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Why Indoor Air Quality Is So Important

Indoor air quality remains one of the most crucial aspects of your home or business, but it’s also one of the most overlooked. Most people take their indoor air quality for granted or rarely take the time to think about it. However, there are several reasons why everyone should strive to improve indoor air quality. This article will review why indoor air quality is essential and some easy things you can do to enhance air quality.

Health Problems

Poor indoor air quality can lead to various health problems. People with existing conditions, like asthma and allergies, will notice their symptoms worsening when the air quality is poor. Poor air quality can also give you signs of health conditions, like congestion, headaches, problems breathing, and fatigue.

Cognitive Functioning

Another excellent reason to improve indoor air quality is to increase cognitive functioning. Positive indoor air quality can help you think more clearly, ensuring you can effectively solve problems. If you work at home, this can ensure you are more productive. You’ll even find that you’re less stressed throughout the day.

Enjoy Better Sleep

Excellent air quality is linked to improved sleep quality. When you sleep better, you look and feel better. The cells throughout your body regenerate and heal themselves while you sleep, helping reduce the signs of premature aging and ensuring you don’t get sick as often. You’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day instead of groggy and depressed.

Air Conditioning Units

According to the United States Census Bureau and the American Housing Survey, about 72 million homes, or 65% of homes, had central air conditioning, and 22% had room or window air conditioning units. Air conditioning units are crucial to air quality because they bring air outside into your home. Make sure your unit is updated, clean filters, and invest in regular maintenance.

Improve Air Quality

You can take several other steps to ensure fantastic air quality inside. If you’re a smoker, start smoking outside instead of indoors. Open windows on warm days to enjoy fresh air. Invest in air purifiers to help purify the air inside your house. Dust and clean the house frequently to remove allergens and dust that can cause allergy symptoms.

We understand how crucial air quality is to your mental and physical well-being. Our company specializes in AC installation and maintenance, commercial and residential systems, and air purification services. Contact us to learn more about how you can improve indoor air quality today.

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What to Expect and How to Prepare for Heat Pump Installation

Making the choice to install a heat pump in your home will make a huge difference to your home’s comfort and energy use. The installation of a heat pump should be conducted by an HVAC professional. However, there are steps you can take to prepare for this installation. Keep reading to learn more.

Home Preparation

Once you’ve connected with an HVAC company in your area for heat pump installation, you’ll schedule a time for the techs to come out and get your home ready for the installation. They will help advise you on the best location on your property for the exterior equipment that will be needed. This area needs to be cleared of debris, vegetation, and clutter. This will be your responsibility.

Indoor unit location will also need to be decided on. In preparation for the arrival of the HVAC crew, you should move furniture and clutter out of the way so that they have clear access to the area. It may be necessary also to provide a ladder if access will be difficult without one.

Check for Leaks

To optimize the efficiency of your new heat pump, you may also want to check the home for leaks and drafts. These will allow heat loss and gain which can complicate the efficiency of your new system. You should have these cracks and leaks sealed up beforehand. According to Ambient Edge, your home can be 30% more efficient by adding caulking around your windows.

What to Expect During Installation

When it’s time for your heat pump installation, you can expect the team to arrive and commence work. There will be a few different elements that will need installation. First, you will have a compressor installed. This will be installed outside your home in the designated area that was agreed upon earlier.

Next, ducts may need to be installed. This depends on the type of system you’re having done. You might have a ductless system installed in which case you wouldn’t need ducts. If you already have ducts installed in your home from a previous system, you might be able to use this system with your new heat pump. If you don’t want to go through the trouble of having ducts installed, then you might want to consider a ductless system.

Heat pumps are a great option for your HVAC needs. If you’re interested in learning more about heat pump installation, please contact us today. We look forward to working with you.

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Tips for Finding a Company That Offers Emergency AC Services

Climate control has played a crucial role in history, allowing folks to live in places that were once viewed as practically uninhabitable. In fact, according to the United States Census Bureau and the American Housing Survey, more than 72 million homes have central AC. If your HVAC system malfunctions, however, you and your family could be left exposed. The good news is that you can find an emergency AC service to get things up and running.

Find an Emergency AC Service

Finding various services is now easier than in the past owing to the Internet. Before the World Wide Web came along, it was often difficult to find reviews for various companies and services. Now, you can search for service providers with a search engine, and you can also pull up reviews, complaints, and other bits of information.

It’s smart to use a search engine and type in emergency AC service and the city or area you live in. This should pull up a list of service providers in your area. From there, you can look up individual companies to see if anyone has left reviews for them on Facebook or on websites like the Better Business Bureau.

Once you have found reviews, it’s time to start analyzing them. You’ll want to pay especially close attention to any patterns that emerge. For example, if multiple customers complain about bad customer service, you may want to find a different provider. Likewise, if multiple reviews mention quick response times, that obviously bodes well.

Put an Emergency HVAC Company on Speed Dial

Finding an HVAC or AC company when you’re in the middle of a crisis can be rather stressful. It’s a good idea to find an HVAC company in your area that provides emergency service, no matter the day or time, and to plug their number into your phone. This way, if an emergency unfolds in the future, you will already know who to call.

In need of emergency AC service right now? Give us a ring no matter the date or time. Otherwise, plug us into your phone. If you experience heating or cooling issues in the future, we’ll be ready to provide friendly and competent assistance. We look forward to working with you.

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Why Ductless Air Conditioning Is Becoming More Popular

Air conditioning has literally reshaped the world, making it much easier for folks to live in hot climates that were once uninhabitable or extremely uncomfortable. These days, you can opt for a few different types of air conditioning setups. While central HVAC systems have been quite popular, more and more folks have been opting for ductless air conditioning. Let’s look at a few reasons why.

Enjoy Lower Utility Bills

Did you know that residential air conditioning consumes about 5% of all the electricity produced in the United States? This amounts to more than $11 billion in costs to homeowners! Further, cooling commercial buildings and other non-residential facilities also consumes a lot of energy. The good news is that there are now various ways to reduce energy consumption.

One way is to use ductless air conditioning and heating units. Ductless AC systems are typically much more efficient. This is due in part because there is a lot of leakage with ducts. Further, air pushing through ducts will slowly warm up before even reaching the intended room. Pumping air through a duct system will also use up energy.

With ductless air conditioning systems, you can eliminate the leakage that results from ducts. You also won’t have to use energy to pump the air through ducts, and you can be sure the air is icy cold when it reaches the intended room. This will lead to reduced energy consumption, which could lower your monthly energy costs.

Don’t Put All Your Cooling in One Basket

Reduced cooling costs are perhaps the biggest benefit of ductless AC systems. It’s not the only benefit, however. If you have a centralized AC system and it breaks down for whatever reason, you could be left completely without AC for an extended period. Breakdowns are a fact of life and are difficult to avoid. Should you use ductless AC and one of the units goes out, you’ll likely lose cooling to just one room. You can move to a room with a functioning AC system while you wait for your professional repair service to assist.

Whether you need to have your AC system repaired or you’re looking to install a new ductless air conditioning system, get in touch with our team at Wilson Heating and Air Conditioning! We can figure out any AC issues you’re facing and also help you select the right AC system for your situation and needs.

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The Many Benefits of Changing Your HVAC Unit’s Air Filter Regularly

We all know that a clean home is a healthy home. However, did you know that changing your home air conditioning or heating unit’s air filter regularly provides some great benefits beyond just cleaner indoor air? Here are some of the reasons why you should make changing your HVAC filter a routine.

It Improves Your Air Conditioning Unit’s Efficiency

When dirt, dust, pet hair, and other gunk builds up on your HVAC system’s filter, it can’t properly do its job of filtering out particles. A clogged filter makes your home air conditioning or heating unit work a lot harder to push air through. All that extra effort takes more energy and electricity. By swapping out that filter for a fresh one every three months, according to This Old House, your HVAC system will run smoother, last longer, and save you money on energy bills.

It Lowers Risk of Repairs and Damage

Without a clean filter to protect its inner workings, your expensive home air conditioning unit is vulnerable to damage from debris buildup. Dirt settling inside the machinery increases wear and tear. Pet fur wrapping around components can cause them to burn out faster, and dust clogs can lead to frozen evaporator coils or mold growth. Simply changing the air filter helps block all those harmful particles. Safeguarding your HVAC investment from repairs will save you time, money, and headaches down the road.

It Improves Indoor Air Quality for Better Health

Your home air conditioning or heater filter is the barrier that prevents dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria particles, and other allergens from circulating through your house. When it gets loaded up, all those pollutants end up flowing freely from room to room. For your and your family’s respiratory health, getting rid of the grimy filter stops those allergens and irritants from being breathed in. Less exposure to nasty particles means less risk of allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and illness. Now you can breathe easily!

Changing out a dirty HVAC filter for a fresh one just a few times a year is such an easy way to reap huge home air conditioning performance as well as financial and health benefits. Make it a habit! To learn more or to schedule a service, contact our team at Wilson Heating and Air Conditioning today.

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4 Signs It’s Time for a Duct Cleaning Service

When’s the last time you had your home’s air ducts professionally cleaned? If you can’t remember, or it’s been over 5 years, it may be time to call in the experts. Dust and debris can slowly build up in your ductwork, reducing energy efficiency and air quality. Here are four telltale signs that your HVAC system needs some TLC.

1. You’re Sneezing More Than Usual

If you or your family members seem stuffier lately or your allergies are flaring up, dirty ducts could be the culprit. As dust accumulates, mold, bacteria, pollen, and other irritants circulate through your home whenever the system turns on. This onslaught of allergens and pollutants leads to sneezing fits, sinus congestion, watery eyes, and headaches. A thorough duct cleaning removes these triggers, so you can breathe free and clear again.

2. Your Energy Bills are Rising

Dirty ducts force your HVAC system to work harder since debris obstructs airflow. This inefficiency means higher energy bills as your unit runs overtime trying to keep up with heating and cooling demands. Professional duct cleaning improves airflow, so your system doesn’t need to run as often to maintain comfortable temps. Your wallet will thank you when those kilowatt charges go down.

3. You See Dirt Debris Around the Vents

Take a flashlight and peer inside your vent covers. Do you see dirt, dust balls, mold spots or other gross stuff? If so, the problem likely extends through the entire duct system. As conditioned air blows out the vents, it carries particulates along for the ride. Professional duct cleaners use specialized tools to dislodge this debris, so it doesn’t continue swirling around your home.

4. The Air Smells Stale or Musty

Sticking your nose near a vent and getting a whiff of something dank is a clear red flag. Stagnant, lifeless air often means mold or mildew is brewing within the duct pathways. Even dryer sheets and air fresheners can’t mask these unpleasant smells for long. Duct cleaning sanitizes the system using EPA-approved disinfectants, leaving your home smelling crisp and refreshed.

If you identify with one or more of these scenarios, your ducts desperately need some TLC. Continuing to push off professional cleaning allows irritants to accumulate and indoor air quality to suffer. Plus, energy waste directly hits your wallet each month. A recent study found that an estimated 42% of homeowners have routine maintenance performed by a professional on their air conditioning unit, even though units that are regularly cared for and maintained have been shown to last about 40% longer. If you’re ready to have duct cleaning performed, reach out to Wilson Heating and Air Conditioning today.

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How Do Heat Pumps Work?

Have you ever wondered how heat pumps manage to maintain your home’s temperature? With energy prices on the rise, these appliances are gaining popularity, but you might be fuzzy on just how they function. Read on for a handy explanation of everything you need to know about heat pumps.

What Exactly Is a Heat Pump?

Essentially, a heat pump is an appliance that transfers heat energy from one place to another. It works a lot like your refrigerator, using refrigerant gas and a compressor to draw thermal energy from the air outside and move it somewhere else. The key difference is that a fridge just cools things down. Heat pumps can also reverse cycle and act like a heater. Your heat pump has an indoor unit mounted on a wall or floor that’s connected to an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit holds the compressor, expansion valve, evaporator, and condenser coils. The refrigerant flows between these components, absorbing or releasing heat along the way.

How Do They Heat Your Home?

In winter, your heat pump goes through a refrigeration cycle in reverse. The cold refrigerant flows through the indoor coils. A fan blows across the coils, warming the air which then circulates through your ducts. Meanwhile, the liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from outside air at the evaporator. The warm gas gets compressed, dumping that thermal energy into the indoor air stream. Even when it’s chilly out, there’s still lots of free ambient heat for your heat pump to harvest. Every bit helps lower costs compared to electric resistance heating.

How Do They Cool Your Home?

Summer cooling happens through a normal refrigeration cycle. The warm liquid refrigerant inside the indoor unit absorbs heat from the interior air blown over the coils. This causes it to vaporize into a gas which gets pumped outside. At the outdoor condenser, the hot gas goes through thermal compression, dumping built-up heat outside. What’s left behind is a liquid again at a cooler temperature. The cycle keeps repeating, pulling warmth out of your home. Heat pumps use 30% to 50% less electricity for cooling than conventional AC units, according to Energy.gov. A recent study also found that air conditioners release about 100 million tons of carbon dioxide into the air annually. On the other hand, a heat pump doesn’t release any carbon dioxide!

With their reversible heating and cooling capabilities, heat pumps provide year-round comfort. Units today come with variable speeds to finely control temperatures while maximizing efficiency. If you’re ready to learn more about whether a heat pump is right for your home, reach out to Wilson Heating and Air Conditioning today.

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How to Get Affordable HVAC Repairs

When your HVAC system stops working properly, it can be stressful trying to get it fixed affordably. Heating and cooling your home isn’t cheap already; however, if you avoid HVAC repairs, your heating and cooling expenses will skyrocket. In fact, according to Energy.gov, the average American spends about $2,000 paying for energy annually; $200 to $400 of this amount could be going toward drafts, air leaks, and outdated HVAC systems. With some practical tips and a proactive approach, you can find reasonable HVAC repair solutions that won’t break the bank.

1. Research Repair Costs in Your Area

Do some research on average repair and service rates in your region. Check with friends and neighbors to see what they typically pay. Search online consumer forums to see what other homeowners report paying for common repairs like AC compressor unit replacements or furnace igniter issues. Having a general sense of reasonable pricing guidelines will help you determine fair market repair costs.

2. Get Multiple Quotes

When your HVAC does need repairs, resist the urge to just go with the first technician you call. Reach out to at least three established local services to inquire about your specific repair issue. Ask each for a breakdown of parts and labor estimates over the phone or via email first before committing to an on-site diagnostic appointment. This allows you to compare quotes fairly easily between technicians to find one that offers quality service at a competitive price.

3. Ask About Warranties and Discounts

As you get quotes from different HVAC professionals, ask what types of repair warranties and other discounts they offer. Many technicians will guarantee labor costs on repairs for a certain amount of time. Parts often come with multiple-year manufacturer warranties as well. Some HVAC companies even run seasonal AC tune-up specials or offer loyalty discounts if you sign up for a repair service membership program. Taking advantage of these savings opportunities over time helps reduce overall costs.

By arming yourself with repair cost knowledge, shopping around for quotes, utilizing available discounts, and prioritizing efficiency in replacements when needed, you can secure reliable and reasonably priced HVAC repairs for your home. With some diligence and research, critical HVAC issues don’t have to drain your wallet. Maintaining comfortable and cost-effective temperature control is possible for any budget. If you’re in need of HVAC repairs, call Wilson Heating and Air Conditioning today for an estimate.

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How Air Quality Affects Worker Productivity

Often when people think of their HVAC system, they are thinking of temperature control for the building. Few people consider the impact that HVAC has on air quality as well. Air quality is especially important in the workplace as it can drastically affect workers’ health and productivity. Let’s look at a few ways that air quality might be affecting your employees.

Poor Cognitive Function

In 2021, Harvard University conducted a study of air quality and its effect on workers. It was discovered during this study, that the cognitive function of in-office employees was diminished significantly when they were exposed to poor air quality. Cognitive function is necessary for every type of work-related task. If your commercial structure has poor air quality, then HVAC professionals can help.

More Frequent Headaches and Fatigue

Another interesting implication of poor air quality is greater instances of headache and fatigue. This is such a reoccurring problem for in-office workers that the term Sick Building Syndrome was coined as a condition in which illness is directly triggered by poor air quality. A sure sign of Sick Building Syndrome is that symptoms subside upon going outside.

Stress and Distraction

Poor air quality can even affect stress levels and decrease attention span. Air quality doesn’t simply refer to pollutants or allergens in the air. It can also refer to the temperature and humidity level as well. Uncomfortable temperatures and humidity levels can be irritating and distracting. It’s difficult to be at optimum productivity levels in these conditions.

Why Adaquete Temperature Is Important

In order to get the most productivity out of your workers, they need to be comfortable. Uncomfortable temperatures are also a part of air quality control. Although you’ll never be able to get temperatures at a place to please everyone all the time, you need to have them within a reasonable range. If you’re noticing more and more complaints about temperature, then rest assured that productivity is falling as employees are thinking about how cold or hot it is rather than work tasks.

Getting air quality under control is also beneficial to you financially. Poor air quality usually indicates that a system isn’t working efficiently and that means you’re losing money. According to National Grid, office buildings spend an annual average of $1.34 per square foot on electricity and most of this is from HVAC systems.

If you need help with air quality issues in your commercial buildings, then please contact us today. We are here for your HVAC needs. We look forward to speaking with you.