Fall 2011

The Benefits of Tuning Up Your Heating System

The sun is setting earlier, the temperatures have started to fall and depending on where you live, you may have even seen flakes of snow start to fly. That means that winter is very nearly upon us, and heating season is about to begin – if it hasn’t already.

That also means that if you have not gotten an annual tune up of your heating system, time is running short to get it done. In case you need some reminders about why that is so important, read on to learn more.

The Tune Up

When a professional comes to your home to do annual maintenance on your HVAC system, you may wonder just what he is up to. Usually, it is just routine tasks. He will do a general inspection, tighten connections, check lines to make sure they are moving freely, lubricate any moving parts and clean the parts that get dirty easily, like filters, fans and vents.

Also, if there are any parts that need to be replaced during this time, he will take care of that as well.

The Benefits

That all seems simple enough, so why is it so important? There are several reasons, such as:

• Replacing worn parts early prevents major breakdowns later, such as in the middle of winter. Being without heat in the chilly midst of January while you wait for a repairman to make it through the snow is no fun.
• Tightening, lubricating and cleaning the various components of your heating system helps keep the whole system running smoothly and efficiently. This means your home is as warm as it can be, and your family is comfortable and happy.
• Routine maintenance extends the life of your heating system, so you can avoid dropping big money on a replacement as long as possible.
• You save money, not only on the replacement costs we just mentioned, but also on monthly bills and future repair costs.

When you look at all those benefits together, it only seems natural to have your heating system inspected and tuned up. The sooner, the better, so give a call to local professional today.

That way, you can be warm all winter long and rest easy knowing that your heating system is in great shape.

Humidify For Your Health

Winter is approaching, and that means dry air. Aside from causing itchy, dry skin and chapped lips, air that is too dry presents other health concerns. Keeping the air in your home moist with a humidifier can counteract these effects and help keep your family healthy. The result is an effective, low cost contribution to your family’s health and comfort.

Benefits of Humidification

Keeping the air in your home at a properly humidity level provides several health benefits, such as:

• Increased energy levels. Your body has more trouble transferring oxygen to the blood from dry air, which can make you feel tired or fatigued. Humidification helps the oxygenation process.
• Reduced chance of infections. By keeping mucus membranes moist, humid air reduces your body’s susceptibility to cold, flu and other infections.
• Relief of cold and sinus symptoms, as well as shorter recovery time from these ailments.
• Reduction of asthma symptoms.
• Facilitates sleep, especially for infants and young children.
• Helps prevent nosebleeds.
• Reduces levels of airborne dust and allergens.

In addition to all these potential health benefits, moist air can also extend the life of wooden floors and furniture, as well as reducing static electricity.

Please note that while humidifiers have health benefits, they are not meant to cure, treat or diagnose any illness or ailment. Humidifiers can help keep you from getting sick, and help relieve symptoms, but you should still seek professional treatment from a doctor if you or anyone in your family is feeling ill.

Finally, keep in mind that humidifiers are not without risk. Air that is too humid can create water damage, and the hot steam from a humidifier can cause injury.

Humidifying the Whole House

Much like air conditioners, humidifiers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can get a small model for a single room, such as a nursery or bedroom. You can also get a humidification system which covers your entire home.

A whole house humidification system is incorporated into your HVAC system to deliver moist air throughout your home in winter or any other dry times. These systems can be particularly helpful if you live in the desert or any area with a dry climate.

Whole house humidification requires professional installation, so consult with a licensed contractor in your area. He can help you choose the right model for your needs, which will help keep your family safe and comfortable year round.