Posted on June 30th, 2014

When many people think of air pollution, the focus tends to be more on outdoor air quality. However, the air you breathe indoors can be even more polluted. Some pollutants, like dust and pollen, can be tracked indoors, while others may enter via pets, new furniture, a fresh coat paint, harsh cleaning chemicals or carpet cleaners. We at Western Heating & Air want to help improve the indoor air quality of your home.

Get Air Ducts Cleaned

The cleanliness of the air ducts in a house can impact indoor air quality. Getting them periodically vacuumed out can aid in removing any impurities, such as dust and mold trapped in the ducts, and prevent them from circulating around your home. Air filters are the gateways to the air ducts and changing them every two to three months can also help improve the air quality in a house.

Use All Natural Cleaning Supplies

There are many harsh chemicals in everyday cleaning supplies. The toxic fumes from polishes, bleaches, soaps and other cleaning products can contribute to unhealthy air quality inside a home. Some of the most potentially harmful products are oven, drain and toilet bowl cleaners. Exposure to any of these products can potentially irritate the skin and eyes, and cause headaches. The long term effects can be more serious and include chronic respiratory issues.

Using all-natural cleaning supplies can improve air quality in Orem, UT. There are a number of companies who sell all natural cleaning products. You can also make a natural all-purpose cleaning solution by combining vinegar and water in equal proportions.  Mixing baking soda with a dash of vinegar can create an effective scouring cleanser.

Poor indoor air quality can contribute to a whole host of health problems. Contact us at Western Heating & Air for assistance in improving the air quality in your home.

Posted on June 24th, 2014

Air leaks are a source of frustration for every homeowner: they reduce air quality, drive up utility costs, and can even cause interior home damage. The good news is that detecting house air leaks is often easy if you take the right approach. At Western Heating & Air, we recommend homeowners take the following steps to uncover home air leaks.

Take a Close Look at Your Home

You may find house air leaks through a simple visual inspection. The Department of Energy recommends that homeowners inspect parts of the home exterior where different surfaces meet, such as corners and the line between the foundation and siding. Inside your home, you should look at the following things:

• Outlets and light switch plates
• Phone and cable lines
• Wires and pipes
• Fans and vents
• Baseboards
• Door or window frames
• Weather stripping

If you suspect you have a window leak, try shaking the window; if it moves, there is likely a leak. If you don’t find any gaps or cracks, you can move on to a more direct tactic.

Conduct a Pressurization Test

A pressurization test can pinpoint more difficult to detect Orem, UT air leaks. You’ll get best results conducting the test on a windy, cool day. Before you begin, turn off appliances that burn fuel and close all doors, windows, and flues. Next, turn on every exhaust fan that directs air outside.

By doing this, you are creating a pressure differential between your home and the external environment. Next, light an incense stick and hold it near potential leak sources. If the smoke is blown into the room or sucked outside, you have found your leak.

Handling Air Leaks

Many house air leaks can be fixed through caulking, weather-stripping, or even home upgrades. For a small investment of time and effort, you can enjoy long-term energy savings and a more comfortable home environment.

Of course, air leaks aren’t the only problems that can degrade indoor air quality or cause home energy loss. If you need repairs or upgrades to address other home issues, please contact Western Heating & Air today to schedule a consultation.

Posted on June 13th, 2014

Air conditioning problems are among the last things Utah homeowners want to worry about during summertime. Unfortunately, many homeowners ignore signs that an air conditioning unit is becoming inefficient, which can lead to lost money and a sudden replacement. At Western Heating & Air, we recommend homeowners pay attention to the following signs that they may need a more energy efficient AC unit.

Telltale Warning Signs

When air conditioner performance declines gradually, it can be difficult to detect. Fortunately, there will be some obvious changes, including the following warning signs:

• Your energy bills increased from last year. Make sure to account for changes in fuel costs when comparing bills.
• You frequently schedule Orem, UT AC repair. If multiple parts of the AC unit are wearing down or failing, efficiency won’t be at its best.
• Your unit is over 10 years old. Older units don’t offer the same performance as newer ones; a new energy efficient AC unit may save up to 20 percent on costs.
• Your home is very dusty or humid. This may indicate underlying problems with your AC unit or related components, such as your ductwork.
• Your home’s heat profile is uneven. This indicates a loss of energy or inefficiency somewhere in the system.

These are all signs that you should consider speaking with a specialist about repairs or upgrades to bring you energy efficient AC.

Potential Solutions

In some cases, upgrading to an energy efficient AC unit might not be necessary immediately. Taking care of simple maintenance, including filter changes, ductwork cleaning and sealing, and annual tune-ups, may restore your unit to an acceptable level of efficiency. Sometimes, though, it will make more sense financially to replace your old unit, considering the savings that efficient units offer.

At Western Heating & Air, we are happy to help you evaluate your options and complete any necessary replacements or repairs. Feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment or get a free quote for our services.