Monthly Archives: August 2015

4 Chores That Will Improve Your IAQ

If you are looking for an easy way to improve the indoor air quality (IAQ) in your Mobile, Alabama home, you can find many opportunities in your daily routines. Changing the way you approach your chores can have a big impact on the air quality in your home.

Change Your Air Filters

The air filters in your HVAC system keep dust, dirt, and other pollutants out of your indoor air, but they can get clogged over time. You should change or clean your HVAC filter as needed. Depending on the type of filter, and level of system use, monthly cleaning or replacement might be necessary. Keep a supply of replacement filters on hand so that switching them out will be fast and easy. Mark this chore on your calendar or get in the habit of doing it at specific times to keep your heating and air conditioning systems in top shape.

Mop and Vacuum Frequently

Hardwood floors get dusty quickly. You will need to mop regularly to keep your rooms free of dust mites. You do not need harsh chemicals to get the job done. A microfiber mop and a bit of water will do the trick. Mop as often as necessary, as some homes accumulate more dust than others. In homes with pets and/or children this chore might need to occur more frequently as children and pets tend to bring in more dust, dirt, and dander from outside.

Vacuuming isn’t just for your floors. Vacuum cleaners are equipped with various attachments for a reason. These attachments are ideal for use on upholstered furniture, along baseboards, and anywhere dust accumulates. For the best IAQ, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters are very effective in removing a variety of harmful particles including cigarette smoke, pollen and pet dander. As with mopping, you should do this task as often as necessary.

Cleaning Green

If you are not careful, the products you use to clean your home can harm indoor air quality. Clean with products that are free of hazardous chemicals and compounds. Many persons make their own cleaning solutions using a mix of items including baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. If DIY solutions are not your style, there are many non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaning products on the market. Just look for those with the Green Seal, Greenguard, or Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) stamp of approval.

Making just a few small changes to your laundry routine can improve your IAQ. Switch to fragrance-free detergents to eliminate the synthetic aromas found in scented products. Keep clothes that you don’t wear often sealed in a drawer where they won’t attract dust or dust mites.

Houseplants Help

Houseplants are a smart way to help with purifying the air in your home because they also add aesthetic appeal. The right houseplants can help with improving indoor air quality. They can remove harmful chemicals from the air such as ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene. If you are looking for a hardy indoor option, consider these powerful air purifying plants:

Aloe Vera
Bamboo Palm
Boston Fern
Dracaena
Ficus
Peace Lily
Snake Plant
Spider Plant

To keep these natural air purifiers in peak condition, it is important to follow instructions for care. Be wary of overwatering, however, as this can lead to mold growth, which will negatively impact your indoor air quality.

Chores to improve indoor air quality should be a part of everyone’s habits. Ensure that everyone in your household is knowledgeable about factors that harm indoor air quality. Share information not just about those things that result in poor indoor air, but also those that improve it. It is also important to explain how poor indoor air can be harmful. For example, it can result in unpleasant odors, and lead to, or worsen respiratory problems.

If you are concerned about the quality of the air in your home, or would just like more information, turn to the indoor air quality experts at Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. We also stock a variety of state-of-the-art systems that will effectively keep the air in your home fresh and clean all year long. Call us at 251-476-3610 for more information. We have been providing service to Baldwin County and Mobile AL since 1964. Contact us today for experience and solutions you can trust.

3 Essential Things to Look for in a New AC System

If you are ready to upgrade the air conditioner in your Mobile home, there are important factors you will need to consider. There are many options available today with a variety of features, which can make it quite a challenge to find the right unit. Regardless of how overwhelming it can be to look for a new AC system, there are three important factors you should consider in your search, each of which effectively improves energy efficiency.

The Proper Size

An air conditioner’s cooling ability is measured in BTUs. There are a few rules of thumb that you can use to determine how many BTUs you need to cool your home, but this isn’t the most efficient way to size your unit. A far better method is the Air Conditioning Contractors of America’s Manual J load calculation. This will give you a more accurate estimate of how large your air conditioner should be based on factors specific to your home. A system that is too large will cycle on and off frequently, decreasing your energy efficiency, while one that is too small will not cool your home properly. Consult a professional to find the AC system that is the right size for your home.

Energy Efficiency

Air conditioners are assigned an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) in which high EERs reflect high efficiency in cooling. This ratio measures the ACs cooling capacity per hour relative to the amount of power used for cooling. That is, how much electrical power is needed to power the unit. The average EER for a 115V unit is about 9 or 10. A unit with an EER above 10 is very energy-efficient. Though a higher EER will come with a higher price tag, it will lower your utility costs over the life of the unit.

Added Features

Look for special features that will make your air conditioner more efficient and convenient. If you are constantly forgetting to change the filter, an AC system with a filter indicator light will help you stay on top of this important maintenance task. With a fan-only switch, you can keep the fan running to circulate air without wasting additional energy cooling the home if it is not needed.

Make your Alabama summers more comfortable with a new efficient air conditioner. For more help selecting and installing your new unit contact Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. at 251-476-3610. Our qualified team has the solutions for your home or office needs.

Avoid These Mistakes When Setting Your Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a great energy-saving installation that will streamline the way you manage comfort levels in your Alabama home. For this smart solution to be effective, you must program it correctly. Get the most from your thermostat this summer by avoiding common programming mistakes.

Extreme Thermostat Settings

Setting a dramatically temperature low will not help it cool the house faster. Your home cools at a gradual rate until it reaches the desired temperature. One of the advantages of this programmable device is that it allows you to set temperatures based on your activities. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends optimal temperatures for air conditioner efficiency for when you wake up, when you are away from home, and when you are sleeping.

Using the Temperature Override

A temporary override by simply pressing the arrows on the thermostat will let you adjust your temperature settings to briefly depart from the programmed setting. When you choose to override the settings, you will not alter the programmed settings on the unit, and it will eventually return to its previously programmed setting. Using the override on a regular basis will affect the system’s efficiency and nullify the programmable thermostat’s energy-saving advantage. It is better to leave your thermostat at the optimal set points for at least eight hours at a time.

Timely Settings

When you program temperatures based on your daily and weekly schedules, give it enough time to adjust. For example, set the thermostat to begin adjusting so your home will be comfortable when you arrive. If you go to bed at 8 p.m. and want the home cooled to a specific temperature by then, set temperatures to begin adjusting approximately one hour before. The only exception to this rule is an adaptive thermostat which has sensors, and adapts to start changing the temperature if you return home early, for example. Another option is a WiFi model, which allows you to make adjustments remotely.

Interested in programmable thermostats? Contact Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. at 251-476-3610 for more information. The right team and the right solutions will make the difference in your home comfort this summer.