When you hire an electrician, you have to trust that they will follow all electrical safety codes. There is nothing our Master Electrician, Doug G., dislikes more than finding hazardous electrical work in customer's homes so he is sharing with us the four most common electrical safety mistakes for homeowners to look out for.

1. Not using a junction box

Behind every light fixture and light switch there is a junction box. The j box protects the electrical connections, protects you from electrical shock and protects your home from electrical fires.

2. Burying a junction box or open splice behind sheet rock

Concealing a junction box full of live or exposed wires is against all electrical building codes. Short circuits or wiring issues could easily cause a spark and catch the interior of the home's wall on fire before anyone could ever notice.

3. Not leaving the proper length of wires for splicing or attaching to a device.

Wires that are cut too short make wire connections difficult which is dangerous and increases the chances of a poor electrical connection.

4. Not providing ground fault protection when required

Ground fault circuit breakers will shut off electric power when it senses an imbalance between the outgoing and incoming current. We all know that water and electricity don't mix, so all kitchens, bathrooms, garages and the exterior of houses need ground faults for protection against an electrical shock.

Biofuel is a type of fuel that is produced using renewable sources, such as animal fats, plant-based oils and algae material. Biofuel offers a number of advantages over traditional fossil fuels, like petroleum and natural gas, particularly in terms of its impact on the environment. Specifically, it is biodegradable and burns more cleanly, which means it produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Given these environmental benefits, the blending of biofuel has been mandated by the state government. Heating oil distributors receive certain monetary credits for blending #2 heating oil with biofuel. The maximum recommended blend of biofuel by heating equipment manufacturers is 20%.

Because of the potential financial gain, however, many local heating oil delivery companies have begun blending a percentage of biofuel that far exceeds this recommendation.

For instance, there are several local heating oil distributors that are blending over 50% or higher. There is even one local heating oil distributor that owns a biofuel manufacturing plant that is blending 80% - and all in an attempt to increase their monetary gain. As usual, money and greed are a driving factor. Why should this matter to you? Because too much biofuel – even with all of its many benefits – can have a negative impact on your heating system. Specifically, because biofuel is not the same as #2 heating oil, it does not have the same viscosity of output BTUs. A blend of biofuel over 20% can actually cause oil heating equipment to burn dirty and foul the burning process. Keep in mind that damages caused by this are not typically covered by the manufacturer or the service company that maintains your heating equipment. To prevent costly surprises and protect your investment, should contact your heating oil distributer and ask specifically what percentage their blend is. (This must also be noted on the oil delivery slip provided by your delivery company.) Don’t take chances when it comes to your home’s heating system. Contact us today and get more than just a warm home. Get clean air and peace of mind.

Options for Improving Indoor Air Quality There has always been a need for indoor air quality. Sadly, most homes do not have enough, leaving the majority of homeowners living with poor indoor air quality. Here in the Northeast, there are several factors that contribute to poor indoor air quality. In particular, we deal with excessive humidity in the summer season, as well as a lack of adequate humidity in the winter. And, of course, there are the particulates that are present all year long, including dust, pollen, pet dander, dust mites, gases, odors and, last but not least, germs. This year, with the added concern of COVID-19, a lot of homeowners and businesses are looking to improve their air quality. Let’s explore some of the most common ways to address indoor air quality below.

Filtration

Filtration is the most common air quality product. This process prevents the indoor HVAC system from accumulating dust and other indoor particulates. Should you choose to go this route, a high efficiency media air cleaner is the best filtration for your money. We recommend choosing one with at least a MERV-8 filter. Electronic air cleaners cost a lot more money to install, operate and maintain.

Humidification

The second most common air quality product for your home is humidification. This is most noticeable to those who either don’t have enough during the winter or have too much during the summer. Too much humidity can also be an issue in finished basements. If you want to add humidification during the winter season, there are a lot of products and options available to you. Similar to filtration, the best approach with humidification is to keep it simple and take care of it. Aprilaire humidifiers made by Research Projects are the best humidifiers on the market, dollar for dollar. They have three models designed for forced hot air systems. The Aprilaire 600 by-pass humidifier is the most common. It is a trickle-through humidifier that requires no reservoir of standing water. The model 700 is a power trickle-through humidifier that also works well. Both the 600 and 700 models add moisture to the air whenever your forced hot air heating system is operating. Keep in mind, however, that these types of humidifiers can only do so much based on heating cycle times and, in reality, may also offset how dry your home air will drop to. If you want true humidification, the Aprilaire model 800 steam humidifier is your best bet. The model 800 boils water in a steam canister and then distributes it into the duct system. At the same time, it will communicate to your forced hot air unit and turn the fan on to distribute it without turning on the heat. This thereby enables you to genuinely humidify your home.

Dehumidification

Another option for improving indoor air quality is to dehumidify your home during the summer. You can do this automatically if you have central or ductless air conditioning. If you have forced hot water baseboard or radiant heat, however, you may need to add Mitsubishi ductless units. This will help to cool your home and dehumidify it at the same time. Mitsubishi ductless units provide very low-cost heating and cooling and feature a dehumidification mode designed to remove unwanted moisture without lowering or raising the temperature.

UV Lights

Purified air has become a more important indoor air quality concern than ever, particularly with the COVID-19 outbreak. UV light is the best way to neutralize bacteria, mold, fungi and, yes, viruses. There are several models of UV lights made by Field Controls that can easily be incorporated into your home. The two most popular options include a duct mounted UV light in an existing forced hot air system or a self-contained unit that’s designed for homes without ductwork. The Fields Trio portable UV air purifier is sized to cover 1,000 square feet.

Fresh Air

Last but not least, you can improve the quality of air inside your home by introducing outside air. New building codes have tightened up homes for energy savings and, as such, it has become more apparent than ever that changing the air in tight homes is not only a good idea, but a necessity. The only efficient way to do this is with an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) made by RenewAire. This product not only removes old, stale, contaminated air and introduces fresh air from outside, but it also retains a good portion of the energy in the air and puts it back into your home through the RenewAires extraordinary static plate exchange core. This provides much cleaner and more efficient fresh air. At Wilson Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning Inc., we specialize in the professional installation and maintenance of in-home air-quality products, including all of the products listed above. For more information or to receive a free, no-obligation quote, please contact us today!

To all our valued customers; We want to reach out with an update from the Wilson Brothers HVAC team in an effort to communicate where we are at during this crisis. We have taken care of all our customers’ needs during this crisis. There has not been a single customer or company that has not received the service they have needed. We are working shorthanded and under a lot of mental stress. But we have been there every day to serve our customer base. As we move forward out of this crisis we will continue to do so. We have gone back to our full staff as of May 4^th to take care of all our customer needs. In an effort to insure our customers have their comfort systems ready for the upcoming summer season. As we do this we have put some precautions into place to protect our customers and our valued employees. All our employees will have personal protective equipment (PPE) to use while they are in your homes. We have communicated with our employees the importance of using the PPE while they are in your home. We also want to point out the importance of our customers’ responsibility to do the same. While our employees are in your home please respect social distancing to ensure their health as well. Our customers need to make sure no one in the home is ill and to make sure their work area is clean and clear. Our employees are putting themselves into harm’s way to take care of your comfort systems. Please take care of them while they are in your home. In closing, now more than ever it is important to get your home comfort systems cleaned and tuned up for the coming summer weather. As always we are ready to service our valued customers.

2020 Rebates

FUEL	SYSTEM	REQUIREMENT			REBATE AMOUNT
OIL	Furnace with ECM Blower	AFUE ≥ 86%			$650
	Hot Water Boiler	AFUE ≥ 86%			$800
	Indirect Water Heater	Connected to Hot Water Boiler			$400
PROPANE	Furnace with ECM Blower	AFUE ≥ 95%			$1,000
	Hot Water Boiler	AFUE ≥ 90%		AFUE ≥ 95%	$1,500		$2,300
	Condensing Boiler with On-Demand Water Heater	AFUE ≥ 95%			$2,000
	ENERGY STAR Qualified On-Demand Tankless Water Heater	UEF ≥ 0.87 w/electronic Ignition			$800
	Indirect Water Heater	Connected to Hot Water Boiler			$400
NATURAL GAS	Furnace with ECM Blower	AFUE ≥ 95%		AFUE ≥ 97%	$1,000	$1,250
	Hot Water Boiler	AFUE ≥ 90%		AFUE ≥ 95%	$2,000	$2,750
	Condensing Boiler with On-Demand Water Heater	AFUE ≥ 95%			$2,400
	Furnace with ECM with On-Demand Water Heater	AFUE ≥ 97%			$950
	ENERGY STAR Qualified On-Demand Tankless Water Heater	UEF ≥ 0.87 w/electronic Ignition			$700
	Indirect Water Heater	Connected to Hot Water Boiler			$400
	ENERGY STAR Qualified Condensing Gas Water Heater	UEF ≥ 0.80			$500
	ENERGY STAR Qualified Storage Water Heater	UEF ≥ 0.64 Medium Draw UEF ≥ 0.68 High Draw			$100
ANY	Central A/C, Ducted	SEER ≥ 16, EER ≥ 13			$50/Ton
ANY	Central Heat Pump Mini-Split Heat Pump	Refer to Heat Pump Qualified Products List at MassSave.com/HPQPL			$250/Ton
OIL OR PROPANE	Central Heat Pump Mini-Split Heat Pump	· Refer to Heat Pump Qualified Products List at MassSave.com/HPQPL · Integrated Controls required unless central heating system is removed. Refer to Integrated Controls Qualified Projects List at MsassSave.com/ICQPL			$1,250/Ton
OIL OR PROPANE	Integrated Controls	· Add-on to existing central or mini-split heat pump system · Integrated Controls required unless central heating system is removed. Refer to Integrated Controls Qualified Projects List at MsassSave.com/ICQPL			Up to $500 per indoor unit, max of $1,500
Electric Resistance Heat	Central Heat Pump Mini-Split Heat Pump	900 kWh difference between sum of 3 winter-usage and 3 lowest-usage months			$1,250/Ton
ANY	Heat Pump Water Heater	≥ 55 gallons, UEF ≥ 2.7	≤ 55 gallons, UEF ≥ 2.0		$150	$600
ANY	Programmable Thermostat	New Only. Limit 4 per account			$25/Thermostat
ANY	ENERGY STAR Certified Smart Thermostat	New Only. Limit 4 per account. Wireless connections must be enabled. See MassSave.com/Thermostats for qualified models			$100/Thermostat

The easiest way to determine whether you are eligible for any of these rebates, credits or discounts is to contact an HVAC expert. Get in touch today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We can help you more accurately calculate your true return on investment and get the most bang for your buck.For more info on the specific rebates and how to claim them, see the Mass Save website: www.masssave.com/en/saving/residential-rebates

Financing Options

Expand your purchasing power with Promotional Financing through Synchrony.

Synchrony is one of the nation’s premier consumer financial services companies. Our roots in consumer finance trace back to 1932, and today we are the largest provider of private label credit cards in the United States based on purchase volume and receivables.

A simple application process, and fast credit decisions
Unsecured, revolving credit lines
Promotional financing options¹
Convenient monthly payment options
Online account management

¹Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. See store for details.

For all promotions: Qualifying purchase must be made with your Home Design credit card issued by Synchrony Bank and a $29 account activation fee will apply and be charged at the time first purchase posts to account. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 26.99%; Minimum Monthly Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Subject to credit approval.

The weather is getting colder and you maybe considering a new furnace or hot water heater. Mass Save is offering a variety of rebates that can be helpful in reducing the costs of purchasing new heating and hot water equipment in your home. If your heating equipment is more than 20 years old, upgrading to an efficient heating system can save you energy and earn you rebates. Even a simple step like upgrading your home's thermostats can make a difference. A simple programmable thermostat or wi-fi thermostat installation can save you quite a bit of money in heating costs and you may qualify for a rebate. Many new heating systems qualify for rebates potentially saving you thousands! Not only will you have a more efficient heating system that can help you save money on your monthly bill but also get money back for installing one. If you need a new hot water heating system you may also qualify for a rebate. See our list of 2020 rebates below.

FUEL	SYSTEM	REQUIREMENT			REBATE AMOUNT
OIL	Furnace with ECM Blower	AFUE ≥ 86%			$650
	Hot Water Boiler	AFUE ≥ 86%			$800
	Indirect Water Heater	Connected to Hot Water Boiler			$400
PROPANE	Furnace with ECM Blower	AFUE ≥ 95%			$1,000
	Hot Water Boiler	AFUE ≥ 90%		AFUE ≥ 95%	$1,500		$2,300
	Condensing Boiler with On-Demand Water Heater	AFUE ≥ 95%			$2,000
	ENERGY STAR Qualified On-Demand Tankless Water Heater	UEF ≥ 0.87 w/electronic Ignition			$800
	Indirect Water Heater	Connected to Hot Water Boiler			$400
NATURAL GAS	Furnace with ECM Blower	AFUE ≥ 95%		AFUE ≥ 97%	$1,000	$1,250
	Hot Water Boiler	AFUE ≥ 90%		AFUE ≥ 95%	$2,000	$2,750
	Condensing Boiler with On-Demand Water Heater	AFUE ≥ 95%			$2,400
	Furnace with ECM with On-Demand Water Heater	AFUE ≥ 97%			$950
	ENERGY STAR Qualified On-Demand Tankless Water Heater	UEF ≥ 0.87 w/electronic Ignition			$700
	Indirect Water Heater	Connected to Hot Water Boiler			$400
	ENERGY STAR Qualified Condensing Gas Water Heater	UEF ≥ 0.80			$500
	ENERGY STAR Qualified Storage Water Heater	UEF ≥ 0.64 Medium Draw UEF ≥ 0.68 High Draw			$100
ANY	Central A/C, Ducted	SEER ≥ 16, EER ≥ 13			$50/Ton
ANY	Central Heat Pump Mini-Split Heat Pump	Refer to Heat Pump Qualified Products List at MassSave.com/HPQPL			$250/Ton
OIL OR PROPANE	Central Heat Pump Mini-Split Heat Pump	· Refer to Heat Pump Qualified Products List at MassSave.com/HPQPL · Integrated Controls required unless central heating system is removed. Refer to Integrated Controls Qualified Projects List at MsassSave.com/ICQPL			$1,250/Ton
OIL OR PROPANE	Integrated Controls	· Add-on to existing central or mini-split heat pump system · Integrated Controls required unless central heating system is removed. Refer to Integrated Controls Qualified Projects List at MsassSave.com/ICQPL			Up to $500 per indoor unit, max of $1,500
Electric Resistance Heat	Central Heat Pump Mini-Split Heat Pump	900 kWh difference between sum of 3 winter-usage and 3 lowest-usage months			$1,250/Ton
ANY	Heat Pump Water Heater	≥ 55 gallons, UEF ≥ 2.7	≤ 55 gallons, UEF ≥ 2.0		$150	$600
ANY	Programmable Thermostat	New Only. Limit 4 per account			$25/Thermostat
ANY	ENERGY STAR Certified Smart Thermostat	New Only. Limit 4 per account. Wireless connections must be enabled. See MassSave.com/Thermostats for qualified models			$100/Thermostat

Electricity is one of those things most of us don’t really think much about…until, of course, a power outage occurs. Then, suddenly it becomes abundantly clear (even if you can’t actually see) just how much we rely on this essential utility. As much as we take it for granted, power outages are still a very real and very common problem, with some 36.7 million people being affected across the United States. The New England region alone has seen more than 1600 outages. And electricity doesn’t just power the lights and the television, either. For many, being without power also means being without heat, which is the last thing you want to happen in the dead of a Northeast winter. That’s why having a standby generator is so important.

What is a Standby Generator?

Standby generators are backup generators that automatically power your home in the event of an outage. Unlike portable generators, standby generators produce enough electricity to power your entire home, which is why they are also sometimes referred to as “whole house generators,” though they can be customized to power only specific appliances if desired. Standby generators are typically installed outside the home, similar to that of an outdoor HVAC unit, and require professional installation. Because these generators are connected to your home’s propane or natural gas lines, they are capable of powering the property for as long as needed. When the generator detects an outage, it can begin providing backup power in as little as 20 to 30 seconds.

Why Invest in a Standby Generator?

Improve Safety – Living without electricity can get dicey – especially once the sun goes down. Not only is it unsafe for your family to have to find their way around in the dark, but as mentioned, if there’s no heat and the temperatures dip, it could pose a health risk, particularly to young children and the elderly. Save Money – When the power goes out, that means the fridge no longer operates. Losing electricity for an extended period of time could easily result in spoiled food, which is like throwing money out the window. Likewise, if the power is going to be out for a while, staying in a hotel may be the best option, but that’s an expense you wouldn’t have otherwise incurred. Prevent Damage – Freezing cold temps and no power can quickly lead to frozen pipes, which could burst and cause flooding within your home. Likewise, if the power goes out during a bad storm and there is flooding in your basement, if your sump pump isn’t operating, the damage could end up being quite extensive. Insurance Credit – Many home owners’ insurance providers offer credits for loss mitigation. Because having a standby generator can help prevent things like frozen pipes and basement damage, it is an appliance that is typically viewed favorably by insurance companies. As such, this credit could lower your monthly premium, keeping more cash in your pocket.

Trust the Professionals

If you’re interested in having a standby generator installed at your home, it’s important that you choose your contractor wisely – especially since the equipment will be linked in with your gas or propane line. The technicians at Wilson Brothers are experts in standby generator installation. Furthermore, as part of our commitment to delivering the best service possible to our customers, we are proud to partner with Generac, the #1 selling brand of home backup generators. Contact us today for a free, no obligation quote.

High-efficiency boilers have been around for over 20 years now, and over the course of that time it has become crystal clear that the water inside these systems needs to be checked for contaminants and treated with the appropriate water conditioner on a regular basis. Not only does this insure proper operation, but it can also extend the life of your system. Over our many years in business, our technicians have seen countless high-efficiency, low mass boilers completely corrode away and have to be replaced well before their predicted life expectancy, all due to poor water quality. The good news is, there are certain proactive measures that you can use to prevent corrosion and protect your investment.

Boilers – Then vs. Now

Old style boilers were huge and held a lot of water. As a result, the water quality did not matter as much to these old-school systems as it does now. That’s because high-efficiency boilers feature much smaller, tighter water passages which can plug up and limit or stop water flow altogether. This reduces system efficiency and can cause major service problems, up to and including catastrophic system failure if not properly treated. Simply put, if you have a high-efficiency boiler, you should be investing in ongoing water treatments.

Why Water Treatments Matter

The water that flows through the pipes and into your boiler contains everything from gasses and minerals to particulates and organics. When pH goes unbalanced and oxygen is allowed to dissolve, it can result in excessive corrosion. Additionally, over time, buildup of sludge, mud and other contaminates can gather at the bottom of the boiler. This can negatively impact the system’s ability to adequately transfer heat. Water hardness also plays a significant role in the performance and longevity of hydronic systems. Hard water is determined by the level of magnesium and calcium that is present which, when heated, can form scales that build up in the heating system. This can ultimately affect efficiency, which can lead to higher energy costs. In some instances, the scale buildup caused by hard water can result in cracking, leaking and eventually, total system breakdown. Lastly, poor water quality can sometimes void system warranties, which is always bad news. In cases like this, when a heating system fails prematurely and it’s due to scale buildup or something else relating to water quality, the equipment manufacturer may refuse to honor the warranty, leaving you holding the bag for an entirely new system. In fact, many boiler manufacturers actually require that minimum water quality standards be maintained in order to keep the equipment within the warranty.

How to Tell if Your System is Good

The best way to prevent a problem with your system is to consult with a heating professional. This will allow the technician to measure the quality of the water in your hydronic system to ensure that the appropriate amount of chemicals are being used. This is important, since certain pieces of equipment like pumps and heat exchangers, can sometimes be sensitive to water quality. Proactively measuring current water quality and treating as needed can help you stay a step ahead of potential damage and efficiency issues. At Wilson Brothers, we want to help you get the most out of your boiler and heating system. Get in touch with our team of experts to schedule a checkup today!

The Wilson Brothers had their Annual Labor Day Charity golf Outing in memory of Gary Garafola, who was tragically taken from us September 22, 2012. The Golf Outing is held on the Friday of the Labor Day holiday weekend to recognize and thank their outstanding employees while collecting several thousand dollars for the local Pantry’s. Tom, Paul & John Wilson believe in giving back to all their valued employees for all they do for their Company, and their valued customers. They also believe it is just as important to give back to the neediest in our communities. Tom Wilson said, “We truly believe helping the local families with their daily needs who need it is grass roots charity”. The outing collected another $7,500 to make the grand total raised over $40,000 since its inception. The local food pantries, PACH in Pepperell, and Loaves and Fishes in Devens, serve the local communities with basic daily needs, serving Pepperell, Ayer, Shirley, Harvard, Littleton, Groton, Dunstable and Devens. They serve the needy in an honorable way, not only with food and hygiene, but they direct them in a continued effort to make their way on their own if they can. Most of the clients of these local pantries don’t want the help, they need it. Their dilemma is to pay their rent or electric bills, or eat. No one is this country should go hungry, and the local food pantries do an outstanding job of preventing that. They have a huge group of outstanding volunteers and paid professionals to help a growing list of needy neighbors, Vets, homeless, disabled, mentally challenged, widows, elderly and some of us down on our luck who just need a hand to get back on track. Everything we do to help these organizations is a heartfelt pleasure. Both PACH and Loaves and Fishes are undergoing a transition in their buildings of operation and need money to update the structures to better serve our neighbors in need. The Wilson Brothers and their outstanding staff and their business partners will always be there for them, giving back to the local communities. I want to personally thank our valued business partners:

Bob Gordon of The Portland Group
S.G. Torrice
Chris & Terry Woods of Advantage Insurance
Scott Quinty of Sid Harvey
George Antonakos of Total Air Supply
Brian Baines of The Granite Group
Holman’s Supply
Gerry Miele of M&M Supply
F.W. Webb
Tom Cleary of Townsend Ford
Paul & Karen Markham of Dunn Battery
Ken Morgan of KRM Carpentry
L.F. Robbins Insurance
Frank Massarrelli of Frankco
Jim Gmeiner of Gmeiner Law Firm
Derek Ten Broeck of Ten Broeck Insurance
Jay Edwards of Granite Financial Partners
Rick Guay of Rick Guay Construction
Brown & Brown Insurance
Holmes Auto
Merrimack Valley Truck
Justin DiMucci
Main Street Bank
Tom Moore of Northern comfort
Tom Carmichael and Sons
Aspen Air Duct Cleaning
Hillside Construction
Wrightway HVAC
Russ Demarest

If you do not have ductwork in your home for heating, what is your best option for adding air conditioning? A ductless system or a ducted system? In some homes it is not possible to have ductwork – there is no basement or attic space so ductless mini-split systems are the only option. Over the years installing a ducted A/C system in the attic was the only option for central A/C over window units. Now that there are ductless mini-split systems, these are not only an option but in most homes a better option than a central ducted system. There are pros and cons on both ductless and ducted A/C and heat pump systems. The only real con for ductless mini-split systems is some consumers do not like the looks of the indoor units hanging on their walls. Other than that ductless mini-split systems are hands down the best way to cool your home and an added bonus is you get a second source of high efficient heat by installing a heat pump.

There Are Several Ductless Pros

Ductless systems have higher SEER and EER ratings than ducted units which means lower energy cost and better rebates.
Zoning by rooms with ductless mini-splits is made easy and cost effective because you can do up to five indoor units to one outdoor unit giving you a five-zone system. That is not cost effective with a ducted system.
The biggest pro that most consumers do not fully comprehend is the blower unit is in the finished space not in the attic. 100% of the cooling and heating is being directly distributed in the finished space, not being forced down a series of metal ducts to the rooms.

The biggest con to ducted A/C systems is when the system is installed in the attic space.

The attic is the harshest environment in the entire home with temperatures in the winter the same as outside and temperatures in the summer 30 – 50 degrees higher than the temperatures outside due to solar gain from the roof. You are trying to force cold air through metal ducts in a space that is 120 plus degrees.
Another issue is heat loss in the winter. The insulation in your attic is rated at R-40 with no penetrations through your ceilings. When you install a ducted system you have to cut holes in your ceiling to install the air supplies and returns into your attic then connect metal and flex ducts that are insulated to R-8 not R-40 by code.
Because of this fact you cannot stop the heat loss and in some cases cause ice dams in the attics that have poor roof ventilation.

If you install a ducted system in the basement you can avoid all the issues of an attic system but in a finished two story home you cannot get to the second floor and cold air does not rise, it falls. For all the pros and cons ductless mini-splits are the best option in a conventional finished New England home for zoned air conditioning. If you have any additional questions about ducted or ductless systems, don't hesitate to ask. Your family’s comfort is our highest priority. Contact one of our air quality experts today to schedule an in-home consultation with us.

There’s a lot of buzz about the quality of air we breathe outdoors. But what about the air that’s circulating inside our homes? The truth is, indoor pollution is a serious problem – especially since Americans spend the vast majority of their time indoors, where the concentration of pollutants can be up to five times higher. One of the easiest and most effective ways to cut down on this pollution is to invest in HVAC air filtration. But is it really worth it? Let’s take a look.

What is Indoor Air Pollution?

Gases and other particles that are routinely released into the air come from a variety of sources, including air fresheners. Regularly breathing in these pollutants can result in minor issues, such as asthma and congestion, to serious health problems, including respiratory disease and even cancer. In fact, the US Environmental Protection Agency lists indoor air pollution as one of the top 5 environmental health risks. Dangerous pollutants of indoor air include:

Combustion sources (i.e. oil, gas, kerosene, coal and wood)
Carbon monoxide
Tobacco products
Radon
Pet dander
Mold
Mildew
Pesticides
Lead
Asbestos
Household cleaning and/or personal products

Some pollutants that impact indoor air quality, such as dust or smoke from chimneys, originate outside but find their way into our homes through open windows, ventilation systems and cracks in structures. Additional factors such as climate, weather conditions and occupant behavior can also impact the quality of our indoor air.

What are the risks of poor indoor air quality?

The effects of breathing in unclean air can range from minor to serious. For instance, the presence of mold or mildew may exacerbate the symptoms of asthma and allergies. Others, like tobacco smoke, radon and pesticides can cause everything from respiratory and developmental problems to cancer and heart disease. Understanding these serious risks makes it much clearer how important it is to keep the quality of our indoor air as clean and pure as possible.

What’s the status of your indoor air?

If you’re wondering whether you have an air quality problem in your home, there are a few ways to find out for sure.

Test for radon levels. This requires the use of a special device which can be purchased at your local home improvement store or right online. The cost is only about $10-$20.
Look for the presence of mold or mildew.
Check your windows and walls for moisture condensation. This can be a sign of a ventilation problem.

Options for Improving Indoor Air Quality

How you address an air quality problem will depend on what the root cause of that problem is. In some instances, you may be able to simply eliminate the offending source. For instance, removing moldy sheetrock or changing the cleaning products. In most cases, however, stronger measures are needed. For example, opening your windows for a certain number of minutes each day and/or installing more fans for better air circulation. Perhaps the easiest and most effective way to ensure that your indoor air is clean and safe is to install a whole-home air filtration system. These HVAC systems automatically and continuously filter the air, removing pollutants and toxins before they have the chance to do any damage. If you already have an air filtration system, it’s also important to clean and/or replace your filters regularly. Doing so will not only help you maintain healthy air quality, but it will also help keep energy costs down while extending the life of your HVAC unit.

Now’s the Best Time

A change in season is an ideal time to start thinking about indoor air quality. Spring and summer may bring the promise of warmer temps and more time spent outdoors, but they also signal an increase in allergens and other pollutants that will inevitably find their way into your home. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to be proactive. If you are concerned about the quality of air inside your home, we’re here to help – whether it’s to change a filter, install a new filtration system or simply provide recommendations for changes to your home environment. Your family’s safety is our highest priority. Contact one of our air quality experts today to schedule an in-home consultation with us.

Four Most Common Electrical Safety Mistakes