Why You Should Care About Indoor Air

We learned about it in school, we hear about it on the news: pollution. Most of the time, the topic is outdoor air pollution, like greenhouse gas emissions and big-city smog. But did you know that in most cases, indoor air is two to five times more polluted than outdoor air? Our quest to conserve energy indoors by sealing up every nook and cranny in our homes and office restricts fresh airflow, causing pollutants to become trapped indoors. Poor air quality where you spend the majority of your time can have serious complications. It can lead to headaches, fatigue, allergies, and worse.

Indoor pollution is a problem in all types of homes, regardless of size, inhabitants, or location. Common indoor pollutants are:

• Combustion sources: gas, oil, kerosene, fireplaces, tobacco smoke
• Building materials: insulation, carpet, cabinetry, and other pressed wood products
• Chemical products: cleaning products, personal care products, glues & pastes
• Outdoor sources: radon, pesticides, pollen, outdoor air pollution
• Other: pet dander, dust mites, mold, viruses

So what can you do? Ideally you’ll want to keep pollutants out in the first place. Have your HVAC system checked out by a licensed contractor to ensure it’s in good working condition. At Blue Flame Heating & Air Conditioning, we are experts in air quality. We can look at your current HVAC system and/or install a new HVAC system that ensures optimum indoor air quality. We offer installation and service of air filtration systems, which is a great way to improve air quality in your home or office. Since you and your family spend about 90% of your time indoors, be sure you’re in the purest, safest environment possible.

Call Blue Flame Heating & Air Conditioning at 509-536-0186 to see what we can do to improve your indoor air quality!

Preventative Maintenance For Your Heating and Cooling System

During the cold January weather, a strong heating system is a must for your home or business. While many people wait for something to go wrong, it's best to have your HVAC system regularly maintained. Preventative maintenance keeps your heating and air conditioning equipment running as efficiently as possible. After all, heating and cooling maintenance isn't expensive compared to what you might need to spend if your system stops working.

Check out our preventative maintenance tips for your heating and cooling systems:

When to Service:
Your heating system runs endlessly in winter and your air conditioning unit works tirelessly in summer. To ensure your system is working properly, we recommend getting your HVAC cleaned and serviced twice a year – before summer and before winter. This will bring a circulation of fresh air before the busy seasons.

What to Check For:
Like most mechanical equipment, parts of your heating and cooling system need certain upkeep to work properly. When inspecting your air conditioning system, check the filters for dirt and soot. If a dirty filter is not cleaned or changed, your HVAC might run less efficiently. Some other important parts to inspect and replace include condenser coils, drive belts, electrical relays, contractors, lubricants and fluids.

Why Is Maintenance Important:
Maintenance in your HVAC system means improved performance, improved air quality, extended life and energy efficiency. Without regular maintenance, you would not find broken, worn, or dirty parts that have negative effect on air quality.

Seek Professional Advice:
The first place to turn when you have questions about your HVAC system is Blue Flame Heating & Air Conditioning. Whether you need service at your home or business, we can help. With over 20 years of experience, our professional team can provide you with all of your preventative maintenance needs.

To learn more about the preventative maintenance service available at Blue Flame Heating & Air Conditioning, browse our website or call 509-536-0186.