3 Energy Efficiency Tips

October 20, 2018

There are so many things that you can do as a homeowner to improve the energy efficiency of your HVAC system. These range from small changes you can make on your own to bigger, more long-term upgrades and regular maintenance. Below are three of our favorite tips for keeping your energy efficiency in check. 1. Small Improvements Make a Difference Little things add up. Good examples of this include turning off and unplugging those electronics you don’t use all the time and changing your air filters on schedule. 2. Implement a Smart/Programmable Thermostat A bigger step toward energy efficiency comes with replacing your old thermostat with one that is programmable and/or works with your preferred smart technology. This level of control allows you to adjust your thermostat settings to suit your schedule and even while you’re on the go, meaning you won’t be cooling an entire house while everyone is at work or school, which can also save you money. 3. Schedule Regular Maintenance Check-ups If your HVAC system is not outdated (10 years or older), the best way to stay ahead of inefficiency is through regularly scheduled maintenance check-ups. How to Further Improve the Energy Efficiency of your Home...

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Does Rain Damage My Heating System Over Time?

October 8, 2018

Many people want to know if the rain and weather can damage an HVAC unit. Fortunately, your heating and cooling system is specially designed to handle moisture and extremes of temperature all year long. That means the weather is unlikely to cause any significant problems that regular maintenance can’t prevent. However, there are a few issues you should keep in mind to keep your HVAC system running safely. Hail Severe hail can cause damage to just about everything you own. If you expect a hail storm you should find some way to shelter an outdoor unit. Covering it with a free-standing wooden shelter might be the best solution. Do not use a tarp or plastic bag that will block ventilation. Flooding Instances of flooding where 15 inches or more of rain accumulates can damage your HVAC system. Sandbag barriers may prevent some damage. If your system is properly insulated, there is a chance it will not be damaged. However, electrical hazards can pose a serious threat to your safety. If your unit has endured severe flooding, it’s best to have it inspected by a heating and cooling professional. Snow If your outdoor unit becomes covered with snow, the vents can...

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The Importance of Air Purification

September 30, 2018

There are many California residents who keep a watchful eye on the quality of the air outside their homes – but what about the air quality on the inside? Indoor air quality is something that many people overlook, but having poor air quality inside your home can be, in some cases, very dangerous for anyone living there. Here are some of the things you need to know about the quality of air in your home and the importance of keeping that indoor air clean and breathable. The Air in a Newly Built Home is More Likely to Contain Contaminants It might sound counterintuitive at first, but in actuality, the newer your home is, the more tightly it’s sealed against the elements. This is great for keeping out wind and rain and may also be helpful in conserving energy in general, but that tight seal works both ways – anything harmful that’s airborne inside your home also isn’t getting out. That means things like dust, pollen, smoke, mold spores, pet dander, viruses, and bacteria are all circulating inside your home. Breathing Contaminated Indoor Air is Very Dangerous According to the American Lung Association, the pollutants typically found in poor quality indoor...

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How Candles Affect Indoor Air Quality

September 18, 2018

Candles help create a romantic ambiance in a home. They add to the warmth of a home and help create a spa-like retreat. However, new research suggests that burning candles can generate indoor pollution in your home. Most candles on the market are made from paraffin, which is derived from petroleum. When burned, these candles release carcinogens into the air. Some of these toxins are the same ones that are produced when diesel fuel is burned. A study, conducted by scientists at the South Carolina State University, found that exposure to certain types of candles can be hazardous to human health. For the study, vegetable and paraffin-based candles were allowed to burn for six hours. The researchers then collected and tested substances released into the air. They discovered that the candles caused poor indoor air quality. Benzene, acrolein, and toluene were released into the air by the candles. All of these substances are toxic chemicals. Effects of Candle Pollution Candle pollution can be a real problem for people with respiratory problems, such as asthma and obstructive pulmonary disorders — especially if the candle is lit in an unventilated space. Besides pollution, candles cause other problems in a home. Candle soot...

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What is an Air Scrubber?

September 10, 2018

Over the past few years, air pollution has received a significant amount of attention from the media. Because of this, people have invested in machines to help clean the air that they breathe inside of their home. This is the job of an air scrubbed. There are many different types of air scrubbers and it is important for everyone to understand the basics of air scrubbers so that they can make an educated decision. What are some of the important points to keep in mind? What are Air Scrubbers? Air scrubbers are portable machines that people can use to filter the air around them. This makes the air both cleaner and easier to breathe. Some of the dangerous pollutants that an air scrubber could filter out include: Particles and debris that might float through the air Strange gasses that could damage the lungs Chemicals that might have been used to clean the house, pool, or yard Air scrubbers function by grabbing air from the surrounding area and filtering it through the machine. These filters are set up in a series and each filter removes something different. Through this mechanism, contaminants are removed. An air scrubber system removes contaminants based on...

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What is Super Cooling?

August 28, 2018

If you live in the greater Burbank, CA area, you are well aware of the necessity of an air conditioning system that is effective and reliable! But have you heard about the new more efficient and cost-effective process called super cooling? Today’s air conditioning systems are smarter than ever, and if you haven’t already, now is the time to upgrade to an advanced home system that includes an Energy Management Computer. Air Max Heating and Air Conditioning carries a full line of systems that feature Energy Management Computers and that can keep you cool in the Burbank area heat while helping you save money. It’s a win-win situation for you and your family. What, Exactly, is Super Cooling? In the simplest terms, super cooling is the process used to keep your home cool using the least amount of money possible. While it is a technique that you can work out yourself manually, today’s latest air conditioning systems come with the necessary Energy Management Computer that automates the entire process. If you wanted to create a super cooling environment manually, you can do so by following these simple steps: Determine the on-peak and off-peak hours that your energy company uses for...

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Can Air Conditioning Cause Headaches?

August 15, 2018

Air conditioning can be a blessing during the hot summer months, especially for those who would prefer to stop sweating profusely all over themselves. But not everyone feels good when they’re in a frigid retail store or even when they’re in their own home. They may struggle to find the right temperature, running hot or cold as they turn it a few notches up or down. Or they may even start to experience headaches when they feel their air conditioning kick on. Blood Vessel Constriction A cold stimulus headache effectively occurs when the blood vessels in the body constrict. If your body is trying to shield itself from freezing, it will slow the blood to protect the core. Unfortunately, this can also give you a headache because it’s interfering with the trigeminal nerve in the brain. If you’re in your house when this happens, you can turn up the thermostat. But if you’re out, you may just have to step outside. Humidity Your air conditioning makes it difficult to maintain a healthy level of humidity in the air. Too much humidity in the air can cause discomfort, but too little will dry out your skin and body. If you’re in...

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What Causes Indoor Air Quality Problems?

August 5, 2018

Problems with indoor air quality occurs when air pollutants contaminate indoor air. Unlike popular belief, indoor air pollution is more hazardous than outdoor air pollution. Air pollutants may cause health repercussions both short-term and long-term ranging from nausea and vomiting to serious respiratory diseases. Indoor air pollution sources surround us in our everyday activities. Here are some of these causes: Volatile Organic Compounds(VOC’s) Certain solids and liquids produce toxic gases. VOC’s are found in common household products such as paint, cleaning products, varnishes, building materials, glue, adhesive and some office equipment. Volatile organic compounds cause short-term effects such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Carbon Monoxide Carbon monoxide is an odorless colorless gas produced by burning fossil fuels. It is emitted from defective furnaces, cigarettes, and automobiles. It is a toxic gas that causes unconsciousness, nausea and when too much even death. A carbon monoxide detector is needed to detect dangerous levels. Asbestos It’s one of the main causes of indoor air quality problems. It is found in materials used in automobiles and home construction. Asbestos is also found in paints, coatings, ceiling building materials and floor tiles. The risk of finding asbestos in a newer home is less than that...

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Can Air Conditioning Affect Your Sinuses?

July 18, 2018

Air conditioning helps make the summer heat and hot climates bearable year-round. Burbank air conditioning and Beverly Hills HVAC systems are key to managing exposure to hot temperatures in these areas. In some regions of the country, air conditioning is not optional when it comes to your comfort, quality of life, and in some cases, your sinuses. However, while air conditioning can bring relief from hot temperatures, some people are triggered by it. It can affect both the sinuses and the respiratory system. The symptoms of a reaction to air conditioning often include: Runny Nose Sinus Inflammation Congestion Eye Redness Constricted Breathing One of the causes of these symptoms is related to the effect of going from one environment to another where there is a significant temperature difference; for example, going from a warm house into cold winter temperatures. The same effect happens when coming from warm outdoor conditions into a cool air-conditioned room. When we experience a big contrast in temperature or humidity, nervous system reflexes are triggered in the nasal membranes. Persons with allergies may be more sensitive to abrupt temperature differences like these. However, in most people, this effect should cause only temporary congestion and related sinus...

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Why Use a Home Humidifier?

July 15, 2018

A home humidifier is great at all times of the year but even more so during winter. During summer, the air is drier than usual and the need for indoor cooling only makes matters worse. Breathing dry air could lead to allergic symptoms, asthma, colds, and sore throats. Benefits of a Home Humidifier To Promote Health The most important reason for using a home humidifier is that it may help prevent colds, flu, allergies, and other health conditions that could be caused by dry air. A humidity level of 40% or higher is required to keep a room safe for breathing. People that suffer from allergies or asthma recover faster when they breathe sufficiently humidified air. Humidity also protects the skin from drying up. Dry skin can lead to cracking and wrinkling easily. If there is not enough humidity in a room it may cause the scalp to dry up. A dry scalp can be itchy and it produces dandruff. To Keep Pets Healthy Keeping a room properly humidified purifies the air. The air is safer for pets to breathe. It also reduces the occurrence of allergies. Most indoor pets are likely to suffer from various allergies if they breathe...

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