Posts

4 Indoor Air Quality Challenges During the Winter Season

According to the EPA, the concentration of indoor air pollutants in homes can be two to five times higher than typical outdoor levels. As the seasons change, so do the things that affect indoor air quality. In today’s post, local heating and AC repair company Schmitt discusses common indoor air quality challenges during the winter season.

Key Differences Between HEPA & MERV Filters

Air filters prevent impurities in the air from entering your HVAC system, and choosing the right type of air filter can help improve indoor air quality and HVAC efficiency. In today’s post, local HVAC repair company Schmitt discusses two of the most common types of air filters: HEPA and MERV filters.

HVAC Tips to Keep Your Pets Cool & Comfortable This Summer

Pets offer companionship and unconditional love. However, caring for them is a big responsibility. Among other things, you have to make sure they’re well-fed and well-groomed. Also, as a pet owner, you shouldn’t overlook your HVAC system; it should be in top condition to ensure their comfort and safety.
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Maintaining Good IAQ in the Era of the “New Normal”

We’re now in the midst of the so-called “new normal”. Physical distancing is in full effect, and people are continuing to be encouraged to stay at home. This is done to limit your chances of getting the virus, keep yourself healthy and contribute to “flattening the curve.” However, as you stay indoors, you should make sure the air you breathe is clean and safe.

How to Prevent Clogged Air Conditioning Drains

Air conditioning drains, or condensate drains, are the pipes that expel excess moisture from your air conditioner. It’s important to keep these pipes clear to prevent potential air conditioner problems, which you won’t want to happen, given the warm months to come. Read more

Is Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality Getting Worse?

With the heating season in full swing, homeowners across the nation are scrambling to get their heating repair and maintenance needs taken care of right away. As you do, don’t forget to include your indoor air quality (IAQ) levels on your list of routine HVAC tasks to be done. Read more

The Importance of Controlling Relative Indoor Humidity

Humidity control is an essential part of maintaining good indoor air quality. It’s important to note that indoor humidity levels are relative to the season; therefore, they vary throughout the year. In this blog, residential cooling company Schmitt shares an overview of why maintaining proper indoor humidity levels is so important.

Managing Spring Allergies at Home

Many people look forward to the spring season because of the beautiful weather and longer days perfect for spending time outdoors and taking leisurely walks. Others dread springtime, however, because of the allergies it triggers. Residential heating company Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning shares an overview of how you can manage spring allergies in your own home.

Improving Office Productivity Through Indoor Air Quality

According to a 2015 study conducted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Center for Health and the Global Environment, SUNY Upstate Medical University, and Syracuse University, poor indoor air quality is linked to poor productivity in the workplace.

3 Things About IAQ Every Pet Lover Should Know

Many people in San Francisco consider their pets, whether cat, dog, bird, or a more exotic species, as a part of their family. We know to feed, water, and groom our pets, but it is also crucial for pet owners to understand how having a pet can affect your home’s air quality. Pets are a fantastic way to improve both your mental and physical health, but when caring for pets, it’s wise to be mindful of the quality of your indoor air.

Many pets, especially mammalian pets, such as cats and dogs produce what is called dander. Dander is a term for very small particles of skin that fall from your pet’s skin and coat. Many people assume that pet hair is the trigger or most animal allergies, when it fact, dander is more often the culprit. To effectively keep dander and other pet debris to a minimum, we’ve offered up a few tips. The biggest issue with pet dander is making sure that it never gets out of control in the first place. Follow these simple tips to prevent pet dander buildup and improve the IAQ in your pet friendly home.

IAQ for Pet Friendly Homes

  • Bathe and/or groom your pets as recommended by your veterinarian. Clean and healthy pets will produce less dander than pets who are not groomed regularly. If not properly groomed, excess dander could form on your pet and be distributed around your home. Brush your pet regularly to remove dander and keep their coat healthy and be sure to provide them with high quality food and plenty of fresh water. This will help ensure that your pet is properly hydrated, and this will keep their skin soft and less apt to producing dander
  • Get regular maintenance on your home’s HVAC system. Not only will this keep your HVAC system running smoothly, it is also essential for maintaining excellent air quality. And, for homes with pets, maintenance is even more fundamental, since pet hair and dander can collect not only within your air filter, but also in other areas. A professionally trained technician can spot any issues, whether performing routine maintenance or beyond, before anything grows into a more serious problem.
  • Speaking of filters, be sure to clean or change your HVAC system’s air filter every month or two, or according to the manufacturer’s directions. Since air filters vary on size and function, depending on what type of filter you have, it could need changed less or more often than monthly. The simplest advice is to check your filter often and change or clean it whenever it appears dirty. If you are using a basic air filter, consider upgrading to a HEPA filter or a filter that can help capture pet dander and debris.  
  • Another way to ensure excellent air quality is to consider an air purifier for your home.  Pet dander, dust, and other debris can accumulate in your home’s ductwork and an air purifier can truly help!

Give us a call today to learn more about improving your home’s Indoor Air Quality, whether with HVAC services, UV Lamps, Humidifiers or Ventilators, we can help! Phone: 415-689-7849