5 Tips to Enhance Air Quality this Fall

With the cold weather here, our windows are closed and the furnaces are working hard to keep us warm. Both fall and winter can be tough times for indoor air quality. Reduced air circulation inside our home traps dust, allergens, mildew, toxins or other bacteria in the air, causing your home to have poor indoor air quality. It’s important to tackle these air quality problems head on.

If you would like to improve your home’s indoor air quality this season, here are a few tips to help solve the air quality problems in your home!

Purify Your Air: New technology has made it easier for pollutants and contaminants to be removed from the air. For example, Blue Flame Heating & Air Conditioning LLC offers AccuClean™ Air Cleaners and Whole-Home Filtration Systems that remove up to 99.98% of the allergens in your home. This means you can breath easier and safer without any extra hassle.

Clean Regularly: Dust and toxins can accumulate in your home. It’s important to vacuum, dust and clean regularly to reduce the build up of allergens in your home. There are also products available that can help keep your air fresher and cleaner for longer.

Open Up: One of the best ways to improve indoor air quality is with circulation of fresh air. The weather might be cooling down but it’s a good idea to open your windows or doors to let in fresh air.

Change Air Filters: When is the last time you replaced your air filter? Air filters should be checked and cleaned every 3 months and changed anywhere from 6 months to a year.

Clean Ducts: Have you cleaned your ducts lately? Over the years, air ducts can become contaminated with dust, mold, particles and even debris. Cleaning ductwork can be easily done with a vacuum or brush. Additionally, you can hire a professional to get the cleaning done properly.

At Blue Flame Heating & Air Conditioning LLC, we know the importance of indoor air quality. Our technicians can help you take the necessary steps to reduce pollutants and ensure your home or office has good, clean air circulating. If you need help cleaning your ductwork or would like to install an air purifier, contact Blue Flame Heating & Air Conditioning today!

Is Your Furnace Ready For Winter?

 

With the onset of fall temperatures comes beautiful weather here in Washington. And while we are all enjoying the crisp autumn breezes and Mother Nature’s color show, we know that the colder temperatures of winter will soon be upon us.

Getting your home ready for winter starts with ensuring your heating system is ready to keep your family toasty and warm no matter what comes your way. Here are several tips to prepare your heating system for the cold months ahead.

• Air Filters – This is something that should be part of your ongoing home maintenance routine, but is especially important during the winter when your furnace gets the most use. Your air filter should be checked monthly to ensure that it is clean (you may find that your filter needs to be replaced on a monthly basis as well). If you have a flat filter, consider upgrading to a pleated HEPA filter or even and electrostatic filter. These help keep your furnace more energy efficient and can reduce allergens as well.
• Air ducts – Your air vents and ducts are the perfect hiding spot for dust. Once your furnace turns on, it can blow around your home, causing increased illness and allergies, and making your furnace less efficient. Use the extension hose on your vacuum to remove as much dust as possible.
• Inspect belts – Take some time to inspect the blower belt on your furnace and insure there are no cracks or signs of significant wear. If damage is evident, the belt should be replaced. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, consider calling in an expert to give your furnace a thorough check up.
• Program your thermostat – If you have a programmable thermostat, set the day and nighttime temperatures lower when you are asleep or away from home. If you do not have this technology, consider replacing your current thermostat with a high efficiency programmable model.
• Inspect the exterior of your home – Check exterior flue vents for nests and other obstructions so that you have proper airflow in an out of your home.

If you are unsure if your furnace is ready for the winter months, give the experts at Blue Flame Heating & Air Conditioning a call. We have been helping residents of Spokane, Washington and the surrounding area with their heating and cooling needs for over 20 years.

Is Your Furnace Ready For Winter?

 

With the onset of fall temperatures comes beautiful weather here in Washington. And while we are all enjoying the crisp autumn breezes and Mother Nature’s color show, we know that the colder temperatures of winter will soon be upon us.

Getting your home ready for winter starts with ensuring your heating system is ready to keep your family toasty and warm no matter what comes your way. Here are several tips to prepare your heating system for the cold months ahead.

• Air Filters – This is something that should be part of your ongoing home maintenance routine, but is especially important during the winter when your furnace gets the most use. Your air filter should be checked monthly to ensure that it is clean (you may find that your filter needs to be replaced on a monthly basis as well). If you have a flat filter, consider upgrading to a pleated HEPA filter or even and electrostatic filter. These help keep your furnace more energy efficient and can reduce allergens as well.
• Air ducts – Your air vents and ducts are the perfect hiding spot for dust. Once your furnace turns on, it can blow around your home, causing increased illness and allergies, and making your furnace less efficient. Use the extension hose on your vacuum to remove as much dust as possible.
• Inspect belts – Take some time to inspect the blower belt on your furnace and insure there are no cracks or signs of significant wear. If damage is evident, the belt should be replaced. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, consider calling in an expert to give your furnace a thorough check up.
• Program your thermostat – If you have a programmable thermostat, set the day and nighttime temperatures lower when you are asleep or away from home. If you do not have this technology, consider replacing your current thermostat with a high efficiency programmable model.
• Inspect the exterior of your home – Check exterior flue vents for nests and other obstructions so that you have proper airflow in an out of your home.

If you are unsure if your furnace is ready for the winter months, give the experts at Blue Flame Heating & Air Conditioning a call. We have been helping residents of Spokane, Washington and the surrounding area with their heating and cooling needs for over 20 years.