Winter brings dry air into our homes, and with it, a number of health issues. Many people suffer from dry skin, scratchy throats, and nosebleeds during the colder months. Fortunately, using a humidifier can remedy many of these ailments while also introducing several benefits. Keep reading to learn five health benefits of using a humidifier. Prevent Skin from Drying Out Both cold air from outside and hot air from your furnace will dry out your skin. This can make it itchy, flaky, and irritable. A humidifier will keep the moisture in the air at a healthy level, hydrating your skin. Moist air is especially important for people who suffer from conditions such as eczema . It can also keep lips from cracking and prevent hair from becoming dry and frizzy. Keep Your Airways Healthy Dry air also irritates your throat, nose, and even your vocal cords. Properly humidified air can soothe a dry, scratchy throat. If you are suffering from a cold or the flu, a humidifier can make your cough more productive, helping you expel phlegm and mucus more quickly. Moist air can also reduce snoring, which is a common symptom of dry airways. Treat Sinus Congestion Many people experience runny or stuffy noses during the winter. Did you know that a humidifier can help relieve sinus congestion? Installing a humidifier is one of your best defenses against sinus pressure and the resulting headaches. Prevent Bloody Noses Nosebleeds can range from a minor annoyance to a major inconvenience, depending on the situation. They can be especially embarrassing when you are in public and frustrating when you are trying to relax at home. Cold, dry air is perhaps the most common reason for nosebleeds , making a humidifier essential for anyone who is prone to them. Reduce Germs in Your Home Viruses and bacteria travel easier in cold, dry air, leading to the proliferation of the flu and other illnesses during the winter. In contrast, humid air can trap and neutralize viruses. This means that while a humidifier does not kill germs, it can hinder their spread. Research suggests that humidifiers are especially effective at slowing the spread of influenza. However, different bacteria and viruses may thrive in humid air. This is an emerging field of research, and more studies are needed to determine the relationship between humidity and viruses. Order a Humidifier from WestAIR Heating & Cooling There’s no need to suffer from dry skin, irritated throats, or bloody noses during the winter. WestAIR installs effective, low-maintenance humidifiers from trusted brands. Contact us today to discuss the best option for your home and take the first step toward eliminating the dry air from your home.
When it comes to weather, in Minnesota, we live in a state of extremes. That’s why we rely on our homes to provide an oasis of clean air and cozy temperatures all year long. And WestAIR Heating & Cooling has you covered. Read on to learn more about the HVAC services and solutions we offer as your local source for total indoor air comfort. Home Heating Solutions The snowy and bitterly cold winters make reliable, efficient heating systems vital to our comfort, health, and safety. WestAIR offers a full range of solutions, and our expert technicians will help you find the perfect fit for your home and provide professional installation. High-efficiency furnaces warm your entire home in the most cost-effective way, leading to lower energy bills. Additionally, qualifying systems allow you to claim a federal tax credit . Radiant floor heating provide heat from the ground up instead of via forced air through vents, which eliminates air loss in ductwork. This also means dust and allergens aren’t being blown into the home and decreasing air quality. Gas fireplaces allow you to add beauty as well as comfort. Our experienced technicians will help you choose the right model, style, and finishing touches to optimize performance and ultimately boost your home’s value. Unit/garage heaters let you use your garage for more than parking. By keeping the space warm, it can be used for year-round storage, social and recreational activities, hobbies, and more. Home Cooling Solutions While our air is extremely cold and dry, the summers are full of heat and humidity. But don’t worry—we provide the same level of experience and expertise when it comes to home cooling solutions. High-efficiency air conditioning (A/C) systems deliver cost-effective cooling while also helping maintain proper humidity levels. And just like the furnaces mentioned above, many will qualify you for a federal tax credit . Ductless mini-split A/C systems require no ductwork, making them ideal for homes/spaces where adding ducts is impractical or too expensive. They can also provide heating as well as cooling. HVAC Efficiency and Indoor Air Quality Solutions Indoor air quality (IAQ) affects comfort as well as overall health. Rely on WestAIR to help ensure the air inside your home is both clean and cozy. Air exchangers help remove stale, unhealthy indoor air while simultaneously providing fresh, pre-filtered outdoor air. Air cleaners do just what the name implies: They clean the air by trapping harmful airborne particles before they can pollute the home and be breathed in by you and your loved ones. Whole house humidifiers maintain relative humidity levels, helping avoid dry-air issues such as dry skin, cracking/warping of furniture and wood, and inefficient heating. Programmable/setback thermostats allow you to pre-set temperature and humidity settings for multiple days. This allows you to maintain cost-effective comfort without constantly having to adjust the thermostat. Automatic zoning systems separate your home into zones that can be individually controlled. That way, you don’t have to waste energy and money heating/cooling areas that are rarely used. Ultraviolet (UV) light air purification systems work in conjunction with your current HVAC to eliminate viruses, bacteria, mold, and other harmful airborne pathogens for improved IAQ. HVAC Maintenance Services As your local source for all things HVAC, WestAIR also provides a full range of professional maintenance services: Annual/Routine Maintenance Duct Cleaning Inspection and Repair/Replacement Replacement Air Filters Your home should be a private escape from the extremes of Minnesota weather. We’re here to help make the best decision for you and your home, as well as ensure your systems run at peak performance and efficiency. Contact WestAIR today to learn more about our HVAC services and solutions for total indoor air comfort.
During the summer months, do you find the air inside your home feeling damp? Living in Minnesota , we know exactly what an overly humid summer day feels like, even from inside. Not only is it sticky and uncomfortable, but we also see a rise in our electricity bill from our HVAC system working overtime. Humid air can also damage floors, furniture, and walls making homeowners spend even more money down the line. A dehumidifier can fix all of this. Read our blog as we discuss how dehumidifiers can improve your indoor air quality. Why do you need a dehumidifier? Dehumidifiers are the key to better air quality in your home. Not only do they help maintain your comfort, but also help prevent the growth of mold in your home, which means improved health and safety for you and your loved ones. When there is less humidity in the air, it also allows you to raise the temperature a few degrees to save on cooling expenses. Installing a dehumidifier is sure to save you money and benefit your health in the years to come. The gains of a dehumidifier are infinite! How do dehumidifiers work? Dehumidifiers work in one of two ways, either by refrigeration or absorption. Let’s take a look at how both methods work. Refrigeration: These dehumidifiers pull moisture over a cooling coil inside either a portable or whole house dehumidifier. The moist air condenses down, and any vapor is turned into droplets that collect in a pan or directly down a drain. Now free of moisture, the air passes over the hot compressor and warms back up to its original temperature before being blown back into the room. Absorption: These dehumidifiers pull moist air in through a duct which then moves past a large rotating wheel. The wheel is made of water-absorbing material. Once the air meets the wheel, any vapor is absorbed into the material leaving only dry air to be blown back out into the room. Dehumidifier types and models Dehumidifiers are available in a variety of different models. If you are looking to dehumidify a small space, a portable dehumidifier is the way to go. Portable models are available in different sizes, yet they all function the same by collecting moisture in a container. Whole house dehumidifiers are similar, but they empty directly into a drain. If you are looking to dehumidify your whole home, you can purchase a system that attaches to your HVAC system. Living in Minnesota, this is a staple for living comfortably. Excessive humidity can seep into your home decreasing the indoor air quality and becoming a breeding ground for mold growth. HVAC dehumidifier attachments allow your cooling system to work efficiently and keep your home’s air quality and moisture level at your desired level. The professionals at WestAIR are ready to assist with all your home comfort needs. Contact WestAIR Heating and Cooling today to learn more about reducing humidity and improving your indoor air quality .
In a previous blog , we discussed air duct cleaning and maintenance. Because these duties help provide better indoor air quality , we wanted to mention them again and reiterate their importance to your home and health. Learn more about some reasons for keeping air ducts clean and ways to do so. Indoor Air Wherever you go, it only makes sense that you want to breathe the cleanest, healthiest air possible. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average American spends 90 percent of their life indoors. As such, it’s important for your home’s air to be free of as many contaminants as possible. This is especially important since the accumulation of indoor air pollutants is exponentially higher than regular outdoor concentrations. Some effects of poor indoor air include respiratory issues and disease, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Oftentimes indoor air pollutants can increase the intensity of issues like asthma and even cause eye, nose, or throat dryness and irritation. Protect yourself and your family by keeping air ducts and your home’s air clean. Duct, Duct, Dirty Duct? Your HVAC system often pulls in outside air to condition and distribute through the home, so dirt, dust, and other allergens find their way in. Since the ductwork throughout your home is hidden, you probably don’t give it much thought. And because it’s hidden, it’s more difficult to access and clean. So how do you know if your ductwork is hiding something unhealthy? Look for telltale signs, such as: Dust. If you continually notice dust even after you’ve cleaned, check your vents. Remove the register cover to see if the ductwork is lined with dirt or dust, too. Cost increase. Are your utility bills noticeably higher compared to the same time last year? Your HVAC system may be working harder (and less efficiently) because of restricted airflow. This could be from dirty ducts or dirty air filters. A trusted technician can perform an inspection and determine the cause. Keeping Air Ducts Cleaner Routine home maintenance can help keep your air ducts cleaner and your indoor air fresher. Check and change HVAC filters . This could be every 30 days or every few months, depending on how often your system runs, if you have pets, or if you have younger children or allergy sufferers in the home. Check the filter on a regular basis and change it as needed. Have your HVAC system inspected at least once a year to ensure it is operating at peak performance. This will also allow you to catch and fix any smaller issues before they become potentially bigger problems. Routine maintenance can extend the life of your heating and cooling systems, saving you money in the long run. Complete household chores each week. This includes dusting hard surfaces and flooring, vacuuming carpeted areas (and vent covers), and running bedding through the wash. Also, vacuum and wash pet bedding as needed, and consider a high-quality HEPA filter vacuum to further reduce indoor air contaminants. A few upgrades will also go a long way toward improving air quality at home. Rid your home of dry air with a whole house humidifier . Dry air can make skin to feel tight and itchy or cause nose or throat discomfort. The wood inside your home can also be negatively affected by dryness. Adding moisture to the air can increase your overall home comfort. Remove odors and pollutants with a UV light air purification system . A BreatheCLEAN UV air purifier works with your current HVAC system and removes contaminants to provide continuous protection. Small changes to daily, weekly, and yearly routines can help with keeping air ducts clean while increasing overall indoor air quality. If you think your ductwork should be checked, rely on the experienced professionals at WestAIR Heating & Cooling . Contact us today to learn more about our duct cleaning or other services .
When it comes to weather, Minnesota is a place of extremes. Our harsh, bitterly cold winters and hot, humid summer days make a functioning furnace and air conditioner crucial to a comfy home. Follow these tips for extending the lifespan of HVAC equipment to get the most out of your system. Schedule Preventative Maintenance Twice Annually Have your system professionally serviced before each heating and cooling season for a thorough tune-up, cleaning, and maintenance service to ensure peak performance and efficiency. Your technician will also catch minor issues to prevent costly repairs later on, as well as help you decide if it’s better to repair or replace . But don’t wait for maintenance service or a total breakdown to have your system inspected . If you notice strange sounds or smells, decreased efficiency or performance, or any other warning signs , call your local HVAC professionals to diagnose and repair the issue before it gets worse. Have Ductwork Professionally Cleaned Every Other Year Dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris naturally settle inside your ductwork over time. This buildup not only impacts airflow and efficiency, but it also becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. As your HVAC unit pumps air to the home, these contaminants get blown out with it and decrease your indoor air quality . Schedule professional duct cleaning service once every two years to help maintain air quality and reduce stress placed on the system. Maintain a Clean Air Filter Clogged filters decrease airflow, forcing the system to work harder and experience a higher level of wear and tear. They’re also the number one cause of breakdowns. Remember to clean or change your HVAC system’s air filter every month. Take Care of the Condenser Unit While A/C condenser units are designed to withstand the elements, they’re not invincible. Inspect your condenser for any damage or debris buildup on occasion, especially after severe storms and instances of hail. Additionally, give the unit two to three feet of space to easily and efficiently draw in air. Keep the unit and surrounding space clean and clear of obstructions as well as grass clippings, leaves, branches, dirt, and other debris. Check the Drainage Pipe Regularly HVAC systems feature a PVC pipe on the indoor unit that leads outside to drain excess condensation. Serious damage to this outlet line can result in expensive repairs, so inspect yours regularly for blockages, debris, and any other issues. Be sure to do so more frequently in winter due to the potential of ice or snow deposits. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat Being strategic with your thermostat can help lower utility bills and stress on your system. However, constantly adjusting the temperature can have the opposite effect. With a programmable thermostat , you can preset temperature and humidity levels over multiple days without worrying about manual adjustments. Ease Stress on the System in Other Ways Give your HVAC system a break whenever possible to maximize its performance and useful life. For more information, check out our helpful guides to optimizing HVAC efficiency in the winter and summer . Heating and cooling systems contribute up to half of a home’s energy consumption, and we rely on them throughout the year in our state. Use this guide to extending the lifespan of HVAC equipment to keep the air in your home clean and comfy for years to come. Backed by over 30 years of industry experience, locally owned and operated WestAIR has the knowledge and expertise for all your heating , cooling , and indoor air quality needs. Contact us to learn more about our services .
WestAIR Heating & Cooling has been installing and servicing HVAC systems in Minnesota for more than 35 years, and we’ve seen what our harsh winters and frigid temperatures can do to heating and ventilation appliances. Without proper maintenance, you’re likely to experience costly breakdowns and high energy bills as your system struggles to keep up. So, with winter once again on its way, we’ve put together a list of helpful tips to prepare your HVAC system for the long, cold months ahead. Check out the following HVAC winterization tips to help you improve your home’s energy efficiency, avoid system emergencies, and save you money. DIY HVAC Winterization Check and Replace Air Filters: We recommend changing or cleaning your air filters once a month, but doing so before winter is especially important. Air filters can become clogged with dirt and particles over time, making your system work harder and raising your energy bills in the process. These clogs also reduce the indoor air quality in your home. WestAIR provides high-quality filters for a variety of humidifiers and air cleaners. Just make sure to turn your HVAC system off before changing filters. Clean Vents and Registers: Just like your air filters, vents and registers are prone to collecting dust and debris that can inhibit proper air circulation. Fortunately, they’re easy to clean with a vacuum cleaner or even a soft-bristled brush for more careful dust removal. Once again, turn your HVAC system off before cleaning vents. Optimize Your Thermostat: A properly programmed thermostat can go a long way toward lowering energy costs and maintaining a comfortable temperature all winter. Make sure the batteries are charged and the unit is functioning normally. We also recommend installing a smart thermostat , which allows you to program different temperatures for day and night as well as for different rooms in your home. Schedule Professional Maintenance Service Although you can take steps to winterize your HVAC system on your own, a professional inspection can identify and address further issues before they become major problems. You may notice some of these issues yourself and be unsure of how to deal with them; others, you may not notice at all. Rest assured that our technicians will make sure every component of your HVAC system is ready for winter. Here’s a checklist of items our team can take care of for you: Clean Furnace and Check Operation/Filter: We will remove soot, dust, and debris from your furnace and ensure proper functioning throughout the appliance. Clean Air Conditioner and Check Operation: We will remove dirt and dust from the indoor air handler, improving efficiency and airflow. Clean Outdoor Condenser and Check Refrigerant Charge: We will remove dirt, leaves, and other debris from the condenser coils and check refrigerant levels. Clean Air Exchange Filters and Core: We will remove dust and other contaminants and clean the core to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Check Radiant In-Floor Heating System : We will check the pressure of your in-floor heating system and make sure it is operating at maximum efficiency. Check Humidifier Filter and Drain Line: We can replace your filter if needed to prevent dry air and ensure comfortable humidity levels during the cold months ahead. Check Unit Heater Operation: We will ensure all components of your heater are functioning properly, including ignition, burner operation, and heat output. Clean Fireplace and Check Operation: We can remove soot and debris from your fireplace and make sure it’s safe to use, so you can stay warm by the fire all winter. Call WestAIR Today for More HVAC Winterization Tips Winter can wreak havoc on the unprepared HVAC system. But hopefully these HVAC winterization tips will come in handy, helping you prepare for the cold while saving money. To avoid emergency breakdowns and high energy costs, call our professional technicians for a full inspection and service.
On average, Americans spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors . That means maintaining good indoor air quality , or IAQ, is absolutely critical for staying in good health. Poor IAQ can cause and exacerbate a variety of health issues, including headaches, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Fortunately, modern technology has introduced several new ways to improve indoor air quality. With the addition of a couple of easy strategies that anyone can do, you’ll be breathing clean air in your home all year round. Install an Air Exchanger Modern homes are well-sealed and insulated to preserve temperature and energy efficiency, but this does have a downside. A tightly sealed home keeps fresh outdoor air out, while trapping stale indoor air inside. An air exchanger remedies this by delivering clean, filtered outdoor air to your home while exhausting indoor air, contaminants, and excess humidity. At WestAIR , we proudly install the Lifebreath® Ventilation System, which provides a continuous flow of air to prevent stagnation, reduce humidity, and expel gaseous pollutants. Install an Air Cleaner Indoor air tends to be much more polluted than outdoor air, often containing copious amounts of dust, pollen, spores, and other particles. An air cleaner traps dust and other irritating particles, allowing the newly cleaned air to circulate throughout your home. We provide and install AprilAire ® non-electronic and electronic air cleaners, both of which trap particles effectively and efficiently. In fact, AprilAire air cleaners trap 98 percent of visible airborne dust and other large particles while permanently capturing at least 97 percent of airborne pollen-sized particles. Install a Whole House Humidifier While not as much of an issue during the summer, our long cold seasons in Minnesota drastically reduce the moisture in the air in our homes. This dry air causes many adverse health effects, including nose, throat, and skin discomfort. Dry air can even damage wood framing and harm expensive electronics. A humidifier forces dry air through its water panel evaporator, adding moisture to your air and keeping your home at proper humidity levels. At WestAIR, we provide and install AprilAire and Honeywell® humidifiers, both of which have proven to be effective solutions to dry air. Install a UV Light Air Purifier This type of purifier produces UV rays that break through an organism’s cell wall to sufficiently damage or destroy its DNA, rendering it unable to reproduce. This is particularly effective at removing airborne pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, mold, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We are proud to be an authorized installer of BreatheCLEAN™ UV air purification systems , which install easily into your existing ductwork. The BreatheCLEAN features two 36-watt bulbs that destroy nearly all airborne disease-causing organisms. Take Advantage of Natural Ventilation One of the easiest ways to improve indoor air quality is to open up your home to outdoor air. Keep your windows and doors open when the weather is nice to allow air to cycle through. Try to do this for at least 10 minutes every day, even in the winter. During the summer, you can open your windows but keep the blinds partially closed to benefit from the fresh air without increasing heat gain from the sun. Reduce Pollutants at Their Sources The most direct way to combat indoor air pollution is by tackling them at their sources. This can be as simple as vacuuming and dusting regularly and refraining from smoking inside your home. If your home has insulation containing asbestos, seal off that area. The American Lung Association also recommends using safer cleaning alternatives when cleaning your home , such as soap and water, vinegar, and baking soda. Protect Your Home with WestAIR Stale indoor air poses many risks to your health. But with these six ways to improve indoor air quality, your home will be full of clean, fresh air. The professionals at WestAir Heating & Cooling have the experience and know-how to recommend and install the best air cleaning devices in your home so that you can have peace of mind. Call us at 763.498.8071 or visit our contact page to make an appointment.
WestAIR Heating & Cooling has been helping Minnesotans keep their homes cool, clean, and energy-efficient for over 35 years. With rising summer temperatures already impacting the Twin Cities, we want to provide some tips for staying comfortable while keeping your air conditioning bill low all season long. Keep reading to explore how to save money on air conditioning. Be Smart with Your Thermostat Your thermostat has the most direct effect on your energy costs this summer, and it’s also the most controllable factor in the cooling equation. Be strategic when adjusting its settings! Find the warmest temperature that you are comfortable with during the day and avoid setting it any lower than that. The Department of Energy recommends 78°F, but this depends on your personal preference. You may want to invest in a programmable or smart thermostat to make temperature management even easier. These devices allow you to set schedules for automatic adjustments throughout the day. For instance, you can program higher temperatures for when you’re sleeping or away at work for the day. A smart thermostat lets you fine-tune the temperature for specific rooms and even provides remote access from your smartphone. Optimize Your Air Conditioner Taking good care of your A/C unit is also key to keeping your home energy- and cost-efficient. Follow the manufacturer’s routine maintenance directions and make sure your entire system is checked twice a year by a qualified technician . A representative from WestAIR can identify problems early and keep your A/C unit running at peak performance. Remember to check your air filters regularly, too. Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing your system to work harder and use more energy. To avoid this, clean permanent filters with mild detergent every 30 to 60 days, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Replaceable 1″ filters should also be changed every 30 to 60 days, while air cleaner filters can be swapped out annually. Contact WestAIR if you require assistance checking or cleaning your filters. Keep the Heat Out The more you can prevent heat from entering your home, the less your A/C will have to work to keep it cool. You have several easy and practical ways to do this. First, close the shades and curtains on sunny windows during the day. You could also invest in blackout curtains in bedrooms, which block significant amounts of heat and light. But don’t be afraid to draw back those curtains and open a window or two when it cools off in the evening. Just remember to close them again when outdoor temperatures rise. You also want to make sure your home is sealed off and insulated, so that the cool air from your A/C won’t escape and hot air from outside won’t seep in. Check for gaps around windows and doors and repair them with weather stripping. Older windows may even have small cracks, meaning you might want to replace them entirely. Stay Cool with WestAIR Outdoor temperatures may be rising, but you don’t have to break the bank to stay comfortable. At WestAIR Heating & Cooling , we are dedicated to making sure you have access to clean air and comfortable temperatures all year long. Contact us to schedule a professional tune-up or discuss installing a new, high-efficiency air conditioner for your home.