If you want to attack dust buildup and promote high indoor air quality, here are some tips:

• Clean effectively by using the proper tools. Make use of your vacuum cleaner attachments to clean upholstery, drapes and electronics. For everyday dusting, invest in some good quality microfiber cloths. These are designed to pick up and trap dust, rather than scatter it. Take them outside for a good shake after you’re done, and launder when needed.
• Reduce the amount of carpeting in your home. Carpeting is a sanctuary for dust and dirt. While frequent vacuuming may cut down on the dust, there is still a great deal that is trapped in the fibers and underlayment. Each time you tread on your carpet, you stir it up and release it back into the air.
• Give your closets the once over. With clothing fibers being one of the main ingredients in dust, it stands to reason that a large amount will be found in your closets. Keep the floor beneath your wardrobe free and clear, so that you can get in there often to vacuum. Additionally, pare down your wardrobe to include items needed for the current season, and store the rest away until it’s time to wear them.
• Clean registers, vents and ducts. Carefully remove supply and return air covers, and vacuum the immediate area, being gentle so as not to damage or dislodge ductwork. If you haven’t had a professional duct cleaning in a while, consider booking an appointment for one.

For all your indoor air quality questions and concerns, give us a call at Mann Refrigeration, Inc. Our extensive experience, attention to detail and high quality work have allowed us to better serve residential and commercial customers in the Bridgeport area, and have earned us our great reputation.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Mann Refrigeration services the Bridgeport area in Texas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Here are five dust-control tactics that you should employ:

1. Select the proper tools: Dry dusting with an old t-shirt or holey socks does nothing to control your dust. It just moves it around, and typically releases it back into your indoor air. Instead, choose a damp cloth, or better yet use one made from microfiber, which will trap and hold dust.
2. Remove clutter: Ornaments, knickknacks, tchotchkes or whatever you choose to call them contribute greatly to dust accumulation within your home. Cutting down on clutter enables you to cut down on how much dust is sitting around your home, and floating through your indoor air.
3. Change your filters regularly: Your furnace and air conditioner draw air from within your home and then either heat or cool it. This air then flows through filters that trap dust, pollen and other airborne particles. Ensuring that your filters are clean helps with dust control. Check them monthly, and change them as often, or at least every three months. If you let filters become too clogged with contaminants, your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system has to work harder to push air through them, and you also run the risk that a blast of air will dislodge those particles, spewing them back into your indoor air.
4. Ensure return ducts are unobstructed: Your return ducts carry air and airborne dust from within your conditioned space back to your heating or cooling unit. Be sure they are clear of any furniture, window treatments or other objects, so that maximum air flow can occur.
5. Keep your closet floor clear: A large percentage of the dust in our homes is comprised of clothing fibers. The clothes in your closet continually shed these fibers, which land on the floor. Leaving the floor space free and clear allows you to vacuum on a regular basis, cutting down on the amount of dust within your home.

Simple changes can have big results in dust control. For more information, and for all of your needs regarding air quality or HVAC repair, service or installation, call us at Mann Refrigeration, Inc. today. We proudly serve residential and commercial customers in the Bridgeport area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about dust control and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Mann Refrigeration services the Bridgeport area in Texas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Pollen image via Shutterstock 

Airflow: The optimum airflow should be between 400 and 500 cubic feet per minute (CFM) for every ton of cooling capacity. You will notice deterioration in performance when airflow falls below about 350 CFM. A technician may increase airflow by cleaning the evaporator coil or boosting fan speed, but ductwork modification may be required to optimize heat-pump performance.

Ductwork: The air travels throughout your home via a series of ductwork. Their size has a great impact on airflow. Also, if any segments have leaks, airflow can be affected and energy can be wasted. These leaks can be blocked with a compound called duct mastic. Then, ductwork can be insulated to prevent heat transfer through conduction in places where ducts travel through unconditioned spaces. With these alterations in place, you will optimize heat-pump performance and enjoy energy savings.

Refrigeration charge: At installation and every service call following, the refrigerant charge should be checked. If it’s drastically too low, there may be a leak in the system. The refrigerant should be kept within ounces of the recommended charge if the heat pump is to perform at the level advertised by the manufacturer. An experienced technician can make the necessary measurements and add or remove refrigerant as needed to reach the optimum charge.

Since more than half all of heat pumps are affected by problems in these areas, it’s imperative that you work with a knowledgeable HVAC contractor to optimize heat-pump performance. Contact Mann Refrigeration today to work with such a contractor.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about heat pumps and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Mann Refrigeration services the Bridgeport area in Texas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

However, there are three rules for duct returns that can help you optimize the performance of your ducts and your entire HVAC system:

1. Install duct returns correctly. As a general rule, when placing duct returns, you want them in a high location if cooling is your biggest concern, and in a low location if heating is your biggest concern. This will help keep the air mixing throughout the room. If your house has more than one story, the returns on the higher floors should be placed high while the returns on the ground floor should be placed low. This compensates for the tendency of higher floors being warmer.
2. Ensure optimal air flow. The best duct return system is one that has returns in every room. Multiroom return systems ensure that air flows in every room, even those with doors that are shut. Additionally, they keep pressure constant throughout the house and reduce air-flow noise. Having a central return system, where one or more large return grills are placed in central locations, is a lower-cost alternative. You can make sure you still have air flow from each room by installing a transfer grill in each room.
3. Seal and insulate properly. Make sure that your ductwork is sealed and insulated properly. Leaking ducts can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system by as much as 20 percent. Not only does this cost you money, but it also reduces the comfort of you and your loved ones, because your home doesn’t stay as warm or cool as you need it to. Insulation also helps your ducts maintain a consistent air temperature.

By placing your duct returns in optimum locations, and ensuring that your duct system is in good working order, you can increase your system’s efficiency significantly.

Mann Refrigeration, Inc. is proud to serve residential and commercial customers in Bridgeport and the surrounding areas. If you have HVAC questions or problems, contact us. We’ll be glad to help.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about duct returns and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Mann Refrigeration services the Bridgeport area in Texas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Hazards of garage air

The average indoor-air quality (IAQ) is five times more polluted than outdoor air, including city air, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Studies by other organizations have shown that 96 percent of households have at least one serious IAQ concern.

Contaminants in an attached garage could include carbon monoxide (CO), benzene (a gas-related toxin), pesticide and herbicide dust, and chemical and biological agents. The sources for these pollutants are vehicles, landscaping equipment, unsealed paints, stains, solvents, cleaning chemicals, pesticides, garbage bins and even pet food.

How infiltration occurs

The primary catalyst for infiltration is air-pressure differences between garage air (high pressure) and indoor air (low pressure), especially during cooler weather. Air-pressure differences force garage air to leak into your indoor air through the tiniest holes and cracks in adjoining walls and ceilings, and through or around doors.

Preventive measures

Implement these preventive measures to ensure IAQ:

• Seal holes and cracks by finishing walls and ceilings (for rooms above garages), applying joint compound and painting.
• Install weatherstripping around doors.
• Tightly seal all containers of chemicals, paints and the like, garbage bins and pet food.
• Do not start or stop landscaping equipment inside the garage.
• Pull your car out of the garage to warm it up.
• Install an exhaust fan, and run it two hours after starting or stopping your vehicle (vehicles emit gases for more than an hour after stopping). This also helps neutralize pressure variances.
• Install CO detectors in your home near the access door and the bedrooms.

Pollutants and contaminants are not impossible to stop from infiltrating your living space, but it does take effort. Call Mann Refrigeration, Inc. for assistance. We’re family-owned and operated, serving residential and commercial customers in the Bridgeport area for more than two generations.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about attached garages and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Mann Refrigeration services the Bridgeport area in Texas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

The best way to do that is to ask questions of any contractor you’re considering. Find out:

• How long the contractor has been in business.
• Whether they have additional professional certifications beyond required licenses.
• If employees attend skills development training programs to keep their knowledge current.
• If the contractor has a particular area of specialization.
• Whether or not the contractor is willing to provide you with professional references to satisfied past clients.

Should any contractor hesitate to provide you with references, it’s usually a sign that their past customers don’t have good things to say about them. To be on the safe side, you’re better off to avoid hiring HVAC contractors who balk at giving references. When you are given references, follow up on them instead of just taking the contractor’s word for it.

When you contact past customers, ask them if the contractor finished the job on schedule and if the final price was the same as the estimate. You want to avoid contractors who fail to complete jobs on schedule or stick you with additional hidden costs after the fact.

You should also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the contractor has any active complaints on file and, if so, how many. One or two isn’t usually cause for concern, as picky customers can be just as big a problem as unscrupulous contractors, but if there are more than this, it’s usually a red flag.

At Mann Refrigeration, we offer some of the most reliable and affordable HVAC services in the Bridgeport area, — but don’t just take our word for it. Contact us and we’ll be happy to provide you with professional references and accurate estimates for your home-comfort system.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about HVAC contractors and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Mann Refrigeration services the Bridgeport area in Texas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Maintenance Man image via Shutterstock

Type

You have two choices for the kind of furnace you install in the Bridgeport area. Gas forced-air furnaces work well in this area, as do heat pumps. If your air conditioning system is not up to par, a heat pump may be a good solution for your home, since the cooling season is long. Air-source heat pumps do not use fuel to heat or cool, and their heating efficiency can be as high as 300 percent, compared to 95 percent for a top-rated furnace. If your air conditioning is working optimally, a high-efficiency gas furnace may be a good choice if you have gas on or near your property.

Size

If your furnace was installed prior to the 1980s, it’s likely that it’s too big. When the HVAC technician comes to your home before you decide on a heating system upgrade, he’ll measure the home, take into account the environmental factors and make a recommendation based on current heating technology. A smaller furnace costs less both to buy and to operate. HVAC systems that are too large run in short cycles, causing them to start and stop more frequently, which wears the systems out faster and decreases interior comfort.

Incentives

Sometimes HVAC manufacturers extend discounts or incentive programs to HVAC contractors’ customers. Occasionally, local, state and federal programs give rebates, credits or incentives to people who buy qualifying appliances that are energy efficient. Check into local programs that might exist to help you buy or finance equipment to take the sting out of purchasing these systems, which can be expensive.

We at Mann Refrigeration put a high value on your comfort and energy efficiency. When you’re considering a heating system upgrade, contact us and we’ll walk you through the process.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about heating systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Mann Refrigeration services the Bridgeport area in Texas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Whole-House Humidification System

Whole-house humidifiers are systems that monitor and maintain optimal humidity levels in your home. Whole-house systems differ from portable units in that whole-house humidifiers are attached to your furnace and utilize your home’s ductwork to deliver perfectly humidified air throughout your entire home. Here is a comparison of a whole-house humidification system and a portable humidifier:

• A whole-house humidifier offers worry-free maintenance. Change the filter twice a year and that’s it. Portable humidifiers require monitoring of controls and water levels on a daily basis, and need weekly cleaning. If not cleaned often, portable models may spread bacteria and contaminants. Whole-house humidifiers do not do this.
• Whole-house humidifiers deliver whole-house comfort. Portable humidifiers are limited in their humidification capacity to a small area or room.
• By delivering whole-house comfort, a whole-house humidifier delivers relief for family members with respiratory issues no matter where they are inside the home. Again, portable units are limited in range.
• Dry air can cause damage to household items, like furniture, cabinetry, hardwood floors, and wallpaper and paint. Whole-house humidifiers can protect against dry-air damage. Unless you have a portable unit in every room of the house, it isn’t possible for them to deliver this protection.
• Keeping your home properly humidified can save on utility bills. A 10 percent increase in humidity equals about a 1 degree increase in warmth, since humidified air feels warmer than dry air. By raising your home’s humidity level to optimal settings of around 50 to 55 percent, you can turn back the thermostat a few degrees, save about 12 percent in heating costs, and feel just as warm and comfortable.

Whole-house humidification systems are a more a more expensive investment, but they are definitely worth considering for complete home comfort. Bridgeport-area residents can call Mann Refrigeration, and we’ll be happy to help you.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about humidification system and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Mann Refrigeration services the Bridgeport area in Texas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Humidifier image via Shutterstock

• Turn off and unplug appliances and electronic equipment to prevent possible damage from an unexpected power surge when the power turns back on.
• Keep flashlights, an emergency radio, a solar-powered cell phone charger and fresh batteries on hand at all times. Be sure to store these items in a specific location so you can easily find them in the dark if the power goes out at night.
• If possible, avoid leaving your home. Driving can be dangerous if the traffic lights are out or power lines are down.
• Eat perishable food from your fridge first, then move on to non-perishable items.
• Never use a generator, fuel-powered heater, charcoal grill or camp stove indoors. These items can give off carbon monoxide gas, which can be deadly. Additionally, to prevent fire, always turn off your generator and allow it to cool down before adding fuel.
• If you have a woodstove or fireplace, keep plenty of dry fuel on hand for use during a power outage. Before starting a fire, make sure your chimney is free from storm damage or obstructions.
• If the power goes out during the winter months, dress in warm clothing including a coat, hat, gloves, scarf and boots. Use layers for the most efficient warmth.
• Keep a bag packed with emergency supplies including a change of clothing for each family member, medication, extra cash, important documents and personal hygiene items, in case you need to leave your home in a hurry.
• Check on elderly or disabled neighbors to make sure they are safe.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector to alert you in case of a toxic build-up of carbon monoxide gas.
• Avoid contact with downed power lines. Instead, notify your local power company if you see a downed line.

If you live in the Bridgeport area and would like to learn more about dealing with power outages, contact us at Mann Refrigeration, Inc.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about preparing for power outages and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Mann Refrigeration services the Bridgeport area in Texas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Testing

First and foremost, you should test the air in your home for contaminants. The two most common tests are for carbon monoxide and radon. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas given off by the combustion process. This gas has earned the nickname “the silent killer” because it often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.

Radon is a radioactive gas given off by the decay of uranium in the ground. Again, like carbon dioxide, this gas is completely devoid of color, odor or taste. Prolonged exposure can result in significant lung damage, which in many can lead to lung cancer.

The easiest way to get accurate test results for both carbon monoxide and radon is to hire a professional to perform the tests for you. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is safe greatly outweighs the relatively minor cost of the tests.

Reducing Contaminants

The most effective way to reduce chemical contaminants in the air is by removing as many sources of contamination as possible from your home. Common culprits include candles, air fresheners, cleaning products, personal care products, pesticides and building materials. Carefully evaluate the items in your home and remove any that may be contributing to poor indoor air quality.

Installing Detectors

Finally, for long-term protection you should consider installing carbon monoxide and radon detectors inside your home. These detectors can alert you to problems before they have time to do significant damage to your health.

If you live in the Bridgeport area and would like more information about improving indoor air quality, contact us at Mann Refrigeration, Inc.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about indoor air quality and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Mann Refrigeration services the Bridgeport area in Texas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!