Air filtration is an important for a number of reasons. We usually only think about our furnace filter when we're dusting around the house or sneezing from the airborne particles that appear when the furnace turns on in the winter.

How Often Should I Replace My Air Filter?

Filter replacement frequency varies by filter type, by the size of your home and the overall air quality. A furnace in a larger home will move more air and clog the filter faster. If you have pets you’ll probably need to change your filter twice as often. Not only are pet dander and hair a leading cause of allergens, they also clog air filters quickly! Start with every two months for a pleated 1” filter and double the frequency if you have a large home or if you have pets.

Costlier filters may claim to last 90 days, but, in our experience, these filters are so restrictive that they should be changed monthly. Your furnace and air conditioner will breathe easier and so will you!

Choosing An Air Filter

If you’re really interested in cleaning the air in your home, we can install a whole-house air cleaner in place of your furnace filter. These filters clean the air better that any of the standard filters and they often only need changed annually. Buy your air filters by the case (usually 6 to 12) and keep them near your furnace. This will lessen the tendency to procrastinate about your air filter change. Buying by the case can also reduce the cost of each filter change.

Never run your system with an incorrectly sized filter. An poor-fitting furnace filter will allow dust and other contaminates to sneak around the filter and into your home. This is also the primary cause of clogged air conditioner coils. Clogged a/c coils reduce efficiency and compressor life, and can cause expensive problems down the road. Always turn off your furnace at the breaker panel or disconnect (not just the thermostat) before replacing your filter. Some furnaces have electrical wiring close to the filter location which could shock you if the power is not disconnected first.

If you're uncertain about where your furnace filter goes, what direction to install it, or what size or type to use, give us a call. We're always happy to help. For improved filtration and healthier indoor air quality, we offer whole-house air cleaners and other Indoor Air Quality systems. Our technicians can recommend the best solution based on your needs and your home.

5 Advantages of Radiant Floor Heating

Radiant floor heating offers many advantages over other forms of heating. Here are just a few of the advantages.

Energy Efficient

Radiant heat is like being out in the sunshine. You can be more comfortable at a lower air temperature.  This lower air temperature will save you money on your energy bills.

The sensation of comfort is caused by a combination of air temperature and radiant energy that equals the body’s energy needs.  When you receive a greater amount of radiant energy, you will be equally comfortable at a lower air temperature. The sensation of radiant heat allows you to keep the air temperature – and your heating bills – lower.

Cleaner and More Healthful

Radiant heating does not blow dust, dirt, bacteria and viruses around your home. Unlike forced air systems, radiant heat will not dry out your respiratory system and leaving you vulnerable to infection. Radiant heat is ideal for people with asthma and other upper respiratory ailments.

Child Friendly and Safer

With radiant floor heating, there are no dangerously hot surfaces for children to come into contact with...and no floor vents to drop those crayons into!

Unobtrusive

With no vents or unsightly metal grates, you can't see a radiant heating system, it's completely hidden underfoot. But you can certainly feel it, and it feels great!

Simple and Reliable

Radiant heating systems are simple. Unlike more complicated forced air or electric heating systems, there are fewer parts that need service or maintenance. A radiant floor heating system is virtually maintenance free and will provide many years of reliable, comfortable heat.