As the temperature outside gets higher and higher, you may find yourself relying heavily on your air conditioning system. While this system does a great job of keeping your space cool, it does come with one major drawback. When your energy bill arrives, you may be startled by how much higher it is. With the rising cost of goods and services, you may be looking for inexpensive cooling options to keep your home comfortable through the summer months. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the best eco- and wallet-friendly cooling options for your home as summer temperatures reach their peak. 

1. Oscillating or Ceiling Fans

A great cooling option to ensure your space is comfortable throughout the summer is oscillating or ceiling fans. By keeping your fans on throughout the day, you can keep the air in your home moving. Often, a space will feel warmer than it actually is if the air is stagnant. By using your fan throughout the day, you ensure the space stays cool, even when you aren’t home. When you return home at the end of the day, it should still feel cool and comfortable, ensuring you feel your best throughout the night. 

2. Open Windows on Cool Nights

Opening your windows on cooler nights is one great, eco-friendly cooling option to ensure your home is comfortable throughout the summer. On average, Utah’s summer nights are between 65 and 87 degrees. When temperatures are on the lower side of this average, you can pull cool air into your space. Coupling this with additional cooling options, like the fans mentioned above, can ensure your home is cold throughout the day. Just don’t forget to close your windows in the morning to keep the summer heat out. 

5. Improved Insulation

If your home is over 20 years old, your existing insulation may be a major reason why you can’t achieve the comfortable temperature you hope for. On average, insulation should be replaced or retrofitted every 15 to 20 years to ensure your home is as comfortable as possible. While this can be a costly investment to make, it is one of the most eco-friendly cooling options for your home. Not only will it keep you comfortable in the summer, but it will also keep the cold out throughout the chilly Utah winter. 

6. Upgrade your AC

As your air conditioner reaches the end of its life, you may notice a subtle increase in your monthly energy bill. If the cost to cool your home continues to rise, this might be a sign that your best cooling option is to upgrade your current system. Newer air conditioners are more eco-friendly, often saving homeowners up to 40% on their monthly energy bills. In addition to saving you money from month to month, you may qualify for government rebates for choosing to invest in a more eco-friendly system. 

7. Window Tint

As mentioned above, many homeowners love the view from their windows. But, their windows can seriously impact their indoor temperature. If you love the view from your windows and don’t want to invest in curtains that will block this view throughout much of the day, you may want to consider investing in window tint instead. Window tint is a great way to reflect the UV rays that may otherwise shine into your home and increase indoor temperatures. This eco-friendly cooling option lets you see out your windows without dealing with rising temperatures. 

8. Stay Hydrated

While you can incorporate many great cooling options into your home to stay cool, there is one other thing you can do. During the hottest months of the year, staying well-hydrated throughout the day is essential. Remember to carry a water bottle with you and to drink from it consistently. Drinking plenty of cool water will ensure the hydration lost from perspiration is replenished. If you want to stay well-hydrated, drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. 

Upgrading Your Home Cooling Options

Whether you need to upgrade your existing air conditioning unit or you want to install a smart thermostat in your home, our team at R&D Heating & Air is here to help. Our team of certified, trained, and experienced professionals has provided homeowners across Roy, Utah, and beyond with the most reliable HVAC services for over 20 years. No matter what service you have in mind, we’re confident that we have the experience that makes us the perfect choice for your home. 

Don’t let the heat get you down any longer; contact our team to discuss the best eco-friendly cooling options for your home. 

Spring and summer bring beautiful blooms and warmer weather, but for allergy sufferers, they also mark the return of relentless sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. Pollen can easily make its way indoors, and if you don’t take precautions, your home may not feel like the sanctuary it should be. 

Indoor allergens can leave you feeling sick, even when you’re out of reach of pollen. However, there are a few easy ways to address this irritation and achieve respiratory relief. In this blog, we’ll discuss some effective ways to reduce indoor allergens during pollen season so you can breathe easier.

When is Pollen Season? 

As the spring months begin, you might notice an increase in respiratory irritation. However, nailing down when pollen season starts can be difficult. Utah’s pollen season stretches between March and November. However, the allergens you encounter will vary based on the time of year. Utah’s trees release pollen between February and May. Utahns will deal with allergens from their grass from May to June. Finally, weeds release their pollen between July and November. However, the pollen season may end sooner or later, depending on the first hard frost. 

Common Allergy Symptoms

If you believe you are experiencing allergies because of exposure to indoor allergens, there are a few symptoms you may experience. The most common allergy symptoms include: 

• Itchy, runny, or stuffy nose
• Watery eyes
• Frequent sneezing or coughing
• Itchy throat

In many cases, allergy symptoms will go away on their own. However, for those who have asthma, consistent exposure to indoor allergens can exacerbate your symptoms. While these indoor allergies can be frustrating, there are a few great ways to address the allergens and clear up your indoor space. 

How to Reduce Indoor Allergens

There are several very easy ways to reduce your exposure to indoor allergens, including the following: 

1. Replace Air Filters Every Three Months

Dirty air filters clogged with allergens, dust, and dirt are far less effective at preventing allergies. One of the easiest ways to reduce your exposure to indoor allergens is by remembering to replace your HVAC system’s air filters at least once every three months. However, if you have pets or experience severe allergies, even when allergens aren’t at their peak, you may need to replace your air filters more frequently. You may also consider investing in air filters with a higher MERV rating to better address your allergies. 

2. Schedule Professional Duct Cleaning

If you find that, even after thoroughly cleaning your home, you are still dealing with irritation from indoor allergens, it might be a good idea to schedule professional duct cleaning. In some cases, your constant exposure to these allergens is caused by a buildup of old dust, dirt, debris, and allergens in your home’s ducts. By scheduling professional duct cleaning, you can remove this debris and trust that you’re breathing much fresher, allergen-free air. 

3. Keep Windows and Doors Closed

While you may love the feel of a cool spring breeze flowing through your home, keeping your windows and doors open may be a major cause of indoor allergens. Even if you have a screen door or window screens, the smallest allergens can sneak into your home. When you close your windows and doors at the end of the day, these allergens remain indoors, increasing symptoms. If you want to avoid these allergens, keeping your doors and windows shut and using fans to cool down your home is best. 

4. Invest in an Air Purifier

One way to reduce your exposure to indoor allergens is by investing in an air purifier. You have a few options when trying to find one. In some cases, you may want to invest in a small air purifier for your bedroom, office, or living space. However, if you find that you deal with indoor allergens throughout your entire home, it may be best to speak to a trusted HVAC professional about whether they can install a whole-home purification system. This should help you tackle the allergens more thoroughly. 

5. Vacuum Frequently

Vacuuming the carpet and fiber surfaces across your home is a great way to remove allergens that cause a spike in your allergy symptoms. As you walk across the carpet or sit on these surfaces, you may find allergy symptoms spiking. By vacuuming, you can clear these allergens and breathe a little easier. After vacuuming, remember to wipe down your shelves and other surfaces to remove any remaining allergens from your home. 

6. Address Mold and Mildew Promptly

If you notice mold and mildew growth across your home, it is essential that you address it as soon as possible. Allowing mold to continue growing across your home increases your risk of exposure to mold spores, one of the most harmful indoor allergens. You should schedule mold remediation to remove mold from your space as soon as you spot the growth. Additionally, you might want to speak to your HVAC professional if you believe there is mold growing in your HVAC system. 

How Frequently Should You Schedule Duct Cleaning? 

If you believe the indoor allergens are coming from your air ducts, you may consider scheduling professional duct cleaning. Once done, this should help you breathe a little easier in your living space. However, you may also wonder how frequently you should schedule duct cleaning to ensure your home is always fresh. On average, it is best to schedule professional duct cleanings at least once every three to five years. You may need to schedule more frequently if you live in a place with high exposure to allergens or frequent inclement weather. 

R&D Heating & Air – Your Expert HVAC Team This Pollen Season

If you need to schedule professional duct cleaning, want to install an air purifier, or need help changing your air filters, turn to our team at R&D Heating & Air. With over 20 years of combined experience, we’re confident that we can help homeowners achieve their most comfortable homes. No matter what service you choose, we’re here to help you make this a smooth process. 

If you would like to speak to team members about our duct cleaning, air purifier, or air filter services, don’t hesitate to contact us today. 

Smoking indoors can significantly impact your home’s air quality, not only affecting those who live there but also the HVAC system itself. Without the proper measures, cigarette smoke, which contains thousands of chemicals, can linger and settle into fabrics, walls, and even the ductwork of your home. But what can indoor smokers do to protect their homes? 

In this blog, we’ll discuss several great ways for indoor smokers to protect their HVAC systems and ensure the best air quality in their homes. 

1. Upgrade to a High-Quality Air Filter

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep indoor air clean as an indoor smoker is by upgrading the air filter in your HVAC system. Standard filters are designed to trap dust and other large particles but are often not equipped to handle the microscopic particles found in cigarette smoke. By upgrading your filters, you can catch much smaller debris, keeping the air in your home fresh. 

Air Filter Recommendations

• HEPA Filters: High-efficiency particulate Air (HEPA) filters can trap up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including smoke particles.
• Carbon Filters: These filters use activated carbon to absorb and neutralize smoke odors and gases. Installing a filter with activated carbon can significantly reduce the smell of smoke and improve overall air quality.

2. Use an Air Purifier

In addition to using high-quality filters in your HVAC system, investing in a standalone air purifier can help capture smoke particles and odors in specific rooms. Indoor smokers should choose an air purifier with HEPA and activated carbon filters for maximum efficiency.

Air Purifier Placement Tips

• Place the air purifier in the room where smoking most frequently occurs.
• Ensure the air purifier is large enough for optimal performance for the room.

3. Keep Your HVAC System Maintained

Regular air conditioning unit and furnace maintenance is crucial for any household, but it’s even more important in a home where you are an indoor smoker. Tobacco smoke can clog air filters and build up in the ducts, reducing the system’s efficiency and potentially leading to costly repairs.

Maintenance Recommendations

• Schedule professional HVAC maintenance at least twice a year.
• Clean your air ducts periodically. Professional duct cleaning can help remove smoke residue and prevent it from being redistributed throughout the house.

4. Increase Ventilation

One of the best ways to reduce the concentration of smoke particles indoors is to increase ventilation. Proper ventilation can help dilute indoor pollutants and push them outside, improving overall air quality. While increasing ventilation in your home can be difficult and time-consuming, it is a great investment for indoor smokers who want to improve the air quality in their living spaces. 

Ways to Improve Ventilation

• Open Windows and Doors: This may seem simple, but it’s highly effective, especially immediately after smoking.
• Use Exhaust Fans: Kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans can help pull smoke particles out of the air and expel them outside.
• Mechanical Ventilation: Consider installing a whole-house ventilation system, such as an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV), which can bring fresh air into your home while expelling stale, smoky air.

Helping Indoor Smokers Care for Their HVAC Systems

Smoking indoors presents unique challenges in maintaining healthy air quality, but implementing these tips can create a cleaner and more comfortable environment. High-quality air filters, air purifiers, regular HVAC maintenance, and proper ventilation are key to managing smoke indoors. 

If you’re an indoor smoker looking for an HVAC team in the Roy, Utah, area to help you care for your home’s heating and cooling systems, contact our R&D Heating & Air team. For over 20 years, our team has provided comprehensive care and advice to help homeowners keep their systems functioning well for years to come.

When you’re ready to schedule HVAC maintenance, air purifier installation, and more, don’t hesitate to contact us for support.