Tips for Controlling Moisture Levels in Your Home

Mold can post serious health risks – especially for people with allergies and asthma. The key to controlling mold growth is reducing moisture, whether from leaks, high humidity, or variations in temperature in your home.

Below are some tips to help you keep your home drier and, thus, mold-free.

1. Dry up the drips

Even a small water leak can develop into a major mold problem, so check pipes under sinks, and behind your washing machine and refrigerator (if it has a water line). Repair leaks right away.

2. Don’t be sloppy when watering your indoor plants

I can't tell you how many homes I've seen with moisture stains on the floor under or near an indoor plant. Be careful not to spill or overwater when you are watering a plant and put a dish under the pot in case the pot leaks. It's also not a great idea to put a plant pot on a carpet or rug.

3. Watch the hot water tank

Put a battery-operated floor-water alarm near your hot water tank, so you'll be alerted if the tank starts to leak. If you have a central alarm system, consider having a floor-water alarm tied into the system. If you have a gas-fired hot water heater, plan to replace it right before the warranty expires. Electric hot water heaters tend to last longer than their warranty, but still, keep an eye on its warranty date.

4. Control the relative humidity below-grade

Mold growth doesn't always require standing water. Some molds can begin to grow when the relative humidity (RH) is over 80%. As air cools, its RH rises. Below-grade (below ground level) spaces like basements and crawl spaces are naturally cool and damp, so the RH must be adequately controlled.

Use a thermo-hygrometer to measure the RH. The RH should be kept at or below 50% in unfinished basement spaces and in crawl spaces, and below 60% in finished basement spaces.

During the spring and summer months, between mid-April and mid-October in the northeast, add dehumidification as needed, even if your finished basement has air conditioning. Be sure that your dehumidifier is adequate for the space, and attach the machine to a condensate pump, so it can drain into a sink or to the exterior. That way, you won’t have to empty the reservoir (when the reservoir is full, the dehumidifier will shut off).

In the winter, you do not need to dehumidify an unfinished basement. However, a finished basement must be kept consistently warm, whether in use or not, with the thermostat set at a minimum of 57° F.

5. Don’t over-humidify above grade

In the winter, we don't open windows and doors that much, so moisture can build up in a house in above-grade (at or above ground level) rooms. If you have an exhaust fan over your cook stove that vents to the exterior, use the fan whenever you cook or bake, and try to cook and bake at the same time.

After showering or bathing, operate the exhaust fan in the bathroom for at least twenty minutes. In addition, leave the door open and operate an oscillating fan in the bathroom to help dry surfaces.

If you have a central humidification system, keep the RH in habitable rooms under 40% (lower in extreme cold). The same holds true if you use a portable humidifier in any particular room. Always measure the RH with a thermo-hygrometer.

6. Keep your exterior closet(s) warm

A closet with one or more walls facing the exterior can develop conditions of elevated RH. This can lead to mold growth on those walls, as well as on goods stored on the cool closet floor. It's best not to overstuff a closet with personal goods; keep your things off the floor and away from cool walls.

Don't install carpet or put rugs on the closet floor, as carpeting captures biodegradable dust. Remove the dust from the floor and baseboard trim.

To warm the air and help control the RH in an exterior closet, you can heat the closet with a heater specially made for the purpose (or just the light). Or, you can keep the door open to increase the flow of warm air into the space. You can also install a louvered rather than solid closet door.

7. Don’t keep some rooms cold while you heat other rooms

In the winter, it's tempting to heat only the rooms that you use and leave other rooms cool. In homes with wood-burning stoves, I've often found that some rooms near the stove are toasty, while others are uncomfortably cold. This may help you save on your heating bills, but unfortunately, elevated RH conditions can develop in the rooms that aren't adequately heated, even if they are above grade. And then you know what may happen next… mold growth.

8. Isolate your crawl space

A crawl space should be isolated from the exterior and be dehumidified. Otherwise, humid air can enter the space and lead to condensation and mold growth on cool surfaces. If a crawl space has a dirt floor, the dirt should be covered with a mesh-enforced vapor barrier, or even with appropriate cementitious material, to limit the evaporation of moisture from the soil.

9. Don’t introduce unnecessary amounts of moisture into your attached garage

In the summer, dehumidify your garage during particularly humid weather; just keep the RH under 70%. In the winter, wipe snow off your car, including kicking snow off the tires, before driving the vehicle into the garage. If snow still falls onto the garage floor, sweep it to the exterior before it melts, or sweep the water out of the garage after the snow has melted.

A good whole house dehumidifier could help, contact us if you have any questions.

source credit: https://bit.ly/3bw1SZY

It’s Time for a Summer Tune-Up for Your A/C

Summer is just around the corner. Before it gets on your nerves, it is time to get a professional inspection and tune-up for your cooling unit. It is best to prepare your A/C as early as now to ensure a comfortable home 24/7 during these humid days.

source credit: Deposit Photos

Before getting busy with other stuff at home such as cleaning the yard and stocking up the pantry, being proactive with your air conditioning unit is a must. Definitely, you will have to add air conditioner tune-up to your summer to-do list for the system to operate at its full capacity.

Our Expert Tune-up Service Package

Neglecting or ignoring a tune-up service for your unit increases the risk of costly breakdown, higher energy bills and an uncomfortable home. But, scheduling a regular maintenance service gives you a direct return on your investment.

A professional tune-up service includes the following:

• Complete inspection

• Cleaning of the outdoor unit, condenser coils, ductwork and filters

• Calibrating of thermostat

• Checking of coolant level

• Minor repair issues

You can take advantage of these preliminary benefits once you schedule your system for a tune-up.

Why Tune-Up Your A/C?

• Improves the system’s performance and efficiency

The advent of the hot season will require you to run your air conditioning unit for long hours every day. Thus, you have to secure that the system operates at its peak efficiency. An advanced tune-up helps in maintaining a well-performing cooling unit plus, a cooler and more comfortable home.

• Prevents unwanted service or emergency calls

What if your A/C had run out in the middle of the humid days of summer? An unexpected breakdown would mean expensive repairs. To avoid this, take advantage of the preventative maintenance package offered by your trusted HVAC provider.

• Increases your A/C lifespan

Want your system to live longer? Just like how you sustain your food for long life, your A/C also needs some pampering and a daily dose of care and maintenance. With a polished tune-up service, you can extend the lifespan of your cooling system for years.

• Keeps your family healthy

When you engage your system to a maintenance program, the package includes cleaning some of the vital parts of the system. With this, you can prevent dirt and dust from building up that may soon cause havoc to your family’s health.

So waste no time and schedule a tune-up service with our experts! 

source credit: https://bit.ly/3f626tO

Time for Some Maintenance

It is important for your HVAC system to receive prompt repairs and yearly maintenance to ensure it runs smoothly when you need it to. Neglecting your HVAC system means that your system may fail when you try to use it, leaving your family and home uncomfortable.

Our Expansive 21-Step Process Maintenance List Includes:

1. Chemically clean and thoroughly wash condenser coils

2.  Check air filters and replace at owner's request

3.  Wash and observe condensing unit for proper motor and bearing wear

4.  Lubricate motor and fan bearings as well as other moving parts as needed

5.  Clean and inspect evaporator coil and drain pan when readily accessible

6.  Clean and inspect condensate drain lines and fittings

7.  Clean, level, and calibrate thermostat

8.  Inspect blower motor and fan assembly as needed

9.  Inspect, tighten, and test all electrical connections

10.  Inspect all cooling system electrical wires, connectors, and terminals

11.  Test system starting and running capacitors

12.  Test all controls, switches, relays, transformers, contactors, motors, and fans

13.  Measure starting and running amperes, line voltage, and control voltage

14.  Test system-starting capabilities

15.  Test system for proper airflow and air delivery

16.  Inspect and adjust all safety controls

17.  Monitor refrigerant pressures and temperatures

18.  Test and record super-heat and sub-cooling. Compare to factory specifications

19.  Adjust Freon metering control device per factory / manufacturer's recommendations

20.  Test and measure air conditioning system for proper production and capacity

21.  Complete and present a full written report

Ask About Our Maintenance Service Agreements

If you are too busy to maintain your system yourself, let the professionals at Harbin Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. know today!

Our team specializes in maintenance, service agreements, and more. We offer affordable pricing and flexible terms. Please contact us with any questions.

Do Air Purifiers Really Work?

source credit: DepositPhotos

Reduce the common allergens that make you miserable with the help of an air purifier

How do they work—and do air purifiers work effectively?

Allergic rhinitis (commonly known as hay fever), as well as an allergy to pet dander, smoke, and/or dust, can make you feel as miserable as the common cold—one you can’t seem to shake (because, alas, there’s no cure for allergies). No wonder the constant sneezing, wheezing, and itchy, watery eyes have you seeking solutions! Seasonal allergies can also be a trigger for those who suffer from asthma, and exposure to increased levels of pollen and other allergens can cause flare-ups. Fortunately, whether your suffering is due to pollen in the air or your boyfriend’s cat sitting on your lap, an air purifier may provide you with some relief. Here’s how these handy little appliances can make living with allergies a bit more bearable.

An air purifier eliminates many common causes of allergies.

An air purifier is a small device designed to remove such airborne contaminants as pet dander, smoke, and dust. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a portable air cleaner is one of the most effective ways to improve the indoor air quality in a single room or area. However, no matter the quality of the air purifier you buy, there’s no model in the world that can banish all of the pollutants in your home.

Air purifiers use filters to “trap” pollutants.

Here’s how an air purifier works: Air gets sucked into the device via an internal fan system, which is then passed along to the filter inside. The filter traps airborne pollutants like dust and then a fan pushes clean air out into the room. There are two basic types of air filters in air purifiers: One eliminates particles and one removes gases—some of these even purport to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Check the packaging for acronyms that indicate effectiveness.

If you want an air purifier to remove particles like dust, dirt, and soot, check the packaging or product description for a clean air delivery rate (CADR). The higher the CADR, the more particles it can trap. Another sign of an effective air purifier is the use of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. An air purifier with a HEPA filter is likely to have a relatively high CADR.

You’ll know it’s working when you see the evidence.

You never know just how contaminated the air inside your home is until you use an air purifier and see the particles collected on the filter. Depending on the model, you can just pop off the back panel to take a peek inside at the filter. These generally need to be changed about twice a year, or whenever the filter looks completely full.

But will you feel any different? Hopefully, yes—and perhaps in more ways than one. A small-scale study found that air purifiers not only reduced fine particulate matter in the air (dust, pollen, dander) but also improved participants’ blood pressure levels and lung function.

If you’re not feeling a positive effect on your allergy symptoms after using an air purifier for a month or two, you might want to reevaluate its placement in the room (maybe moving it closer to your bed or couch or further away from a door or window). If you notice an improvement at first only to have it wane, remember to check the filter to see if it needs to be changed.

An air purifier won’t eliminate mold or the issues mold can cause to your health and your home.

Some people are allergic to household mold (often caused by water damage inside the home), with some symptoms similar to those of seasonal, dust, and animal dander allergies. Unfortunately, air purifiers aren’t designed to remove mold, nor can the devices eliminate the musty odors associated with mold. To solve the problem, investigate and repair the source of any water damage and then contact a mold remediation service, professionals that use antimicrobial agents to remove mold.

Severe allergy or asthma sufferers should consider an air purifier.

If routine allergies or asthma symptoms negatively impact your life, the evidence that a HEPA filter improves respiratory health may encourage you to shop around for an air purifier. The best air purifiers generally cost between $200 and $900 on the high end, but since it’s recommended to run them constantly, expect a spike in your electricity bill. Though some devices are more energy-efficient than others, the average HEPA air purifier will consume 50 to 200 watts of electricity and run you an extra $30 to $90 annually to keep them plugged in and working. If you’re concerned about your bottom line, look for the blue ENERGY STAR sticker when shopping to take home a certified model that uses 40 percent less energy to operate.

source credit: https://bit.ly/2Jf7fRU

Do you really need a standby generator?

source credit: Deposit Photos

We all love feeling snug at home while the wind rages outside. Whether we’re making a mug of hot cocoa or settling in for a night of Netflix, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of security that comes with being in a warm, well-lit home. Alas, few of us consider the ever-present risk of losing the very thing that makes us safe and comfortable in our houses—electricity.

As secure as our homes might seem, the threat of storm-related power loss is more prevalent now than ever before and a loss of electricity can have much greater consequences than spending a few hours without wifi. When power is lost for a few days or weeks at a time, property damage and human health issues are very real risks, depending on the nature of your situation. However, if you meet the criteria outlined below, you should strongly consider getting a backup generator in order to protect your property—and your family.

3 Questions to ask yourself when considering a backup generator

1. Do you live in a storm-prone area?

Severe storms—like hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, tornados —have been in the news a lot in recent years, and for good reason: Storms are becoming more frequent and more powerful. What’s more, they often develop more rapidly than they did several decades ago, leaving us with little time to prepare for their arrival. According to NASA, “Already, there is evidence that the winds of some storms may be changing. A study based on more than two decades of satellite altimeter data (measuring sea surface height) showed that hurricanes intensify significantly faster now than they did 25 years ago. Specifically, researchers found that storms attain Category 3 wind speeds nearly nine hours faster than they did in the 1980s. Another satellite-based study found that global wind speeds had increased by “an average of 5 percent over the past two decades.”

If you live in an area where hurricanes, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, or snow or ice storms occur, then purchasing a backup generator is strongly recommended. Having a generator prevents food spoilage (as the generator will keep your freezer and refrigerator running), protecting you from storm-related food shortages. It will also keep your heater and hot water tank operating normally. This is especially important if you’re dealing with a winter storm; numerous people have lost their homes or even their lives to fire after trying to heat them with just a fireplace.

2. Do you own a large home?

Large homes are a lot more prone to experiencing burst water pipes during winter storm-related power outages. As the house cools down, the water in the pipes attached to it starts to freeze and expand. This causes the pipes to rupture, incurring thousands of dollars’ worth of damage.

While it may be possible to keep a very small home warm using gas heaters (though, once again, this is not recommended for safety reasons) and thereby prevent exterior pipes from bursting, this is virtually impossible to accomplish in a large home. The only safe, practical way to protect a large home from burst pipes is to restore power—and heat—to the home via the use of a whole house generator.

3. What kind of appliances and equipment are running at home?

Does someone in your household sleep with a CPAP machine? Do you have a hot tub that could freeze over if deprived of power? Are there any older people in your home who use a stair lift? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you’re reliant on a steady stream of power. Don’t wait for an emergency to occur; install a natural gas backup generator and safeguard yourself against unexpected weather events.

Choosing a generator: Portable generators vs. standby generators

If you’ve decided you want the protection that’s offered by backup generators, the next thing you’ll need to figure out is whether you want a portable or standby generator. While portable generators look appealing at first glance owing to their lower price-tag, portability, and convenience, they have some limitations you should be aware of. First and foremost, they use up a lot of fuel. You can expect to go through about five gallons of gasoline every 8 hours. Likewise, portable generators aren’t safe for indoor use.

Standby, whole-house generators, on the other hand, have a greater upfront cost, but they can be used safely and reliably in any weather. They can also power all your appliances, whereas a portable generator will usually only be able to power a few. Finally, they can last for over 15 years and even switch themselves on automatically when the power goes out. If you live in a storm-prone area, a standby natural gas generator is a worthwhile investment.

Considerations for choosing standby generators

Before installing an emergency generator, you’ll need a consultation. We are available help you determine your specific needs. Here’s what you’ll want to clarify during your consultation:

• How many appliances you will want to run in the event of a power outage.

• Where you want your whole house standby generator to be located.

• What type of fuel you want to use to run your generator. You can choose natural gas, diesel, or liquefied petroleum.

Get the peace of mind you want and need with a standby generator

Having a generator can protect your family against food shortages, house fires, CO2 poisoning, and cold. It can also safeguard your property and appliances against costly damage. With the incidence of lengthy power outages on the rise even in metropolitan areas, a stand by generator should feature prominently on every homeowner’s list of priorities. Start planning your generator consultation today.

source credit: https://bit.ly/32He5bw

5 Ways to Prepare Your HVAC System for Spring

source credit: Deposit Photos

When the hot, humid summer weather hits the area, issues with your HVAC system will be the last thing you want to be worrying about. A properly functioning air conditioning system is essential for summer comfort in the south. These 5 tips will help you prepare your HVAC system for spring. 

Schedule a Seasonal Tune-Up

This tip is as simple as calling us and scheduling a preventive maintenance appointment. Your system will run more efficiently this spring and summer and will be less likely to break down on a hot summer day. 

Air Filter
No need to call an air conditioning repair or installation or heating repair or installation contractor for this easy task. Simply purchase a new air filter and replace the current one. Your air quality and efficiency will be improved by this simple step. Be sure to check your air filter every thirty days during summer use and replace it when needed. 

Ductwork
Call and make an appointment to test your ductwork for leaks this spring. Having leaks in your ductwork repaired will increase your system’s efficiency and help your HVAC system cool and heat your home more effectively. 

Consider an Upgrade
Spring is a great time to have a new air conditioning system installed. If your system is old, having it replaced by a new, efficient system will save you money in heating and cooling bills. We would be happy to provide you with a quote for a new system.

A Programmable Thermostat

If you do not have a programmable thermostat, have one installed this spring. You will enjoy better control of the temperature in your home, and possibly lower energy bills since you can set the temperature so that your system runs less when you are not there.

source credit: https://bit.ly/2T5DgRZ

Why Clean Air Ducts?

source credit: Deposit Photos

Answer: Because they get dirty!

In addition to normal accumulations of dust and dirt found in all homes with air ducts, there are several other factors that can increase the need for regular HVAC system cleaning:

• pets

• occupants with allergies or asthma

• cigarette or cigar smoke

• water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system

• home renovation or remodeling projects

Some occupants are more sensitive to these contaminants than others. Allergy and asthma sufferers, as well as young children and the elderly tend to be more susceptible to the types of poor indoor air quality that air duct cleaning can help address.

Top Benefits of HVAC Cleaning

NADCA’s rule of thumb for consumers is that “if your air ducts look dirty, they probably are,” and that dirty HVAC systems should be inspected by a reputable, certified HVAC professional. Below are some other reasons homeowners choose to have their air ducts cleaned.

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is one concern that homeowners have when they decide to investigate air duct cleaning. Your heating and cooling system is the lungs of your home. The system takes air in and breathes air out.

Through normal occupation in a home, we generate a great deal of contaminants and air pollutants, such as dander, dust, and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 5 to 7 times per day, on average. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of contaminants in the duct work.

While dirty ducts don’t necessarily mean unhealthy air in your home, school or workplace, they may be contributing to larger health issues or harboring contaminants that could cause serious problems for people with respiratory health conditions, autoimmune disorders or some environmental allergies.

Energy Savings

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten the life of your system. Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system still gets dirty through normal use.

When an HVAC system is clean, it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire. As a result, less energy is used, leading to improved cost-effectiveness.

If your interested in having us check out your ducts and give you a quote, click below and we will be happy to help you!

source credit: https://bit.ly/2Pmgza5