Tag Archives: air filters

3 Ways to Manage Your Home’s Humidity in Cool Weather

It isn’t uncommon for Mobile, AL homeowners to struggle with managing indoor humidity levels, even during cooler weather. As we approach the winter season, the concern is usually about dry indoor air, but regions such as ours with mild winters, can still see problems with indoor high moisture levels at this time of the year.

Manage Everyday Activities

Regular tasks like cooking, cleaning, showering, and washing clothes are some of the biggest contributors to indoor moisture. By keeping an eye on how and when your family performs these activities, you can get a better handle on indoor moisture. The goal is to keep indoor humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent.

Be sure to use kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room vents that transfer exhaust outdoors instead of allowing that moisture to remain in your home. Having an exhaust system that vents hot, moist air properly can do wonders for your home’s humidity and improve indoor air quality.

Encourage Ventilation

Fortunately at this time of the year, we can take advantage of the pleasant temperatures outdoors. Stale, humid air can become a breeding ground for dust mites, mold, and other allergens that thrive in moist conditions. Open windows and doors to help bring fresh air into your home. Keep your home’s indoor air moving with a combination of the HVAC system, ceiling fans, exhaust fans, and natural airflow. Make sure the HVAC air filters you use are advanced enough to capture allergens.

Use a Dehumidifier

During the spring and summer, most Mobile homeowners run their air conditioners to lower indoor temperatures as well as humidity levels. When the temperatures drop in fall and winter, however, using the air conditioner in this way is not always an option. A dehumidifier provides efficient filtration, reduces humidity, controls mold, and improves the indoor air quality. This unit works with the HVAC system to pull excess moisture from the air. You can use it to manage humidity levels in any climate and to tackle humidity issues throughout your entire home.

Do you constantly struggle to maintain a healthy humidity level in your home? Call the indoor air quality experts at Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. at 251-476-3610 to learn about the best solutions for your home.

3 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Air Conditioner

Replacing an old air conditioner is a great way to boost energy efficiency and maintain optimal levels of comfort in your Alabama home. However, to ensure your air conditioner continues to provide efficient performance, there are important steps you should take, which can also help to extend its service life.

Change the Filters Regularly

Since most Alabama homeowners find themselves using their air conditioners the majority of the year, it is recommended that the filters be changed regularly. A clogged filter forces the air conditioner to work harder to move conditioned air to every room, which puts a strain on the system. Clean filters make it easier for the air conditioner to do its job, plus the indoor air quality will be much better.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats prolong the life of your AC by allowing you to use your system more efficiently. You can program the thermostat in advance based on your activities. This will allow you to adjust temperatures so more energy efficient setting results in energy savings and reduce strain on the air conditioner. During the winter months, set the thermostat lower and reduce the number of times the heating system cycles on. By doing so, the system doesn’t waste energy trying to maintain ideal temperatures when no one is around.

Schedule Professional Service

Regular air conditioning maintenance is a must-have for any system. At least once a year, have a skilled technician come to your home and perform a thorough inspection of your unit and ductwork. Professional AC technicians can spot issues with airflow, repair leaks, and ensure the unit is working properly. Although a once-a-year inspection is adequate, you can boost your system’s lifespan even further by having it serviced twice — once before winter and another time before summer.

Call Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. at 251-476-3610 to schedule your next AC maintenance or repair service.

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.