Air conditioning experts deal with a wide variety of cooling and heating issues every day. That being said, there are certain HVAC questions, that always seem to be asked more frequently than others. Here we will answer four of the most common questions that we are asked on a regular basis.
- How Do Humidity Levels Affect Indoor Air Quality?
When we have too little humidity in our homes, it can affect us in a variety of different ways. Some of the health issues include labored breathing, bloody noses, sinus problems and poor lung functionality. Low humidity can affect our health by creating an environment where viruses and bacteria can thrive. There are other consequences, such as a buildup of static electricity, damage to wood furniture and floor coverings.
When there is too much humidity, viruses and bacteria can still thrive to affect our health. High humidity also promotes the growth of mildew and mold; the resulting spores can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. To keep the humidity levels within an acceptable range, a humidifier and a dehumidifier are recommended.
- What Are OEM Components?
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) components are parts made specifically for your HVAC equipment. There are non OEM products that are made to fit HVAC equipment; they are cheaper to buy, but have no warranty, and they are not recommended. A good HVAC system is a significant investment and protecting that investment by choosing to use OEM components makes good sense. This is the best way to ensure that your system is operating as intended by the manufacturer.
- How Can You Tell if You Have Indoor Air Quality Problem?
There are quite a few different things that you may notice if you have an indoor air quality problem in your home:
- You may notice the growth of mold or mildew in your home.
- The air in your home may smell damp or musty.
- When you wake up, you feel congested and have a headache.
- You may feel sick when you’re at home, but feel better when you’re outside the house.
- There is a remodeling or renovation project in your home.
- There is construction work being carried out near your home.
- My Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On, How Do I Troubleshoot it?
Many people try to turn their air conditioner on, and it will not respond. The natural response to this situation is to call out an HVAC specialist straight away, but this could be a premature course of action. In fact, sometimes a little air conditioner troubleshooting can solve the problem easily. The usual problem is a power source issue, so check the battery in thermostat, circuit breakers and the power switches on your air handler and condenser unit. If that doesn’t work, set the thermostat to cool mode and slowly raise the temperature to a couple of degrees lower than the current room temperature. If these two tips don’t get the cooler air flowing again, it’s time to call in a professional.