As we start to experience some beautifully warm days all of us in Charlotte are starting to think air conditioner repair and maintenance. Few people stop to consider their indoor air quality and don't realize just how important it is.

Studies show that the air we breathe indoors can be 20 times more polluted than the air outside! We are potentially exposed to a wide variety of pollutants including: dust, dirt, mold, pollen, bacteria, viruses and chemical vapors. If you think you might have an indoor air quality problem be sure to contact an indoor air quality specialist.

THE HEALTH RISKS ARE REAL - According to the Environmental Protection Agency the short term effects of poor indoor air quality include irritation of eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Some cases of asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and humidifier fever may also show up after being exposed to indoor air pollutants. Long-term effects can include respiratory disease, heart disease and cancer. You can learn more on the EPA Introduction to Indoor Air Quality webpage.

There are a number of solutions to battle indoor air quality and the exact solution will depend on your exact situation. Possible solutions include:

• Air Purification - When you are dealing with chemical vapors it is crucial that you remove them from the air you are breathing. A good air purification system is the best option and will also remove odors associated with chemical vapors.
• Ventilation - There are ventilation systems specifically designed to remove stale indoor air with fresh air from outdoors. These systems are great for removing pollutants from building materials, furnishings, air fresheners and cleaning supplies.
• Air Filtration - A good filtration system will keep airborne particles such as dust, dirt, bacteria and viruses to a minimum.
• Humidity Control - If you are experiencing problems with mold and mildew you will benefit from a dehumidification system.

Learn more about air quality systems and equipment.

Wishing you a comfortable and healthy season!

If you find yourself in the market for a new air conditioner this season one rating you will be taking into consideration is SEER. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio which is defined by the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute. It’s a number that describes how well air-conditioning equipment works and the higher the SEER rating the more efficient your unit.

The US Department of Energy determines the exact indoor and outdoor conditions that are used for testing air conditioners and heat pumps when setting SEER ratings. This strictly controlled testing makes it a great comparison of different manufacturers equipment.

Energy efficiency and sustainability are top of mind for most people today and SEER ratings are becoming more and more important. Today all residential air conditioners sold in the United States must have a SEER rating of at least 13. In order to qualify for the ENERGY STAR rating an air conditioner must have a SEER rating of 14 or higher.

Significant energy savings can be realized from using systems with high SEER Ratings. Exact savings will depend on the usage rate, length of seasons and the cost of electricity. Work with a HVAC Professional to determine the best SEER rating to use based on your climate.

Starting with equipment with a high SEER rating is the first step. The second step is working with a qualified HVAC Contractor to be sure your equipment is setup and maintained properly and running at peak efficiency.

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