system, seek out professional advice. Here at Florida Heat & Air, our on-call technicians are available to answer questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We provide prompt, expert service, and we can help you schedule A/C and heating services or get a quote.

Don’t hesitate to contact us today.

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How Long Do AC Units Last in Florida and Should You Replace Yours?

An air conditioner is a life-saver when it gets hot and muggy outside. That said, they’re workhorses, they consume a lot of energy, and your unit is bound to break down one day.

If you live in Florida, you’re going to go through a few AC units in your lifetime. But how long do AC units last in Florida? We’re going to look at some crucial questions you have to ask about your air conditioner, giving you a little insight into how long you can expect it to last.

Let’s get started.

How Long Do AC Units Last in Florida: A Beginner’s Guide

The thing to remember about your AC unit is that the harder you work it, the faster it will break. Living in Florida means having consistently high temperatures throughout the year. That also means your AC unit is working proportionately hard.

In most cases, the unit isn’t just pumping out cool air at an even rate. It’s actually trying to maintain a steady temperature in your home. That means that it works a lot harder to maintain that temperature when things get hotter and muggier.

So, a rule of thumb is that the harder you work it, the shorter it will last. That said, there are a lot of things you can do to manage the temperature of your home and lighten the load of the AC unit.

That’s a discussion for another day, though.

Maintenance Makes a Big Difference

It’s not as if you should just hook up your unit and run it straight into the grave. If you treat it well over its lifespan, you’ll be rewarded. A new unit is really expensive, far more expensive than a simple tune-up here and there.

A well-maintained unit can last 15 to 20 years in Florida. On the other hand, letting a unit run without any care could mean that it only lives 10 years.

There are a few ways that you can monitor your unit’s need for a check-up.

The first one is just age. It’s not a bad idea to get your unit looked at every few years or so. This is just a precautionary measure to make sure that everything’s working and you have no issues coming.

Second, make note of the humidity in your home. AC units have an evaporator coil that works to take the humidity out of the air before it’s pumped into your home. When that goes, you might have a cool home but the humidity will increase and throw things off.

So, when you notice a jump in your home’s humidity, it’s time for a check-up. Finally, your electricity bill will significantly increase if your machine starts to break down. An old machine uses more energy to get the job done.

If you notice any of the signs above, call a professional to see what’s going on. Regular maintenance can add ten years to the life of your unit.

Need More AC Help?

So, how long do AC units last in Florida? The answer depends on how well you treat it over its life span. The nice thing is, we’re here to help.

If you think your unit could be on its last leg, or just needs a tune-up, contact us for more information on how to move forward.

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7 HVAC Hurricane Preparation Mistakes to Avoid for Homeowners

There have been more than 150 hurricanes recorded in the last 10 years. That’s an increase from the previous decade’s number. 

While these storms don’t always amount to a lot of damage, they certainly have that potential. If you live in a hurricane-prone zone it’s very important to know how to protect yourself and your property before the storm hits. 

Your home has a lot of vulnerabilities that need to be taken care of, including your HVAC system. 

We’ve compiled seven of the most common mistakes people make in HVAC hurricane preparation so you can avoid them! 

1. Insufficient Insurance Coverage

Every homeowner needs to have a homeowner’s insurance policy and usually, that’s mandated by their lender. But not all policies are created equally. 

When you live in an area that is prone to these types of storms it’s really important to have an insurance policy that will cover damage to all areas of your home. And that definitely includes your HVAC unit. 

Most insurance agencies will work with you to find the policy that has the coverage you’re looking for. 

You may have to add extra pieces onto the policy to customize it fully but it’s worth the time and the little higher price tag to make sure that if there is a hurricane and something does happen to your expensive HVAC system, you’ll be able to fix it. 

2. Forgetting to Purchase a Generator

In the event of a major storm, it’s likely that the power will be knocked out. Sometime that outage will last a few hours but sometimes it can last for days. 

Luckily, there are generators you can purchase to have on hand for just this type of situation. 

A generator is a really important thing to add to your hurricane preparation budget and get purchased. After the storm is over and the power is out, you can use the power from the generator to turn your HVAC unit on to cool down your home. 

Having a generator is hurricane preparedness 101 and will make a huge difference after a major storm. 

3. Going Uncovered 

When a storm starts and you start to get your house ready for impact, don’t forget to go outside and cover your AC unit. 

This simple task will make a big difference in how your unit works after the storm has passed. These machines are designed to be outdoors but a hurricane isn’t normal outdoor conditions. The heavy rain and wind associated can cause damage. 

A cover will protect the unit from those elements and also flying debris that could get in as well. 

It’s also important to make sure the unit has been installed with hurricane straps, just in case there are really extreme winds that could pull it out of place. 

4. Forgoing Yard Maintenance 

A major mistake that many who live in hurricane-prone areas make is not keeping up on their yard maintenance. This can lead to extreme HVAC unit damage during a storm. 

This task shouldn’t be done as the storm is on its way. Instead, residents of these areas should take care to keep a regular eye on their trees and bushes. They should trim any large and protruding branches. 

Those trimmings should be properly disposed of and removed from your property. 

This type of maintenance gives the storm less ammo to throw around in the high winds. Fewer branches and sticks mean less damage to your house. 

5. Leaving Electricity On

As you hear of a storm coming but before it gets to you, you should cool your house way down with your HVAC unit. And then when the storm is close you need to turn the power off to the unit. 

This step is often skipped because people don’t want to potentially have their homes too hot. 

But leaving the electricity on can lead to power surges, which can ruin an HVAC unit. 

A power surge often happens when the power has gone out and then when it comes back it comes with a very brief higher voltage spike. This spike can send too much power to electronics and systems, which can fry the inner workings.

Turning the electricity off prevents power surges when you turn it back on. 

6. Missing the After Storm Clean-up

Before you turn your electricity back on for your HVAC unit, you should make sure to do a visual check of your unit. 

If you’ve completed all the proper preparation steps, your unit will likely be clean and clear. When that’s the case you can turn the unit back on with no problems. But occasionally some debris will get in even with preparation. 

Debris in an HVAC unit can cause damage to the fan blades or the other machinery. With a quick check, you can see and remove the random branches, rocks, or leaves. 

This clean-up is really important to make sure everything will work correctly. 

7. Not Installing a Hurricane Kit 

A generator isn’t a fail-safe that will work every time. Sometimes a generator, especially one that hasn’t been used in a while, can have problems working at first. But a hurricane preparation kit installed by your HVAC professionals can push it to start. 

Regular maintenance and check-ups from the HVAC repairman will help you to have confidence in your setup, even if a storm comes. 

The repairman will be able to set you up for minimal damage after a storm. They’ll be able to help you make sure you have the most updated protection measures available. 

Best HVAC Hurricane Preparation Tips 

Hurricanes occasionally don’t give much warning before they hit big. Or the time you do have to prepare is spent on larger areas of your home than the HVAC system. 

But if you’ve already set a plan in place for HVAC hurricane preparation, you can quickly and easily protect your investment to be ready to go after the storm. These simple tips will keep you running throughout the whole season. 

If you are ready to get your HVAC system prepped and ready for hurricane season with a hurricane kit, contact us today! 

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Hurricane Air Conditioning Tips: How to Prepare HVACs for Hurricanes

This week begins the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season! The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a busy season this year. Have you readied your HVAC system?

Before the hurricane, air conditioning systems need protection.

If you’re not sure how to prepare your heating and cooling system so that they’re safe from the storms, you’ve come to the right post. Read on and pick up a few tips to prepare your HVAC system for hurricane season.

Keep Up with Routine Maintenance

A well-tuned machine always performs better than the one you ignore for several years.

When it comes to your HVAC system, hurricane preparation should take place every year. Start preparing your air conditioner before the first hurricane of the season ever makes landfall by performing regular AC maintenance.

HVAC technicians recommend scheduling preventative maintenance at least once each year. Routine inspections and tune-ups help your system weather not only hurricanes but also normal wear and tear. Regular maintenance also helps reduce the need for expensive repairs year-round.

Not taking preventative measures before the storm could result in much more substantial damage from the storm.

What You Should Do Before the Storm Hits

The good thing about hurricanes is they never come as a surprise. The National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane warning 36 hours before storm-force winds arrive. Florida residents usually take that time to prepare their homes for the storm.

Along with boarding up your windows and gathering food and water, you should make sure your air conditioner is also safe.

Waterproof Cover

While it’s not intended for everyday use, keep a waterproof tarp to keep on standby. Use it to cover your AC unit during a hurricane. You’ll protect it from water damage caused by heavy rains.

Concrete Slab

If you haven’t done so already, make sure your unit sits on a concrete slab. Not only does the slab ensure a solid foundation for the outside AC unit, but it also ensures your unit stays above standing water left after the storm.

Tie Downs

If you have a new AC, you likely already have tie-down straps securing your unit to its concrete slab. Florida building code implemented this requirement a few years ago. If you’re adding tie-downs to an older unit, make sure they can withstand winds up to 150 mph.

Another critical protective measure you should take is to remove anything from your yard that could become a projectile—store patio furniture and outside toys in your shed or garage during the storm.

Install a Hurricane Kit

Most Florida residents keep a hurricane kit, which includes water, food, flashlight, first aid kit, and a battery-operated radio. Storm kits help you cover necessities and safety for the short time most hurricanes last.

You should also consider installing a hurricane kit for your air conditioner. Installed on the air conditioning unit, hurricane kits are designed for use during power surges and for times when you use a generator to start your AC.

Your HVAC contractor can install the kit for you!

Cool Down Before the Storm

Power outages often accompany hurricanes. You can prepare for a power cut by cooling your home down before the storm arrives.

Let your air conditioner cool your home to a comfortable level in the hours before the storm. Set the thermostat a few degrees colder than usual.

Closing blinds and curtains add another layer of protection. You’ll conserve cold air and keep your home comfortable throughout the storm and during any power outages that occur.

Protect Your Air Conditioning During Hurricanes

To further the conversation about power outages, the first thing you should do once the storm hits is to shut your HVAC system down.

Even if the power doesn’t go out completely, you could experience power surges. The power could also go in and out multiple times. Both power situations can harm your cooling system.

Switch over to floor and ceiling fans for cooling during the storm!

Another reason to turn off the power to your AC is the threat of lightning. A lightning strike could damage your capacitor. If that happens and you don’t realize it, you may end up with a costly compressor repair.

Consider investing in a surge-protector explicitly designed for your HVAC unit. It’s an excellent way to fend off damage caused by lightning strikes and power surges.

Hurricane Aftercare for HVAC Systems

Up to now, our HVAC hurricane tips include things you can do before and during the storm. What about after the hurricane dies down?

After the storm passes and you’re sure it’s safe, go ahead and power up your cooling system.

Use caution when you turn on the AC. Look over your system, and if you notice damage, hold off on turning it on until your HVAC professional can come out and inspect. If you turn on a damaged air conditioner, you could make the damage worse.

Even if your informal inspection doesn’t reveal damage, you need to schedule an inspection with your HVAC contractor. Early damage detection will save time and money!

Need Help with Hurricane Air Conditioning Protection?

We hope reading our tips helps you with preparing your HVAC system for the current hurricane season. Before, during, and after the hurricane, air conditioning systems need protection.

We’re happy to come out and give your system a pre-hurricane inspection, take care of your annual maintenance, or help with other HVAC issues. Call Florida Heat and Air to schedule your appointment today and install your Hurricane Kit!

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7 Steps to Improving Indoor Air Quality in Florida

Breathing is a critical part of everyday life. If you have any doubts about this, trying holding your breath for a few minutes. You’ll soon develop a new appreciation for fresh air. This is especially true for anyone living in Florida.

That’s because everyone needs a constant supply of air in order to survive. And yet most people take air quality for granted. Dirt or polluted air is hazardous to your health, thus the need to make sure that the indoor air quality of your home is as good as possible.

This article takes a look at how to improve indoor air quality for you and your family. Keep reading to discover insight into best practices for providing air that will help keep everyone happy and healthy.

1. Replace Your HVAC Air Filter

The most simple step in keeping indoor air as clean as possible is to replace your air filter. Fortunately, this process is quick and easy.

Every HVAC unit has an air filter that’s designed to filter out dirt, dust, and other pollutants from the air. The key is to replace your air filter every couple of months, or as needed. Thus it’s important to get in the habit of checking your filter on a regular basis.

Filters can be purchased at any local hardware store and are relatively inexpensive. Go ahead and buy several at a time so that you’ll always have one on hand when it’s time for a replacement.

2. Have Your Carpet Professionally Cleaned

The next thing you should do is have the carpet in your home professionally cleaned. This is incredibly important for eliminating many forms of dirt and toxins that get trapped in the fibers of your carpet and then tracked throughout the rooms of your home.

After all, every time you walk into your house from outside, your shoes track in all kinds of dirt and nasty debris. This means that your family and pets will then be exposed to whatever ends up in the carpet fibers, which can then lead to potential inflammation or respiratory issues.

You can also rent a steam cleaner and clean your carpet yourself. But if you truly want your carpet to be as clean as possible, a professional carpet cleaning company will have the equipment and experience necessary to ensure the best possible results.

3. Buy an Air Purifier

If you live in Florida but haven’t yet invested in a quality air purifier, this is definitely something you should add to your must-buy list.

Keep in mind that there’s so much in the air that you can’t see. Every time you take a deep breath, you are pulling all kinds of microscopic debris into your lungs. If this sounds a bit gross, it should.

You can find good air purifiers at most home improvement stores or major retailers. They are relatively inexpensive and are a breeze to operate.

The key is to remember to keep the filter clean. Most filters can be cleaned by simply running water over them, while other air purifiers are designed with replaceable filters.

Having an air purifier in your home will help make the air safer to breathe while also reducing the amount of dust and other small debris that typically winds up in your carpet or settles on your furniture.

4. Don’t Smoke Indoors

When you’re a smoker, it’s no secret that smoke and nicotine odors from cigarettes and other tobacco products tends to seep into everything. This includes everything from furniture and curtain fabrics, to bedding and clothing. In fact, it’s nearly impossible to avoid.

Because of this, you should at least consider going outside to smoke in order to preserve the air quality inside your home and make it a much more healthy place to live. This is another reason to consider using an air purifier in your home.

5. Improve Air Circulation

Homes with good air circulation naturally have better air quality. That’s why it’s so important to find ways to create proper circulation through your house. This helps keep dust, smoke, and other pollutants from settling on furniture, carpet, and clothing.

Make sure the air vent registers in each room are open, close doors to empty rooms, and place fans in strategic locations throughout your home in order to improve airflow.

6. Make Sure Your Home Is Properly Ventilated

Keep in mind that stagnant air isn’t your friend. While good air circulation is definitely important for cultivating proper indoor air quality, proper ventilation is equally important.

Easy tips for ventilating your home include opening doors and windows, drying laundry outside, or installing a ventilation system.

7. Remove Your Shoes Before Entering

Here is another simple yet important tip for improving air quality: always remove your shoes before entering your home.

This might seem like a huge inconvenience, yet wearing shoes in the house is really just a bad habit that tracks pollutants such as dirt and pollen indoors. It also shortens the lifespan of your carpet.

Wearing your shoes also results in having to clean your floors more often. So just get in the habit of taking them off before you step through the front door.

A Guide to Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Clean air is a crucial element for healthy living. Fortunately, these tips will help improve indoor air quality so that your lungs can remain as clean and healthy as possible.

Be sure to contact us for a quote regarding A/C and heating maintenance.

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