Category: indoor air quality

As we spend a significant time indoors, the quality of the air we breathe becomes increasingly important. This is especially true in our homes. One often overlooked factor is humidity control. Maintaining optimal indoor humidity levels can significantly impact your overall well-being, comfort, and the health of your home.

How Humidity Affects Your Home Environment

Humidity, the amount of water vapor in the air, plays a crucial role in your home’s comfort and functionality. Imbalanced indoor humidity levels can lead to:

• Decreased Productivity: High humidity can cause lethargy and difficulty concentrating, while low humidity can lead to dry eyes and throat irritation, which can impact your lifestyle.
• Household Damage: High humidity can cause wood to warp, rot, and deteriorate, affecting the structural integrity of your home.
• Allergies and Respiratory Issues: Dust mites and mold thrive in humid environments, exacerbating allergies and asthma symptoms.
• Energy Efficiency: Proper humidity control can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system, reducing energy consumption and costs.

Benefits of Optimal Humidity in Your Home

Improved indoor air quality can alleviate respiratory issues, allergies, and skin problems, while a comfortable humidity level can make your home more pleasant to live in, especially during hot or cold weather. Additionally, proper humidity control helps protect your furniture, electronics, and other valuables from damage, ensuring that your belongings last longer.

Strategies to Optimize Your Indoor Air Quality

Here are several ways to regulate humidity and improve air quality in your home:

• Portable Humidifiers/Dehumidifiers: These devices can help maintain optimal indoor humidity levels in smaller spaces.
• Air Purifiers: Remove pollutants, allergens, and contaminants from the air to create a healthier environment.
• UV Air Purifiers: These use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold spores, further improving your indoor air quality.
• Ventilators: Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) and Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) bring in fresh outdoor air while maintaining energy efficiency.
• Air Filtration Systems: These work with your HVAC system to remove particles from the air, improving overall air quality.
• Proper Ventilation: Use fans or open windows to improve air circulation and reduce moisture buildup.
• Duct Cleaning: Regular duct cleaning can remove accumulated dust and allergens, improving air quality throughout your home.
• Regular Cleaning: Dust and vacuum regularly to reduce allergens and improve overall air quality.
• HVAC Maintenance: Regular HVAC maintenance can significantly improve indoor air quality and help maintain proper humidity levels.

DIY Air Quality Assessment

Before investing in equipment or indoor air quality services, assess your home’s air quality:

• Monitor for visible signs of mold or mildew
• Pay attention to any musty odors
• Notice if you experience frequent headaches, dry eyes, or respiratory issues while working
• Consider purchasing a hygrometer to measure indoor humidity levels
• Check for condensation on windows. Excessive condensation can be a sign of high indoor humidity, leading to potential mold and mildew growth.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried these strategies and still have concerns about your home air quality, it may be time to consult an indoor air quality specialist. Professional indoor air quality services can provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend tailored solutions for your specific needs.

Invest in Your Home Air Quality

By understanding the importance of humidity control and implementing these strategies, including regular HVAC maintenance and professional indoor air quality services from Clay’s Climate Control when needed, you can create a healthier, more comfortable environment. Take control of your air quality today and breathe easier at home.

Have you ever noticed feeling stuffy or congested after spending time indoors? You’re not alone. Indoor air quality can be surprisingly poor, often worse than outdoor air. Here at Clay’s Climate Control, we’re dedicated to creating healthy and comfortable homes for our clients. That’s why we offer a variety of indoor air quality solutions, including air purifiers and cleaners.

What are Indoor Air Pollutants?

Indoor air pollutants come from several sources, both inside and outside the home. Some common culprits include:

• Dust, mites, and pet dander: These microscopic irritants can trigger allergies and asthma.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Found in paints, cleaning products, and building materials, VOCs can cause respiratory problems and headaches.
• Smoke: Cigarette smoke and even cooking smoke can all reduce indoor air quality.
• Mold and mildew: Mold growth and mildew can release spores that irritate the respiratory system.

Benefits of an Air Purifier

Air purifiers and cleaners are powerful tools for improving your home’s indoor air quality. Here are some of the key benefits they offer:

Reduced allergy and asthma symptoms 

By removing allergens like dust, dander, and pollen from the air, air purifiers can significantly improve symptoms for allergy and asthma sufferers.

Fewer respiratory problems 

Air purifiers can help reduce irritants that trigger coughs, congestion, and headaches.

Improved sleep quality 

Cleaner air can lead to more restful sleep, especially for those suffering from allergies or asthma.

Reduced odors

Air purifiers with activated carbon filters can effectively absorb and eliminate unpleasant household odors from cooking, pets, and cleaning products.

Improved overall well-being 

Cleaner air can help you feel more energized and improve your overall sense of well-being. This is especially important for rental properties where multiple people come and go, helping to maintain a healthy environment for all occupants. 

Protection from secondhand smoke 

Air purifiers can help reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, which can be harmful to both smokers and non-smokers. If you’re purchasing a previously owned home, an air purifier can be a game-changer. It eliminates lingering smoke odors and harmful particles, even if the previous owners were smokers.

Potential reduction in risk of chronic disease 

Some studies suggest that long-term exposure to indoor air pollutants may increase the risk of chronic diseases. By improving indoor air quality, air purifiers can help reduce this risk.

Choosing the Right Air Purifier

With so many air purifiers on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. Here are some factors to consider:

• Air purifier type: There are two main types of air purifiers: mechanical filters (like HEPA filters) and air ionizers. HEPA filters are highly effective at capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns, while ionizers can help neutralize airborne pollutants.
• Room size: Air purifiers are rated for the room size they can effectively clean. Choose a purifier powerful enough for the room you plan to use it in.
• Noise level: Some air purifiers can be noisy, especially on higher fan settings. Consider how much noise you’re comfortable with when choosing a purifier.

Clay’s Climate Control Can Help

At Clay’s Climate Control, our team can help you assess your indoor air quality needs and recommend the best air purifier solution for your home. We offer a variety of air purifiers to fit your budget and needs. We can also help you with installation and maintenance to ensure your air purifier operates at peak performance.

Investing in an air purifier is an investment in your health and well-being. By creating a cleaner, healthier home environment, you can breathe easier and enjoy a better quality of life. Contact Clay’s Climate Control at 609-281-8476 to learn more about our indoor air quality solutions and how we can help you breathe easier at home.

As homeowners, we strive to create a comfortable and healthy haven within our four walls. Yet, often overlooked is the very air we breathe inside. Indoor air quality (IAQ) can be significantly compromised by various pollutants, impacting our well-being and comfort. This is where air purifiers come in, offering a powerful solution to enhance IAQ and improve your home environment.

Clay’s Climate Control understands the importance of breathing clean air. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive indoor air quality services, including expert recommendations on air purifiers. Below, we share how to improve indoor air quality and the benefits of air purifiers. 

The Power of Air Purifiers

While their compact size might misrepresent their potential, air purifiers pack a punch when improving your home’s air quality. Here’s how they can transform your living space:

1. Combating Allergens

Dust mites, pet dander, pollen – these common allergens wreak havoc on allergy sufferers. Air purifiers with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters trap these microscopic irritants, significantly reducing allergy symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes.

2. Mitigating Asthma Triggers

For individuals with asthma, even minor irritants in the air can trigger attacks. Air purifiers can create a calmer breathing environment by removing dust, mold spores, and other asthma triggers. This translates to fewer flare-ups, improved lung function, and a better quality of life.

3. Banishing Odors and VOCs

Cooking odors, pet dander, and even cleaning products can release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the air, creating unpleasant smells and potential health concerns. Air purifiers with activated carbon filters effectively absorb these odors and VOCs, leaving your home smelling fresh and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals.

4. Safeguarding Your Health

Indoor air pollution can harbor harmful bacteria and viruses. While air purifiers cannot guarantee complete protection, they can significantly reduce airborne pathogens, potentially lowering the risk of airborne illnesses and contributing to a healthier living environment.

5. Enhancing Sleep Quality

Clean air isn’t just good for your lungs; it’s crucial for quality sleep. By removing allergens and irritants, air purifiers can create a more comfortable sleep environment, promoting deeper sleep and leaving you feeling more rested in the morning.

Choosing the Right Air Purifier

With the diverse range of air purifiers available, selecting the right one for your needs can be overwhelming. Clay’s Climate Control’s expert technicians can guide you through the process, considering factors like:

• Room size: Ensure the purifier covers your desired space effectively.
• HEPA filter: Opt for one with a HEPA filter for superior allergen and particle removal.
• Activated carbon filter: If odor control is a priority, choose a purifier with an activated carbon filter.
• Noise level: Select an air purifier with a noise level that suits your comfort, especially for bedrooms.
• Maintenance: Consider filter replacement costs and ease of maintenance.

At Clay’s Climate Control, we install home whole air purifiers that offer the following benefits: 

1. Installed in the existing ducted HVAC system for whole-home purification.
2. No regular maintenance or filter changes are needed.
3. Cleans the air as it filters through your home.
4. Quiet operation and one-time installation.

Additional Tips for Optimal IAQ

While air purifiers are a powerful tool, optimizing IAQ requires a comprehensive approach. Here are some additional tips:

• Regularly change air filters in your HVAC system.
• Increase ventilation by opening windows when possible.
• Reduce humidity levels with proper ventilation and dehumidifiers.
• Invest in houseplants like the Snake Plant or Peace Lily to improve air quality.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and opt for natural cleaning products.
• Schedule regular IAQ inspections and maintenance with Clay’s Climate Control.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality With Clay’s Climate Control?

Investing in an air purifier and prioritizing IAQ is an investment in your well-being and the health of your loved ones. At Clay’s Climate Control, we’re committed to helping you create a healthier and more comfortable home environment. Contact us today to discuss your IAQ needs and explore the benefits of air purifiers. Breathe easy, and let Clay’s Climate Control be your partner in creating a healthier home!

As the seasons change and the autumn air begins to settle in, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your home for the upcoming fall season. While you may be focused on other household tasks, there’s another important aspect of fall that deserves your attention: allergies. Fall allergies can be a real nuisance for many people, and one of the most effective ways to combat them is by ensuring your HVAC system is equipped to filter out allergens. Below, we’ll explore why you should replace your HVAC air filters before fall allergies hit and how it can significantly improve indoor air quality.

Understanding Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is crucial in maintaining a healthy and comfortable home environment. Poor indoor air quality can lead to various health issues, including allergies, asthma, and respiratory problems. One of the primary contributors to indoor air pollution is the presence of allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. These allergens can become trapped in your home, circulating through your HVAC system and ultimately affecting your well-being.

The Role of HVAC Air Filters

Your HVAC system plays a pivotal role in maintaining indoor air quality. It regulates the temperature and filters the air circulating throughout your home. This is where air filters come into play. These filters capture and remove airborne particles, including allergens, before they can enter your living spaces. However, over time, these filters become clogged with debris, reducing their effectiveness. Let’s look at the advantages of regularly replacing your air filters:

Improved Indoor Air Quality 

By replacing your air filters regularly, especially before fall allergies strike, you ensure that the air circulated throughout your home is clean and free from allergens. This can significantly reduce allergy symptoms, helping you breathe more easily.

Reduced Indoor Air Pollution 

Dirty or clogged filters can lead to an increase in indoor air pollution. Allergens and particles can recirculate in your home, exacerbating allergy symptoms and potentially causing other health issues. New filters are your first line of defense against indoor air pollution.

Enhanced HVAC Efficiency 

When air filters are clogged, your HVAC system has to work harder to push air through, leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. Replacing filters regularly ensures that your system operates efficiently, saving you money in the long run.

Extended HVAC System Lifespan 

A well-maintained HVAC system tends to have a longer lifespan. Replacing filters is a simple and cost-effective way to keep your system running smoothly, preventing the need for costly repairs or premature replacements.

When to Replace Your Air Filters

Now that we’ve established the importance of replacing your air filters, let’s discuss when you should do it. Air filter installation depends on several factors:

• Filter Type – Different filters have varying lifespans. Standard fiberglass filters typically need replacement every 1-3 months, while higher-quality pleated filters can last up to 6 months.
• Usage – Homes with pets or smokers may need more frequent filter replacements due to increased airborne particles.
• Allergy Season – As fall allergies approach, it’s good practice to replace your filters in late summer to ensure maximum effectiveness.
• System Recommendations – Follow your HVAC manufacturer’s recommendations for filter replacement.

Your home’s indoor air quality is crucial to your family’s health and well-being, especially as fall allergies approach. Replacing your HVAC air filters before fall allergies can significantly improve indoor air quality, reduce indoor air pollution, and ensure your HVAC system operates efficiently. 

Contact Clay’s Climate Control Today

At Clay’s Climate Control, we understand the importance of indoor air quality and offer air filter installation services to help you keep your home allergen-free. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and ensure your HVAC system is ready to combat fall allergies.

No matter what type of climate you live in, both your home and your health can be affected by poor indoor humidity levels. The effects of having too much or too little humidity inside can be rather uncomfortable and even damage some parts of your home. That is why we’re here today to help you achieve the perfect level of humidity for ultimate indoor comfort and better health. 

What are Normal Indoor Humidity Levels?

To begin, indoor humidity levels should ideally be 30-50% humidity. Anything below 30% will cause issues, just as anything above 50% humidity will as well. So how can you tell if you have normal humidity in your house? Without the proper tools to measure your humidity levels, you must rely on some of the most common signs that signify poor levels are present. Let’s take a look at what signs you should look out for. 

1. You See Signs of Mold and Mildew

Mold growth and mildew are two big signs that there is too much humidity in your home. The corners of spaces like your kitchen, closet, and bathroom are likely spots for mold growth. Another sign of high humidity levels is an unusual amount of mildew in your bathroom. 

2. Dry, Itchy Skin

When the winter hits and humidity levels drop, some experience dry, itchy skin that puts a damper on indoor comfort. Irritated skin is a common sign that levels of humidity in your home are too low and that you are not getting enough moisture.

3. You’re Having Trouble Breathing

Trouble breathing is one of the more serious signs of poor indoor humidity. For those who suffer from asthma, too high of humidity inside can cause chest tightness and wheezing. Humid air can be hard to breathe in and can trap pollutants from exiting your home, triggering asthma symptoms. 

4. You’re Not Catching Those Zzz’s 

If you’ve spent one too many sleepless nights at home, poor indoor humidity levels might be to blame. Both low and high humidity can cause sleeping issues. When you’re sweating due to too much humidity, your body is forced to work harder to evaporate sweat and cool down. When humidity is too low, you may experience bouts of coughing and throat irritation, affecting your sleep. 

5. Your Home is Being Damaged

Have you recently noticed that your wood flooring has begun warping? Maybe the paint on your walls is starting to peel? Damage to your home and furniture are telltale signs of poor humidity levels in your home. These effects can, unfortunately, lead to costly repairs and wasted time. 

How to Achieve Normal Humidity in Your House

If you’ve been experiencing any of these signs in your home, then it is important to fix the issue for both your health and your home. At Clay’s Climate Control, we have all of the indoor air quality solutions you need to regulate your humidity levels and stay comfortable all year long. If you want cleaner, healthier indoor air, we can help supply and install the latest air filtration systems, air decontaminating UV lamps, air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and humidifiers. Contact us today to get started on improving your indoor air!

For many of us, procrastination and forgetfulness are just part of our daily lives. From forgetting to buy milk at the grocery store to putting off scheduling that dentist appointment, forgetting things is what makes us human. However, when it comes to some tasks, like changing your air filter, forgetfulness can lead to some negative consequences. Once you find out what happens when you forget to change your air filter, you’ll never put it off again. Let’s take a look.

Indoor Air Pollution Accumulation

After just 10 days of not changing your air filter after the recommended time, your indoor air pollution will begin to increase. You will start to notice an accumulation of dust in your home, as it is now recirculating through your air filter. After 20 days, your air filter will usually be clogged. Allergy and asthma sufferers will begin to notice an increase in their symptoms, like sneezing and coughing. At this point, your heating and cooling system will begin to suffer as well.

Double the Work

When you fail to change your air filter, your HVAC system will have to work twice as hard to keep your home at an ideal temperature. Because clean air is not able to pass through your filter, some areas in your home may become covered in dust. After a month or so, expect your indoor air quality to be at an all-time low. 

HVAC System Breakdown

Once you pass the two-month mark of not changing your air filter at the recommended time, your HVAC system has a high probability of overheating or breaking completely. By a miracle, if your system is still running at this point, you will start to notice a huge jump in your electricity bill. If you didn’t notice that your air filter needed to be replaced before, the amount you owe your energy company will surely help you figure it out. Along with dealing with high costs, you will also have to deal with an extremely cold or hot home, depending on the season. 

Never Forget Your Air Filter Again

Now that you know what could happen if you forget to change your air filter, this simple task should be a top priority for you every month. Your reminder to “change air filter” will not only improve the air quality of your home, but will also keep your HVAC system running smoothly, and decrease the chance of an expensive repair bill. If you’re wondering how to improve indoor air quality even further, then Clay’s Climate Control has the solutions for you! 

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

At Clay’s Climate Control, we specialize in innovative indoor air quality solutions to keep you and your family healthy. If you want cleaner, healthier indoor air, we can help supply and install the latest air filtration systems, air decontaminating UV lamps, air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and humidifiers. Take a step in the right direction for your family’s health and contact Clay’s Climate Control today!

As the weather gets colder, most of us will retreat into our warm homes and spend the winter under layers of clothes and blankets. Although it may seem like we are keeping ourselves safe by avoiding the inclement weather outside, the air inside our homes can actually be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. If your indoor air quality is riddled with pollutants, it can cause irritation, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and more. If you are looking to protect your health this winter, keep reading for our expert tips on how to improve indoor air quality. 

Replace Your Air Filter

Air filters are quite literally a magnet for dust, dirt, and other harmful pollutants. When you fail to replace them as recommended, clean air cannot pass through properly and the air becomes contaminated. To ensure you are not breathing in all of the debris that is collected, replace your air filters every one to three months. 

Bring Nature Inside

If you or someone at home enjoys interior decorating, then this tip is for you. Decorating your home with plants not only looks great, but some indoor plants can naturally purify your air too. Plants such as the Areca Palm, Snake Plant, Money Plant, Gerbera Daisy, Chinese Evergreens, Spider Plant, and Aloe Vera are all great options for natural air purification.

Choose Cleaners and Fresheners Wisely

Although giving your house a deep cleaning can do wonders for your air quality, it is important to choose cleaners that are non-toxic for humans and pets. We recommend checking the ingredient list of your usual cleaners or even making your own! Additionally, pay attention to the candles and fragrances you use in your home. Opt for candles that are made with essential oils for a great scent and increased air quality.

Install Indoor Air Quality Products

Nothing does the job quite like a whole-house humidifier, whole-house air purifier, or indoor air scrubber. A whole-house humidifier can bring moisture back into your home when the air is especially dry during the winter months. Investing in a whole-house air purifier can help capture and remove harmful bacteria, pollen, viruses, and more. An indoor air scrubber is attached to the ductwork of your HVAC system and works to eliminate air pollution, VOCs, surface contaminants, odors, pet dander, and pesky dust. Any of these air quality products will play a significant role in improving your indoor air quality and require little to no maintenance. 

Enlist the Help of Indoor Air Quality Experts

Whether you install a whole-house humidifier or turn your home into a houseplant jungle, any of these tips are sure to improve your indoor air quality this winter. If you are interested in installing top-of-the-line indoor air quality products in your home, then Clay’s Climate Control is here to help. If you want cleaner, healthier indoor air, we can supply and install the latest air filtration systems, air decontaminating UV lamps, air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and humidifiers. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and sleep well knowing that the air you’re breathing is as clean as possible.