Is Indoor Air Quality Worse in Winter?

January 20, 2023

Poor indoor air quality in the winter can have negative effects on people’s health. It can cause respiratory problems, headaches, allergies, and asthma. To improve indoor air quality during the winter, it is important to properly maintain heating systems, increase ventilation, and use products with low emissions of pollutants. Indoor Air Quality in Winter Indoor air quality can be worse in the winter due to a number of factors. During the colder months, people tend to spend more time indoors, which can lead to a buildup of indoor air pollutants. Additionally, the use of heating systems can also contribute to poor indoor air quality. One factor that can contribute to poor indoor air quality in the winter is the increased use of heating systems. Heating systems, such as furnaces and boilers, can release pollutants into the air, including carbon monoxide and particulate matter. Additionally, when these systems are not properly maintained, they can also release mold spores, dust, and other allergens. Lack of ventilation can also contribute to poor indoor air quality. During the colder months, people tend to keep their windows and doors closed to keep warm. This can lead to a buildup of indoor air pollutants, as there...

View Article

Read More

Get an Indoor Air Quality Test and Breathe Easier

December 20, 2022

Maintaining safe air quality in your home is necessary for your comfort and respiratory health. Have the air in your home regularly tested by the team at Advanced Comfort Solutions to keep you and your family safe and comfortable for years to come. How We Test Your Indoor Air Quality We conduct an extensive test of your home’s air with an AirAdvice IAQ monitor. This tool tests for dust particles, chemical pollutants, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide and checks the temperature and humidity. This test can take anywhere from 30 minutes to three days. Once the test is complete, our team can provide you with the best solution to purify your air at home. It’s crucial to stay alert about your home’s air quality level. Several issues can arise if you ignore your air quality and let potential problems fester. Dust and other particles in the air can create increased allergic reactions and asthma attacks for the people in your home. Bad air can also indicate other problems, such as dirty or clogged vents, a lack of ventilation in your home, or even a problem with mold. Get your air quality tested to make sure none of these issues are...

View Article

Read More

How Long Is the Typical Heating Cycle for a Furnace?

November 19, 2022

Gas furnaces always run on heating cycles. Each cycle is the time from when the furnace turns on until the thermostat registers the correct temperature and signals the furnace to shut off. If you ever notice that your furnace is running for a much shorter or longer time than normal, it indicates there is some issue preventing your heating system from working correctly. With that in mind, here is a quick overview of the average length of a furnace’s heating cycle and also what it means if your furnace is cycling on and off too slowly or too quickly. Average Heating Cycle Length If your furnace is well maintained and working properly, it will typically perform two to three heating cycles per hour with each cycle lasting for around 10 to 15 minutes. That being said, there are a few different factors that can affect either the length of each cycle or how many cycles the furnace has per hour. Outdoor temperature is obviously one of the biggest factors since this will affect both how quickly your home cools down and how much heat is needed to bring the temperature back up. In below-zero weather when much more heat is...

View Article

Read More

Is There a Reason My Furnace Won’t Stay On?

October 19, 2022

If your furnace is cycling on and off too frequently, it may be time to call in a professional. It’s frustrating when your furnace won’t work properly, and it can be difficult to determine the problem. So, what’s going on when your furnace stops working? Why won’t it stay on? We will look at some possible reasons why your furnace isn’t staying on and what you can do about it. 1. Check the Thermostat One of the first things you should do if your furnace won’t stay on is to check the thermostat. Ensure that it is set to “heat” and that the temperature is above room temperature. If the thermostat is correctly set and the furnace still won’t turn on, there may be an issue with the thermostat itself. 2. Faulty Ignition Switch The ignition switch is what turns on the gas in the furnace. If the switch is not working properly, then the gas will not be able to ignite, and the furnace will not turn on. 3. Check for a Tripped Circuit Breaker It is also possible that a circuit breaker has been tripped. Locate your home’s circuit breaker box and find the breaker that corresponds to...

View Article

Read More

How Are R22 and R410A Refrigerants Different?

September 13, 2022

The refrigerant used in your air conditioning system is very important. If you have an old system, it may run on R22, while newer ones use R410A. This switch occurred because significant problems were created by R22, and the government mandated its phaseout. R22 and Why It Was Phased Out R22, often called Freon, was discontinued in 2010 because it’s a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC). HCFC contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer. It’s also highly caustic, and it causes local environmental damage when it leaks. As of 2020, it can no longer get produced. If you have an air conditioner that uses R22 and it leaks, you will probably need to upgrade to a system that uses R410A. As production of this refrigerant is slowing, there’s a limited supply. It’s now considerably expensive and sometimes impossible to get. Our team would love to install a new air conditioning system in your home. We are a premier Lennox dealer with years of experience providing expert assistance and superior service. R410A Benefits R410A is a much better refrigerant than R22. Additionally known as Puron, it doesn’t harm the ozone layer. It’s considerably more efficient than R22 since it absorbs and releases heat...

View Article

Read More

AC Squealing? Here Are the Possible Causes

August 16, 2022

Your air conditioner shouldn’t make loud noises if it is working correctly. If you suddenly hear your AC start to make squealing or squeaking noises, it is a sure sign that you need to have your system serviced. There are two main issues that can cause an air conditioner to make squealing noises, and both of them will eventually prevent your system from running if not fixed. Misaligned or Damaged Belt If you have an older air conditioner, the squealing is usually a sign that the belt that drives the fan motor in the outdoor AC compressor is worn out. You will also hear the same squealing noise inside the house if the belt that drives the blower fan motor is worn. Heat and moisture can cause the belt to become stretched. The belt can also start to fray or otherwise become damaged. When the belt isn’t in good condition or not properly aligned, it will start to make a squealing noise similar to a squeaky belt in a car. The good news is that the belt can easily be replaced, which will stop it from making noise. Worn-Out Ball Bearings Newer AC units no longer use belt-driven motors. Instead,...

View Article

Read More

When Should I Get My New HVAC System Installed?

July 26, 2022

Finding the best time to replace your HVAC system can be difficult. Planning an installation during the peak seasons could have you fighting for your HVAC company’s attention. If you wait too long, you may be faced with an HVAC emergency. Consider planning your installation during the spring or fall seasons to maximize your comfort and savings. HVAC Off-Season The peak season for HVAC services is during the winter and summer. Families need constant temperature control during these months, which increases the average number of emergency calls and maintenance needs. Plan your HVAC installation during the spring or fall when your local HVAC company isn’t busy. You’re more likely to get a timely appointment when your HVAC company of choice isn’t fully booked up. Additionally, you can usually take advantage of manufacturer promotions and better pricing during the fall and spring. Many HVAC companies offer incentives to draw clients in during the off-season. Take advantage of these savings by bundling your installation with a free thermostat upgrade or indoor air quality check. Popular manufacturers also offer amazing rebates and discounts on the previous season’s models. It’s always best to plan an HVAC installation when you don’t need constant temperature control....

View Article

Read More

How Static Pressure Impacts Your Home’s HVAC System

June 13, 2022

At Advanced Comfort Solutions, we understand that if you want to run your HVAC system more efficiently and reduce energy costs, it is essential to know what static pressure is. In fact, understanding the effects of static pressure is very important to heating and air conditioning maintenance. The following provides a closer look at why static pressure is important in the HVAC industry. What Is Static Pressure in HVAC Static pressure is the measure of air resistance to flow in a duct system. It is typically measured in inches of water column ( inch WC) and is very important in the proper operation of your HVAC system. The static pressure of your system should be within a range specific to your system’s design and requirements. If the static pressure in your system is too high, it can cause a decrease in airflow and lead to poor indoor air quality. Conversely, if the static pressure is too low, it can cause your system to work harder than necessary, leading to increased energy costs. How to Measure Static Pressure One way is to use a digital pressure gauge. This gauge type is a commonly used tool for HVAC technicians and technicians in...

View Article

Read More

Cleaning Your Window AC Unit

May 16, 2022

A window AC unit can be a great appliance for cooling a room in your home. You should clean it regularly to keep it working efficiently and to prevent mold and mildew from growing inside it. While it may seem complicated to clean one, it’s actually pretty easy and doesn’t require any specialized tools. Clean the Filter You should clean the filter every month and replace it every two to six months, depending on how often you use your window AC unit. Unplug the unit, open the front panel and remove the air filter. Vacuum up any visible dust and debris. Wash the filter in warm, soapy water. Clean the Exterior Use warm water and dish soap to clean the exterior. Clean all the gaps in the grill where dust and dirt collect. Be sure to clean any small gaps in the exterior as debris collects in them, too. Clean the Fins and Coils Clean the fins and coils two to four times a year. Use a fin comb or soft brush to brush the fins inside your window AC unit. Be gentle as the fins are easily bent. If there are any bent fins, gently straighten them out. Follow...

View Article

Read More

Should I Get a Window Unit or Central Air?

April 11, 2022

As the warm weather rolls in, you’ll likely begin preparing your air conditioning for the coming summer. Keeping the home cool can be expensive depending on your appliance of choice. While window units are less expensive than installing central air, both forms of air conditioning have their unique benefits and costs. Central Air Conditioning Central air will pump air conditioning into your entire home by using your existing HVAC system’s ductwork. This is the best air conditioning option for you if you’re interested in improving the value of your home or want more secure air conditioning. Central air also uses your HVAC system’s filter system to pull impurities out of the air, improving your indoor air quality. While central air is the most effective form of air conditioning, it’s also the most expensive to install. You’ll be responsible for regular maintenance and repairs just like with your furnace. Central air is perfect for your household if you want to invest in a reliable cooling system that will last more than a decade. Window Units Window units don’t cost nearly as much as central air conditioning, but they cool much less space. These appliances can be installed in key areas to...

View Article

Read More