How to Fight Allergies During the Fall and Winter Months

If you suffer from environmental allergies, especially during the fall and winter, you probably look forward to the first freeze to kill the outdoor allergens that have been making you miserable for the past several months. While cold weather can mean a decline in environmental allergies, coming indoors for the fall and winter can cause a host of other issues for allergy sufferers. 

Closing up your home and starting your furnace can actually cause allergies to get even worse during the fall and winter. Proper maintenance of your HVAC system is crucial to help keep allergies at bay and improve your indoor air quality.  Here are a few things to consider:

• Check air filters – Heated air from a forced air system that runs through dirty air filters will blow dust and dirt all over your home. Check and replace your air filters regularly.
• Dirty ducts – Even if you have a fresh and clean air filter, the dust particles that are blowing around your home could come from a dirty air ducts.
• Preventative maintenance – If your HVAC system is running well it can more efficiently filter out unwanted allergens.
• Air quality products – Air quality enhancements can go far to ensure that your system is working at peak performance. Consider adding on an air filtration system to help reduce allergens and allow you to breathe easier.

AccuClean™ Whole-Home Air Filtration System

Blue Flame Heating and Cooling, in Spokane, Washington, is proud to offer their customers the AccuClean™ Whole-Home Air Filtration System. Regular use of this system in conjunction with a properly maintained HVAC system can result in up to 99.98% cleaner air.  Some of the other benefits include:

• Reliability – After thorough testing, AccuClean™ was shown to outperform similar systems.
• Efficiency – Creates filtered air with efficient operation and consistent airflow.
• Comfort -  Infuses your home for comfortable cleaned air in every room.
• Reduced dust – Enjoy 50 percent less dust than without AccuClean system.
• Quiet – Silent operation for a quiet indoor environment.
• Warranty -  10-year registered limited warranty on functional parts.

Are you looking for a solution to your nagging allergies during the fall and winter months? An air filtration system might be the answer to your problems. To determine if this is the right option for you, contact the experts at Blue Flame. They have over two decades of experience in HVAC and air quality systems. 

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.

What You Need To Know Before Replacing Your AC Unit?

Your AC unit works tirelessly all summer to ensure a comfortable indoor environment. If you are a homeowner, there are a few things you need to know about how an air conditioning system works. How long have you had your AC unit in your home? If it is 10 or 15 years old, it might be time to start thinking about replacing your AC system.

Here are a few things you should consider first:

• Should you replace all parts of an HVAC System? Yes. A mismatched system may not deliver the energy efficiency or performance you need. Therefore it is best to replace a heating system at the same time you replace an AC unit.
• Should you invest in programmable thermostats? Programmable thermostats allow you to program your settings to automatically adjust heating and cooling levels.
•  What is SEER rating? Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is the measurement of system efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy requires HVAC systems have a minimum rating of 13. However, the higher the SEER rating the more money you will save on operational costs.
• Do you care about comfort, energy costs or the environment? Today’s energy efficient units combine superior comfort for your home while saving money.
• Should you repair or replace your AC unit? If your system is over 10 years old, there’s a chance that it is not energy efficient. An energy efficient unit will help you save anywhere upwards to 30% on your energy bill.
• Who should you call? Professional HVAC technicians have experience doing the job right the first time. Before setting up an appointment, make sure they are certified, licensed and insured. 

A new air conditioning system can save you time and money by working more efficiently. If you have any questions about replacing your current air conditioning unit or would like to speak with a professional about your options, contact Blue Flame Heating & Air Conditioning. Our professionals have years of experience in both residential and commercial air conditioning including installation, replacement, repair and maintenance.

To schedule your free estimate, give us a call at 509-536-0186.

4 Money Saving HVAC Tips for Summer

During the hot summer weather, it’s more important than ever to have a comfortable home environment to cool down. Summer is the time of year when your AC unit works tirelessly to combat the heat. One of the easiest and most efficient ways to keep your HVAC system running smoothly is with preventative maintenance. In order to save money and energy, try these simple steps!

Programmable Thermostat:

Saving energy is as simple as utilizing a programmable thermostat. “Smart” thermostats allow you to program your settings to automatically adjust heating and cooling levels. This is more energy efficient and will save you money in the long run.

Change Air Filters:

Replacing your air filter regularly is a simple and cost-effective way to avoid costly repairs. A filter clogged with dust or pet dander makes the unit work harder to heat and cool your home. Having a clean filter allows air to circulate more freely through the system, saving you energy costs and reducing your bill.

Clean Outside Unit:

Do you have plants growing around your air conditioning unit? After a long winter, your outdoor unit is likely in need of some TLC. Remove any excess plants, dirt and debris on and around your AC unit that may be interfering with the ability to function. We recommend at least a foot of space cleared around the unit for maximum efficiency.

Call a Professional:

While it’s easy to give your HVAC system a once-over, a professional will be able to thoroughly check all parts of a unit to ensure it is running at peak efficiency. Professional technicians know when a filter should be changed, how to clean an evaporator coil and the repairs necessary to keep your home cool.

If you need assistance with preventative maintenance or have a cooling emergency, Blue Flame Heating and Air Conditioning LLC is here to help! We are fully licensed and insured to provide you with a range of commercial/residential HVAC services. Give our trained technicians a call at 509-536-0186 to discuss your cooling needs!

Why You Should Change The Filter On Your Air Conditioning System?

As we get deeper into the heat of summer, you will likely be turning your air conditioning unit on more and more.  One of the easiest and most important ways to keep your AC running smoothly is by changing the filter.  Almost every air conditioning system has a filter and its job is to remove particles from the air and keep your air conditioner clean.

Changing your unit’s filter regularly ensures your system will run more efficiently and maintain better air quality. Experts recommend that you check your unit’s air filter monthly and change it every 1-3 months. A filter clogged with dust or pet dander makes the unit work harder to heat and cool your home. Having a clean filter allows air to circulate more freely through the system, saving you energy costs and extending the life of your unit.  

Because an air filter affects indoor air quality, it is important to inspect heating and air conditioning filters regularly for your safety. Replace it if it looks brown, dirty, or clogged. Always replace a filter that feels damp, to prevent mold growth. Indoor air quality is important for everyone, but if someone in the home suffers from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems, it is especially important to make sure the unit is running with a clean filter. Those who run their units year-round, own pets, smoke, or have had construction or a wildfire in the area should also change the filter more frequently.

Replacing your heating and air conditioning filter regularly is a simple and cost-effective way to avoid costly repairs and replacements. It is also an easy step to take towards lowering your energy bill, reducing carbon emissions, and maintaining a clean indoor air environment. Avoiding an overworked, inefficient unit will help keep your heating and air conditioning unit in operation and cut down on allergens and pollutants in your home.

At Blue Flame Heating & Air Conditioning LLC, we have over 20 years of heating and air conditioning experience in the Spokane area!  Whether you are looking for preventative maintenance or are in need of a new HVAC system to keep your home cool, our professionals can help.  Give us a call at 509-536-0186 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your air conditioning needs this summer.