Our FAQs

Generators 

Why would I need a home generator?

These days, due to extreme weather, construction, and other unforeseen complications, extended power outages can mean real problems for daily living. When an ice storm knocks down a tree, which then falls on the power line that supplies your neighborhood’s electricity, you are left waiting for the electric company to come restore your power. This could mean days of waiting. Days without heat. Days without internet. Days that food in your refrigerator is going bad. When you have a backup generator, the automatic transfer switch (which is installed along with the generator) recognizes that you are no longer receiving power from the power grid, and within seconds, it switches the generator on as your power source, and voila! Life goes on, uninterrupted. Today’s standby power generators are fully automatic, self-contained, and built to be permanently installed outside the living area, just like an air conditioning unit. You would almost never know it was there, until you needed it. To determine which Standby Generator best meets your needs please call, we will gladly answer any questions or offer support in finding the right person.

Should I install a backup generator at my house?

We believe the answer to this question is a definite YES.

Y2K started the home standby generator revolution. Then it snowballed. The California Energy Crisis. The Ice Storm of 2001. The Great Northeast Blackout. Hurricanes Isabel, Charley, Ivan, Katrina, Rita and Wilma.

Just a few years ago, the thought of owning a standby generator seemed absurd. Now, living without electricity is all too common. Electricity is a vital resourcewe often take for granted. Until a power outage occurs. Then we are quickly reminded of how much we rely on electricity.

Are you prepared to handle an extended power outage? If not, we can help you. Wesell the complete line of Home Standby Generators to keep you up and running, even during extended power outages.

Residential emergency home standby generators are permanently installed outside (similar to an air-conditioning unit), supply electrical power to all pre-selected lights and appliances, and are powered by either natural gas or LPG. Models range from 7,000 to 40,000 watts. They work with a matched automatic transfer switch that responds within seconds when utility power shuts down, even when no one is home!

To determine which Standby Generator best meets your needs please call, we will gladly answer any questions or offer support in finding the right person.

Why should I purchase a residential standby generator and not just a portable generator?

Portable generators may be less expensive initially, but they present many limitations, inconveniences, hidden costs…and even potential hazards. With a portable generator, you must turn it on, plug in extension cords, and constantly replenish the supply of gasoline—which is especially problematic when gas station pumps quit working in a power outage.

Portable generators can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, a threat clearly stated on the government–mandated warning label every portable unit must carry. In addition, portable generators—and even some standby generators—produce unstable, low–quality power that can damage sensitive home electronics. Our standby residential generators produce a safe, stable power supply.

To determine which Standby Generator best meets your needs please call, we will gladly answer any questions or offer support in finding the right person.

How does a home generator work?

You might be thinking that a power generator is a complicated piece of equipment, but there’s really not much to understanding how they work.

Four important components of a generator are:
The motor, which burns fuel—usually propane, natural gas, gasoline, or diesel—to supply power. The generator head, which turns that power into electricity.

Most residential generators require a transfer switch, which acts as the interface between utility power and generator power. The switch recognizes an absence of utility power, and switches your electrical circuits to the generator as their source of power. The time it takes for this process to happen is generally less than 30 seconds. The process is simply reversed as soon as utility power is restored.

The size of a generator is measured in kilowatts (the wattage it produces). Sizes range from 1 kW for the smallest, gasoline-powered, portable generators, to 500 kW for large, industrial generators. The typical range for a residential generator is 7 kW to 45kW.

To determine which Standby Generator best meets your needs please call, we will gladly answer any questions or offer support in finding the right person.

How much power do I need from a Home Generator?

So how do you know what size generator you will need?

Wattage is the amount of power that is required to operate an electrical appliance or device, expressed in watts or kilowatts.

Startup Requirements vs. Running Power. Many appliances with a motor or compressor, such as your refrigerator or air conditioner, require as much as three times more electricity to start up than they do to continue running. Your generator will need to be able to accommodate this startup surge of power.

Determining Wattage Requirements. To gauge what size generator you will need, you’ll need to decide which devices in your home you’ll want to power during an outage, and what their startup requirements are. It is possible to do the measuring yourself, but for a precise, accurate measurement, hire an electrician. This way you can be sure it’s done right, and more importantly, done safely.

What Size Generator to Buy. Once you (or your electrician) have figured out the startup requirements for your desired appliances and equipment, you’ll have an idea of what size generator to look at. It’s a good idea to add about 20% to your number as to avoid overloading your generator and give you room to add a few small appliances, because you might decide that you just have to blow dry your hair during the next power outage.

Don’t Get Left in the Dark. The right size generator should provide just enough wattage to operate your essential equipment. Too few watts and you can overwork the generator, damaging anything plugged into it. Too many and you will waste money.

To determine which Standby Generator best meets your needsplease call, we will gladly answer any questions or offer support in findingthe right person.

Tips and Frequently Asked Questions

Don’t Max It Out. The rated capacity of a generator is the level of power it can deliver on an ongoing basis. It is usually about 90% of its maximum power. An electric generator can deliver its maximum capacity for no more than 30 minutes before starting to overheat. So keep this in mind when you are tallying up your wattage requirements.

Expect Regular Exercise. Standby power generators will automatically perform regular monthly or weekly test exercises to make sure they are up to par when they are actually needed. Many models have a quiet function for the exercise “sessions.”

Should I Notify My Utility Company That I Have a Generator? Yes. Most utilities maintain this type of information and make it available to the line workers that will be working in the area. Having this information can reduce delays in power restoration.

What Should I Include? Keep in mind that each device you add increases the wattage needed, which increases the cost of the generator, so limit your choices to those appliances that are truly necessary during an outage. Some of the most common are refrigerators, security systems, sump pumps, lights, electric gates or garage doors, well pumps, septic systems, and medical equipment.

To determine which Standby Generator best meets your needs please call, we will gladly answer any questions or offer support in finding the right person.

Heating & Cooling 

Is air pollution only outdoors?

According the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air is two to five times more polluted than outside air. Given the fact that most people spend 90% of their time indoors, the EPA has ranked poor indoor air quality as one of the top five environmental risks.

Pollutants in your home’s air can cause poor indoor air quality, which may cause dizziness and headaches, plus aggravate allergies and asthma.

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to address potential IAQ problems:

Eliminate

The first step toward better indoor air is to identify the sources of air pollutants and remove as many as possible from your home. You can decrease the amount of dust and dirt in your home by cleaning and vacuuming at least once a week. You should also regularly wash bed linens and stuffed toys. If someone in your family is sensitive to fumes, you should safely store household products and use them only when necessary.

Ventilate

Today’s modern homes are well-insulated and sealed to conserve energy, which means airborne pollutants have no way to escape. Lennox® ventilation systems help remove particles and bioaerosols by exchanging stale, recirculated indoor air with fresh, filtered outside air.

Clean

Although cleaning and ventilating helps reduce indoor air pollutants, these simple fixes are not cure-alls. Some contaminants are so small that they may escape through the vacuum or never land on a surface. Lennox electronic air cleaners and high-efficiency air filters capture even the smallest of particles and bioaerosols. Lennox germicidal lights kill them. And a Lennox air purification system goes a step further—it removes particles, bioaerosols and odors, and it destroys chemical vapors.

Monitor

Improper humidity levels and high temperatures can actually increase concentrations of particles and bioaerosols. Lennox ComfortSense™ 7000 Series Touchscreen Thermostats regulate moisture levels and temperatures to improve indoor air quality and enhance comfort.

To determine which indoor air quality system best meets your needs please call, we will gladly answer any questions or offer support in finding the right person.

Have an emergency? We can handle it! 24/7/365 service at no extra cost to you! That’s why customers turn to us when in need for any of these services.

What causes indoor air pollution?

According the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air is two to five times more polluted than outside air. Given the fact that most people spend 90% of their time indoors, the EPA has ranked poor indoor air quality as one of the top five environmental risks.

Pollutants in your home’s air can cause poor indoor air quality, which may cause dizziness and headaches, plus aggravate allergies and asthma.

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to address potential IAQ problems:

Eliminate

The first step toward better indoor air is to identify the sources of air pollutants and remove as many as possible from your home. You can decrease the amount of dust and dirt in your home by cleaning and vacuuming at least once a week. You should also regularly wash bed linens and stuffed toys. If someone in your family is sensitive to fumes, you should safely store household products and use them only when necessary.

Ventilate

Today’s modern homes are well-insulated and sealed to conserve energy, which means airborne pollutants have no way to escape. Lennox® ventilation systems help remove particles and bioaerosols by exchanging stale, recirculated indoor air with fresh, filtered outside air.

Clean

Although cleaning and ventilating helps reduce indoor air pollutants, these simple fixes are not cure-alls. Some contaminants are so small that they may escape through the vacuum or never land on a surface. Lennox electronic air cleaners and high-efficiency air filters capture even the smallest of particles and bioaerosols. Lennox germicidal lights kill them. And a Lennox air purification system goes a step further—it removes particles, bioaerosols and odors, and it destroys chemical vapors.

Monitor

Improper humidity levels and high temperatures can actually increase concentrations of particles and bioaerosols. Lennox ComfortSense™ 7000 Series Touchscreen Thermostats regulate moisture levels and temperatures to improve indoor air quality and enhance comfort.

To determine which indoor air quality system best meets your needs please call, we will gladly answer any questions or offer support in finding the right person.

Have an emergency? We can handle it! 24/7/365 service at no extra cost to you! That’s why customers turn to us when in need for any of these services.

What is indoor air quality?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), your exposure to air pollutants can be up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. The American Lung Association estimates that most people spend 90% of their time indoors, so clean indoor air is very important.

What is the best indoor air quality product?

The Dave Lennox Signature Collection PureAir air purification system cleans the air better than any other single system you can buy. It’s the only indoor air quality product that removes all three sources of contaminants (particles, bioaerosols and odors). And it’s the only product that combines air filtration and purification capabilities into one integrated system. To determine which indoor air quality system best meets your needs please call, we will gladly answer any questions or offer support in finding the right person.

What can I do myself to enhance my home’s air quality?

There are several everyday steps you can take to reduce the pollutants circulating in your home, including:

  1. Store household cleaners, paint solvents and chemical products in tightly sealed containers. If possible, keep them outdoors.
  2. Clean and vacuum at least once a week.
  3. Regularly wash bed linens and stuffed toys.
  4. Keep windows closed when pollen, pollution and humidity levels are high.
  5. Ask you local Healthy Climate dealer to test the air in your home for dust, pollen, chemicals and other pollutants (data is evaluated by an independent testing agency).
  6. Make sure your home is properly ventilated. (Modern homes are well insulated and sealed to conserve energy, which means airborne pollutants have no way to escape).
  7. Keep humidity levels within a healthy, comfortable range to prevent growth of mold and mildew (25% – 55%).
  8. Avoid using scented deodorizers and odor-masking air fresheners, which may cause toxic chemicals.
  9. Have your HVAC system regularly inspected to make sure it is clean and in good operating condition.
  10. Choose furnishings that emit the smallest possible amount of chemical vapors.
  11. Do not allow smoking inside your home and make sure all gas appliances are properly vented.

To determine which indoor air quality system best meets your needs please call, we will gladly answer any questions or offer support in finding the right person.

How can I eliminate odors?

You may have tried to get rid of odors in your home by spraying air fresheners or lighting candles. The problem with these methods is that they only mask the odors—they don’t get rid of them. In fact, they may even cause further contamination of the home due with chemical ingredients.

Improve ventilation

What causes the lingering odors? Sometimes, poor ventilation in a home causes unpleasant odors. Moisture condensation on walls or windows and stuffy air are signs of poor ventilation. A qualified service technician can inspect your home comfort system to determine if this is indeed the problem, and the technician can also inform you whether or not your equipment is working properly.

Purify the air

Bacteria, dust mites, animal dander, cat saliva and mold may also be roots of your home’s odor problem. You can reduce these odor-causing contaminants with a germicidal (UV) light, which inhibit the growth of biological contaminants, sterilizing surfaces in the HVAC system. Germicidal lights are designed to work with your home comfort system.

Activated carbon and microbiocide-treated filters can also purify your home’s air. Both the carbon and the microbiocide-treated filters remove odor and kill bacteria. The carbon filters are more effective at removing odor, and the microbiocide-treated filters trap bacteria as the air is pulled through, which inhibits biological contaminants from growing.

Electronic air cleaners clean the air by taking recirculated air and passing it through a prefilter that traps large pollutants. Then, ionizing wires give a positive electrical charge to remaining particles. The particles are collected by a negatively charged collecting section. Pollutants pass through an optional carbon filter that absorbs unwanted odors.

To determine which indoor air quality system best meets your needs please call, we will gladly answer any questions or offer support in finding the right person.

Have an emergency? We can handle it! 24/7/365 service at no extra cost to you! That’s why customers turn to us when in need for any of these services.

How can I improve my indoor air quality?

There are five basic strategies for outsmarting indoor air pollution:

Identify the problem

The first step toward better indoor air is to identify the types of pollutants present in the home. The best way to do this is to schedule an in-home air-quality test with your local Lennox dealer.

Reduce concentrations of particles and bioaerosols

Routine cleaning and housekeeping helps reduce indoor air pollutants, but these simple fixes are not cure-alls. Some contaminants are so small that they may escape through the vacuum or never land on a surface. Lennox HEPA filtration systems, electronic air cleaners, high-efficiency air filters capture even the smallest of particles and bioaerosols.

Reduce or eliminate chemical vapors and odors

Chemical vapors and odors can come from many different sources inside and outside the home. Once inside the home, these potentially toxic pollutants circulate through the ductwork, entering every room and living space. A Lennox air purification system removes and destroys 50% of household chemical vapors and odors within 24 hours.

Ventilate Your Home

Today’s modern homes are well-insulated and sealed to conserve energy, which means airborne pollutants have no way to escape. Lennox® ventilation systems help remove particles and bioaerosols by exchanging stale, recirculated indoor air with fresh, filtered outside air.

Control Temperature and Humidity

Improper humidity levels and high temperatures can actually increase concentrations of particles and bioaerosols. Lennox ComfortSense™ 7000 Series Touchscreen Thermostats regulate moisture levels and temperatures to improve indoor air quality and enhance comfort.

How do I know which indoor air quality product is right for me?

The Dave Lennox Signature Collection PureAir air purification system cleans the air better than any other single system you can buy. It’s the only indoor air quality product that removes all three sources of contaminants (particles, bioaerosols and odors). And it’s the only product that combines air filtration and purification capabilities into one integrated system.

What are the benefits of clean air?

Allergies and asthma are two health problems that can be helped with clean indoor air. When airborne irritants are removed, allergy and asthma sufferers often find relief from their symptoms. Even healthy people who have never suffered from allergies can benefit from clean air. Dust, smoke and other particles float around in the air, causing your drapes and furniture to gather dust. By removing airborne dust particles, you reduce the amount of exposure your respiratory system has to them.

How healthy is your indoor air?

According to studies conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the air inside your home may up five times more polluted than the air outside. For some people, this may mean no more than a runny nose or watery eyes. But, for others, particularly children, seniors and those who suffer from respiratory ailments, the effects may be devastating and long lasting.

Cleaning the air

Reducing the amount of pollutants in the air is the most effective way to improve indoor air quality. Filtration products capture contaminants that can’t be removed through vacuuming and regular cleaning. Among the filtration solutions available are UV light units, air filters, energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and electronic air cleaners.

UV light units help decompose contaminants, such as bacteria, chemicals, dust mites, animal dander, cat saliva and mold, through a process called photocatalytic oxidation. When the UV lights are installed in the ductwork of your central air and heat system, they can eliminate most of the organisms in the treated area.

Activated carbon and microbiocide-treated filters can also purify your home’s air. Both the carbon and the microbiocide-treated filters remove odor and kill bacteria, but the carbon filters are more effective at removing odor, and the microbiocide-treated filters trap bacteria as the air is pulled through, which inhibits growth of biological contaminants.

The efficiency of the air filter is an important consideration. Efficiency is measured in terms of the particle size an air filter can capture. The higher the efficiency, the more effective it will be. Look for the filter’s MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) number, a new industry standard that rates filters based on their performance. Residential filters typically have an MERV range of one to eight.

Electronic air cleaners clean the air by taking recirculated air and passing it through a prefilter that traps the large pollutants. Then, ionizing wires give a positive electrical charge to remaining particles. A negatively charged collecting section collects the particles. Pollutants pass through an optional carbon filter that absorbs unwanted odors.

Clearing the air

ERVs and HRVs bring fresh air into the home and exhaust stale air out. An HRV conserves energy from indoor conditioned air and transfers it outdoors. An ERV does the same thing, but it also maintains the desired humidity levels to keep the house comfortable.

Can indoor air be hazardous to your health?

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can be the cause of numerous health problems. Medical groups report that as many as half of all illnesses are caused or aggravated by indoor air pollution. Pollutants in your home’s air can cause dizziness, headaches and nausea, plus aggravate allergies and asthma.

Clean indoor air benefits everyone, even people who have never suffered from allergies. By removing airborne dust particles from the air, the amount of exposure the respiratory system has to them is greatly reduced.

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to address potential IAQ problems:

Eliminate

The first step toward better indoor air is to identify the sources of air pollutants and remove as many as possible from your home. You can decrease the amount of dust and dirt in your home by cleaning and vacuuming at least once a week. You should also regularly wash bed linens and stuffed toys. If someone in your family is sensitive to fumes, you should safely store household products and use them only when necessary.

Ventilate

Today’s modern homes are well-insulated and sealed to conserve energy, which means airborne pollutants have no way to escape. Lennox® ventilation systems help remove particles and bioaerosols by exchanging stale, recirculated indoor air with fresh, filtered outside air.

Clean

Although cleaning and ventilating helps reduce indoor air pollutants, these simple fixes are not cure-alls. Some contaminants are so small that they may escape through the vacuum or never land on a surface. Lennox electronic air cleaners and high-efficiency air filters capture even the smallest of particles and bioaerosols. Lennox germicidal lights kill them. And a Lennox air purification system goes a step further, it removes particles, bioaerosols and odors, and it destroys chemical vapors.

Monitor

Improper humidity levels and high temperatures can actually increase concentrations of particles and bioaerosols. Lennox ComfortSense™ 7000 Series Touchscreen Thermostats regulate moisture levels and temperatures to improve indoor air quality and enhance comfort.

How does the PureAir™ air purification system work?

The PureAir system reduces concentrations of pollutants through a process called photocatalytic oxidation (PCO). Similar to the process used by the Department of Defense to combat germ warfare, PCO combines nature’s three most powerful air purifiers:

  1. Ultraviolet light
  2. Titanium dioxide, a nontoxic substance found in the earth’s crust
  3. Hydroxyl radicals, particles derived from hydrogen peroxide

The PureAir PCO process involves three steps:

  1. The pleated media filter captures particles and bioaerosols like pollen and pet dander, removing them from the airstream.
  2. As the odor- and chemical-filled airstream flows over the UVA light, the airstream is exposed to the catalytic surface (titanium dioxide-coated mesh filter).
  3. The light energy activates the catalyst, which generates hydroxyl radicals. These particles, which are more than twice as powerful as chlorine, break down the odors and chemicals into carbon dioxide and water.

What kind of pollutants does the PureAir system remove?

The PureAir air purification system is unique in that it is the only indoor air quality system that removes all types of pollutants:

  • Particles—Pollen, dust mites, dirt, pet dander: Particles are any substances measuring less than 100 microns in diameter. The Environmental Protection Agency has found that small particles (less than 2.5 microns) are responsible for the health effects of greatest concern.
  • Bioaerosols—Bacteria, viruses, mold spores, fungi: Bioaerosols are microscopic organisms that grow and multiply in warm, humid places. Exposure to these organisms can occur in even the most well-maintained living environments.
  • Odors/Chemicals—Pet odors, cooking fumes, tobacco smoke, perfumes, chlorine, cleaning supplies, paints, solvents: Odors and chemicals are air contaminants in the form of gases. Classes and concentrations of chemicals found in a home are largely determined by air circulation, product usage and types of furnishings.

Are all air filters created equal?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a filtration system, starting with sensitivity to allergens. The more sensitive a person is to allergens, the greater the need for a high-efficiency filtration system.

Efficiency

The efficiency of the air filter should be a top consideration. Efficiency is based on the size of the particles captured by an air filter. The higher the efficiency, the more effective it will be. Look for the filter’s MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) number, a new industry standard for rating filters based on their performance. Residential filters typically have an MERV range of one to 12. Higher ratings indicate more efficient filters.

Higher filter efficiency not helps clear the air, but it also improves airflow. Generally, the more efficient a filter is, the less airflow reduction there will be.

Cost

Cost is another major factor—both in terms of the initial purchase price and expense of maintenance and upgrades. Purchasing a filter of reasonably high quality can save you money over the long term. Inexpensive filters may not provide the level of filtration you need and may also require frequent filter replacement.

Solutions

Among the many filtration systems available are pleated filters, which are constructed of fiberglass or synthetic fibers woven into a more dense material. The pleats are arranged in V-shaped forms to increase the area of the filter material without increasing the face area. This increases the particle-holding capability.

Germicidal lights use intense ultraviolet light to sterilize surfaces. Each solution removes particles, bioaerosols and chemicals, depending on the size of the allergen.

Electronic air cleaners (EACs) are highly efficient and clean the air by taking recirculated air and passing it through a prefilter that traps the large pollutants. Then, ionizing wires give a positive electrical charge to the remaining particles. A negatively charged collecting section collects the particles. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are also very effective at small-particle removal.

Activated carbon and microbiocide-treated filters can also purify your home’s air. Both the carbon and the microbiocide-treated filters remove odor and kill bacteria, but the carbon filters are more effective at removing odor, and the microbiocide-treated filters trap bacteria as the air is pulled through, which inhibits growth of biological contaminants.

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as wood, natural gas, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, coal and charcoal. It is caused by lack of oxygen or a disruption in the burning process.

Household appliances such as your furnace, water heater, stove, space heaters, charcoal grill and gas dryer can be sources of carbon monoxide, especially if they are not in good working condition or have been installed improperly. Vehicle exhaust fumes from attached garages, as well as improperly operating fireplaces, also can become carbon monoxide hazards, particularly if your home is well-sealed for energy efficiency.

How can I ventilate my home without losing energy?

It is now possible to exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air without compromising the energy efficiency of your home. Heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) exchanging stale, recirculated indoor air with fresh, filtered outside air, and no energy is wasted.

HRVs and ERVs are electronically powered units that circulate air throughout your home using the existing forced-air system or specially installed ducts. These units pump stale air out of your home and replace it with an equal volume of fresh outside air. An HRV is a compact unit that conditions the temperature of the outside air, while an ERV is a packaged unit that conditions both the temperature and humidity of the outside air. Because these units condition the air before it enters the home, your energy costs remain stable.

How can I provide a fresh air exchange?

A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) uses virtually noise-free fans that draw in fresh, cool outdoor air, while removing stale, heated indoor air. An energy recovery ventilation (ERV) performs the same function, but utilizes a rotary energy recovery wheel. In both cases, the units transfer the temperature and moisture properties from one air stream to the other, without allowing the two airflow streams to mix. Both units offer easy access for change of filters and necessary maintenance, making them not only energy efficient but also easy to use.

How do I determine if a heat recovery ventilation (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV) is right for me?

If you’re wondering whether you need to clear the air in your home, you might ask yourself these questions:

  • When was your home built? If your home is new, chances are it was built “tighter” to be more energy efficient. This may mean concentrations of air pollutants in your home could be a concern.
  • Have you upgraded your home to be more energy efficient? If so, it may need an additional source of ventilation.
  • How often throughout the course of a year can you comfortably open your windows? Due to cold winters and hot summers, it is not always possible to have your windows open year-round. This means that you may not always have a constant controlled source of ventilation.
  • Do odors tend to linger in your home? If this is the case, it is a sign of poor ventilation. There isn’t enough air being circulated throughout the home to dilute unwanted odors.
  • Your home comfort should include products and accessories that improve indoor air quality. Your family’s health and comfort should be priorities, and working together, we can help you provide your family with a breath of fresh air.

Why is ventilation important for proper indoor air quality?

At one time, it was possible to achieve natural ventilation in our homes by merely opening a window. However, with the concern for energy efficiency in recent years, we have been busy making homes “tighter” from an energy standpoint. Armed with weather stripping and caulk guns, we have eliminated air leaks from our homes. Unfortunately, that means contaminants have no way to escape.

Pollutants in your home’s air can cause poor indoor air quality, which in turn may cause dizziness and headaches, plus aggravate allergies and asthma. That’s why Lennox® offers ventilation systems that help remove contaminants by exchanging stale, recirculated indoor air with fresh, filtered outside air.

What are the benefits of installing a whole-house humidifier?

With central heating, people are confined indoors with unnaturally dry air for many months each year. Humidifiers help to keep comfortable levels of moisture in the air, which is essential for your respiratory health.

Whole-house humidifiers work like old-fashioned room humidifiers: They put moisture into the air, making harsh, dry air easier to breathe. And whole-house humidifiers use water mists instead of hot steam, which keeps the entire house at the desired humidity level—no more carrying a humidifier from room to room in the winter.

How do I know which humidifier is right for me?

There are a few factors you should take into consideration when purchasing a humidifier for your home:

Size

A humidifier’s capacity, or the amount of moisture it can dispense in a given time, should match your particular household’s needs. The capacity is measured as gallons per day of operation. One method that is used to determine the correct-size humidifier for your home is multiplying the total floor area in square feet by the ceiling height.

Cost

Consider not only the purchase price of the unit. but also the operating and maintenance costs. Some models consume more energy than others, so choosing a model that is right for your home and budget is extremely important.

Regular maintenance is necessary to keep your humidifier in top working condition.

Why is my throat so dry?

Dry air in your home can make your throat feel dry and cause or aggravate respiratory ailments.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends that you maintain a household humidity level between 30 and 60 percent. During extremely cold weather, your home loses humidity to the outdoors and the level may drop to as low as 10 percent. A humidifier adds moisture to your indoor air and can help relieve ailments related to dry respiratory membranes.

Health Concerns

One of the major causes of respiratory infections is inadequate humidity during cold weather. The start of the heating season each fall causes many people to begin having repeated attacks of winter colds. Winter weather is blamed for these problems, but the actual cause may be dryness, which develops in the membranes of the nose, throat and bronchial tubes. Relative humidity also has a significant effect on controlling the occurrence of airborne infections.

Other Concerns

Dry air can cause more than health problems. Static electricity is a direct result of very dry air. And houseplants can suffer from “winter drought” caused by low humidity levels. A humidifier can help keep the indoor air comfortably moist, despite conditions of low outdoor humidity.

What is involved in humidifier installation and maintenance?

Installing a humidifier is simple if you are replacing your furnace. But you can also have a humidifier fitted to your current system with minimal labor, since it is designed for installation in your ductwork. It is also important to properly maintain your humidifier to avoid potential bacterial growth. Periodic cleaning and draining of the reservoir is strongly recommended.

Can lack of humidity cause respiratory ailments?

Lack of humidity in a home can be the cause of numerous respiratory ailments. Improper moisture levels can cause dryness in the membranes of the nose, throat and bronchial tubes. Respiratory infections, repeated attacks of winter colds and airborne infections can also stem from inadequate humidity.

How a humidifier helps

Fortunately, there’s an easy way to your home environment healthy and comfortable. All you have to do is install a whole-house humidifiers, which puts moisture into the air, making harsh, dry air easier to breathe. Water mist instead of hot steam is used, keeping the entire house at the desired humidity level.

A humidifier uses from 1.5 to 12 gallons of water per day—just enough to raise the humidity to the desired level, but not enough to make a difference on the water bill. And because a humidifier is installed in the ductwork, there is no need to carry one from room to room.

How to select a humidifier

There are many factors to take into consideration when selecting a humidifier, starting with size. A humidifier’s capacity, the amount of moisture it can dispense, should match a household’s needs. The capacity is measured in gallons per day of operation.

In terms of cost, consider the purchase price of the unit, as well as operating and maintenance costs. Some models consume more energy than others, so choosing a model that is right for your home and budget is extremely important.

Also, regular maintenance is necessary to keep your humidifier in top working condition. Installing a humidifier is simple when also replacing a furnace. But a humidifier can also be fitted to a current system with minimal labor since it is installed in the ductwork.

Drain & Sewer 

What causes sewer pipe backups?

Drain and sewer backups are one of the most frequently occurring plumbing problems for customers. Sometimes, the issue is as simple as a small clog in the drain. Other times, however, the problem is located deeper in the pipe and requires a more extensive fix. Listed below are the most common causes of sewer pipe backups.

  • Tree Roots
  • Pipe belly
  • Partially collapsed pipe
  • Fully collapsed pipe
  • Misalignment

Repair and replacement process

Trenchless repair process

Plumbing

Hard Water

Hard water is usually caused by dissolved calcium, magnesium, and iron. Most homes, regardless of whether their water comes from a municipality or a well, suffer from hard water. Unfortunately, most homeowners are unaware of the costly consequences of hard water.

Some of the telltale signs of hard water are dry skin, dry hair, bathtub rings, residue left on glass or silverware, water-using appliances that fail earlier than expected or do not perform as expected. The expenses caused by hard water are usually not realized until it is too late – a failed washing machine or dishwater, etc.

Cloudy Water

Cloudy water is usually caused by dissolved or suspended solids in your water. Solids in your water, or “turbidity,” is usually caused by construction, storms, or urban runoff near your water supply. Turbidity can range from a low turbidity to high turbidity – higher levels of turbidity can be responsible for gastrointestinal diseases. This is caused by viruses or bacteria attaching to the suspended solids, and contaminating the water. In addition, suspended solids can protect bacteria from ultraviolet sterilization.

Most of the time, your water can contain a high level of solids without becoming cloudy – that is why it is always a good idea to have your water tested.

Addarios offers FREE water testing to determine if your water is safe or not.

Chlorine Taste or Smell

Chlorine is used extensively at water treatment plants to kill harmful bacteria in the water. Often, the chlorine can remain in the water supply all the way to your home. Once in your home, chlorinated water can dry out your skin and hair, fade your clothing, and even cause rubber seals in your appliances to rot out. In addition, it causes your water to smell and taste bad.

Tastes and Odors

Ideally, water is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. In many cases, this is not the case, due to multiple different reasons.

Musty taste or smell – Can be caused by decaying vegetation.
“Rotten egg” smell – Caused by hydrogen sulfide in groundwater supplies. Can occur naturally or be caused by bacteria. The smell can also affect food cooked using this water and transfer the smell to skin or hair in the shower or clothing in the laundry. In addition, it can causes metal appliances to corrode more quickly than normal.
Metallic taste – Can be caused by the presence of iron, copper, manganese, or zinc. May be caused by the element in the groundwater or the aging of your water distribution system and the corrosion of copper piping or brass fittings. Also, water containing iron or manganese cause dark orange or black staining on clothing, fixtures, and even your hair.

Bacteria and Viruses

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that there are as many as 12 million cases of waterborne acute gastrointestinal illness every year, in the United States alone! Most of the time, these illnesses are caused by bacteria and viruses that get into the water supply. Since water treatment plants cannot even guarantee that water is free of these contaminants, the clear solution is a home water filtration/purification system.

Schedule a FREE home water test with Addarios today to see exactly what’s in your water!

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