Tag: Air Conditioning

The party’s over! Time to prepare for fall.

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As summer winds down, like it or not, it’s time to prepare your home for the cooler months ahead. Seasonal maintenance can help ensure your home stays cozy and energy-efficient. Here are some key tasks to focus on, including the vital step of replacing your HVAC air filters.

1. Inspect and Clean Your Gutters

Fallen leaves can clog your gutters, leading to water overflow that can damage your roof and foundation. Before the heavy fall rains, clean out your gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage. Consider installing gutter guards to make this task easier in the future.

2. Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors

Drafts can make your home less energy-efficient and more expensive to heat. Check for gaps around windows and doors, and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk. This simple step can prevent heat loss and keep your home warm throughout the fall and winter.

3. Prepare Your Outdoor Spaces

Bring in or cover outdoor furniture, drain garden hoses, and shut off outdoor faucets to prevent freezing. If you have a fireplace, stock up on firewood and have the chimney cleaned to ensure it’s safe to use.

4. Service Your Heating System

Before the temperatures drop, have a professional inspect and service your heating system. This can help identify any potential issues and ensure your system is running efficiently. Regular maintenance can prevent breakdowns during the coldest months and extend the life of your heating unit.

5. Replace HVAC Air Filters

One of the most important tasks is replacing your HVAC air filters. These filters trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles, preventing them from circulating through your home. As filters become clogged, your HVAC system has to work harder, reducing its efficiency and potentially leading to higher energy bills. Replacing the filters every 1-3 months can improve indoor air quality, extend the life of your HVAC system, and keep your home warm and comfortable. FilterShipping.com carries quality, OEM filters to ensure your indoor air is the best quality it can be all season long.

By taking these steps to prepare your home for fall, you’ll ensure a comfortable, energy-efficient environment as the seasons change. Replacing your HVAC air filters with quality filters from FilterShipping.com is a simple yet crucial task that can make a significant difference in your home’s comfort and efficiency.

Quality Matters!

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The quality of an air filter has a significant impact on the performance, efficiency, and longevity of an HVAC system. Here are some key ways in which air filter quality affects your system:

  1. Airflow and Efficiency:
    • High-Quality OEM Filters: These filters are designed to capture a larger percentage of airborne particles, which can help maintain proper airflow through your HVAC system. This can lead to more efficient operation and lower energy consumption. FilterShipping.com carries quality, OEM air filters.
    • Low-Quality Filters: These may allow more dust and debris to pass through, which can clog the system and restrict airflow. This makes the HVAC system work harder, reducing its efficiency and increasing energy usage.
  2. Indoor Air Quality:
    • High-Quality Filters: Better filters can trap smaller particles such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, improving the indoor air quality. This is especially important for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions.
    • Low-Quality Filters: These may not capture as many pollutants, leading to poorer indoor air quality.
  3. System Longevity:
    • High-Quality Filters: By keeping dust and debris out of the HVAC system, high-quality filters can reduce wear and tear on HVAC components, potentially extending the lifespan of the system.
    • Low-Quality Filters: These may allow more contaminants to build up within the system, leading to increased wear and potential damage to components like the blower motor and coils, which can shorten it’s lifespan.
  4. Maintenance Needs:
    • High-Quality Filters: They can reduce the frequency of necessary maintenance by keeping the HVAC system cleaner and running more smoothly.
    • Low-Quality Filters: These may necessitate more frequent cleaning and maintenance due to increased dirt and debris accumulation within the system.
  5. Cost Considerations:
    • High-Quality Filters: While they may have a higher upfront cost, they can save money in the long run by improving system efficiency, reducing energy bills, and extending the HVAC system’s lifespan.
    • Low-Quality Filters: These are cheaper initially but can lead to higher operational costs, more frequent repairs, and potentially earlier replacement of the HVAC system.

In summary, investing in high-quality air filters from FilterShipping.com can enhance the performance and efficiency of your HVAC system, improve indoor air quality, reduce maintenance needs, and extend the lifespan of the system.

It’s getting hot out there, folks!

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The summer 2024 weather forecast for the United States indicates a season of hotter-than-average temperatures and varying precipitation patterns across the country. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, most regions will experience higher than normal temperatures. This includes New England, the Atlantic Corridor, the Deep South, Texas, and California​ (Almanac.com)​. The Farmers’ Almanac also predicts a warm and humid summer for most areas east of the Mississippi River, with plentiful thunderstorms​ (Farmers’ Almanac)​.

The NOAA forecast highlights that the Southwest and Pacific Northwest will also see above-normal temperatures, with the Upper Midwest being the only area likely to experience average temperatures​ (FOX Weather)​. Rainfall is expected to be below average for most states west of the Mississippi River, while the Northeast might see more rainfall than usual​ (FOX Weather)​.

Overall, summer 2024 is shaping up to be hot and, in many areas, humid, with significant regional differences in precipitation levels. This means your air conditioning will be working harder than ever to keep your home cool this summer, as well as filtering mold and allergens from the air.

Using a high quality, OEM air filter is essential to keeping your home’s indoor air quality at its best. Poor quality air filters might seem to save money at the onset, but they are more likely to let allergens and irritants circulate in your home’s air. In addition, thin, cheaply-made air filters could damage your HVAC system by allowing dust and debris to accumulate in your equipment, costing you more in the long run.

Be prepared for the weather by ordering quality, OEM air filters from FilterShipping.com.

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

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As spring showers continue, the impact on your home’s indoor air quality often goes unnoticed. Yet, the frequent spring rains can significantly affect the air we breathe indoors. From increased humidity levels to potential mold growth, the consequences of spring rains on indoor air quality are substantial. However, there’s help! Fresh air filters are an easy way to keep your home’s indoor air healthy.

Understanding the Impact of Spring Rains
With spring rains comes humidity, creating an optimal environment for mold and mildew to thrive. Moisture seeps into the home through various avenues, including leaky roofs, cracks in the foundation, or poorly sealed windows and doors. Once inside, it lingers, fostering the growth of mold spores which can trigger allergies and respiratory issues.

Moreover, damp conditions can also exacerbate the presence of dust mites, another common indoor allergen. Dust mites flourish in humid environments, proliferating in bedding, upholstery, and carpets, thus posing a continuous threat to indoor air quality.

The Role of Fresh Air Filters
Fresh air filters are defenders against the onslaught of pollutants ushered in by spring rains. These filters, installed within heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, serve as the first line of defense against airborne contaminants in the following ways:

  1. Removing Airborne Particles: Fresh air filters trap airborne particles, including mold spores, dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, preventing them from circulating throughout the home.
  2. Enhancing Air Circulation: Efficient air filters facilitate better air circulation within the home, ensuring a constant flow of fresh air. This circulation aids in preventing stagnant air pockets where moisture and pollutants accumulate.
  3. Improving Respiratory Health: By capturing allergens and other airborne irritants, fresh air filters contribute to improved respiratory health. This is particularly beneficial for individuals prone to allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions.

Maintenance and Care
To receive full benefits from fresh air filters, regular maintenance is important. Routine inspection and replacement of filters ensures optimal performance. It’s a great idea to have fresh replacement filters on hand at all times. Additionally, addressing any sources of moisture intrusion, such as leaky pipes or inadequate ventilation, complements the efforts of air filters in maintaining indoor air quality.

In conclusion, while spring rains may pose challenges to indoor air quality, the installation of fresh air filters is an easy and effective solution, especially when ordering from FilterShipping.com. Simply choose your filter from our extensive line of quality, OEM filters, and we’ll ship them right to your door.

Don’t wait until the spring rains get the best of your home’s indoor air, order from FilterShipping.com today!

Where You Live Matters: Check your HVAC Air Filter!

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There are certain parts of the United States where it’s especially important to have a fresh HVAC filter due to varying environmental factors. Whether you live in one of the areas below or anywhere else, it’s always a good idea to check and make sure your air filter is up to date.

  1. High Pollen Areas: Regions with high pollen counts, such as the Southeastern United States in spring, can benefit greatly from fresh HVAC filters to help reduce indoor allergens.
  2. Urban Areas: Cities with higher levels of pollution may require more frequent filter changes to maintain indoor air quality.
  3. Humid Climates: Areas with high humidity levels, like the Southeast and Gulf Coast, may experience increased mold growth, making it crucial to replace filters regularly to prevent mold spores from circulating indoors.
  4. Desert Areas: Regions with desert climates, such as the Southwest, may have higher levels of dust and sand particles in the air, necessitating more frequent filter changes to keep indoor air clean.
  5. Wildfire-Prone Areas: Areas prone to wildfires, such as parts of California, may experience periods of poor air quality due to smoke and ash, making it important to replace filters more often during wildfire season.

In general, no matter where you live it’s a good idea to monitor the air quality and inspect your HVAC filter regularly to determine if it needs to be replaced for optimal performance and indoor air quality. When you’re ready to order, go to FilterShipping.com for the best selection of quality, OEM air filters shipped right to your door.

Allergy Season and MERV Ratings

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As allergy season approaches, understanding MERV ratings in air filters becomes particularly important for maintaining indoor air quality and mitigating allergy symptoms. MERV, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a standardized rating system used to measure the effectiveness of air filters in trapping airborne particles. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter is at capturing particles of various sizes. Here’s a breakdown of MERV ratings and their significance during allergy season:

  1. MERV Ratings Scale:
    • MERV ratings typically range from 1 to 20, with higher numbers indicating better filtration efficiency.
    • The higher the MERV rating, the more effective the air filter is at capturing smaller particles such as pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and even bacteria and viruses.
  2. Allergy Season Considerations:
    • During allergy season, airborne allergens like pollen and mold spores are prevalent outdoors and can easily find their way indoors through open windows and doors.
    • Using air filters with higher MERV ratings can help trap these allergens, preventing them from circulating in indoor air and exacerbating allergy symptoms.
  3. Choosing the Right MERV Rating:
    • For individuals with allergies or respiratory sensitivities, selecting air filters with MERV ratings between 8 and 13 is often recommended. These filters strike a balance between efficient particle capture and airflow resistance.
    • Filters with MERV ratings higher than 13 are typically used in environments with specific air quality requirements, such as hospitals, clean rooms, or industrial facilities.
  4. Balancing Filtration Efficiency and Airflow:
    • While higher MERV-rated filters offer superior filtration efficiency, they may also restrict airflow more than lower-rated filters. It’s essential to strike a balance between filtration performance and maintaining adequate airflow in HVAC systems.
    • HVAC systems with lower airflow due to highly restrictive filters may lead to reduced comfort, increased energy consumption, and potential strain on the system.
  5. Regular Filter Maintenance:
    • Regardless of the MERV rating, it’s crucial to regularly inspect and replace air filters regularly. Clogged or dirty filters can impede airflow and reduce filtration efficiency, compromising indoor air quality. When you order from FilterShipping.com, you will receive a reminder email when it’s time to reorder.
  6. Considerations for HVAC Systems:
    • Before upgrading to a higher MERV-rated filter, it’s essential to ensure that your HVAC system can accommodate the increased airflow resistance. Consult with an HVAC professional if you’re unsure about the compatibility of your system with higher-rated filters.

In summary, understanding MERV ratings and selecting appropriate air filters are essential steps in maintaining indoor air quality, especially during allergy season. Choosing filters with MERV ratings tailored to your specific needs can help reduce exposure to airborne allergens and improve overall comfort and well-being indoors. Click HERE for more information about MERV ratings.

Be Prepared for Unpredictable Spring Weather

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In the Midwest, spring weather brings about significant changes that can be both unpredictable and dramatic. As winter transitions to spring, temperatures can fluctuate wildly, with warm, sunny days quickly followed by chilly evenings or even late-season snowstorms. This variability is largely due to the region’s position between the warmer air masses from the south and the colder air masses from the north, creating a battleground of sorts for weather systems.

One of the key factors during this transition is the increased allergens and pollutants in the air. As plants begin to bloom and trees start to produce pollen, allergy sufferers often find themselves contending with heightened symptoms. Additionally, the melting snow and increased moisture levels can lead to mold growth, further exacerbating indoor air quality issues.

This is where HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems and their filters become crucial. Fresh HVAC air filters play a vital role in maintaining indoor air quality by trapping dust, pollen, mold spores, and other airborne particles. During the spring months when allergens are particularly abundant, having clean air filters can make a significant difference in reducing allergen exposure and alleviating allergy symptoms for occupants of a home or building.

Regularly replacing HVAC air filters is essential for ensuring optimal performance and efficiency of the system as well. Clogged or dirty filters can restrict airflow, causing the system to work harder and consume more energy. By keeping the filters clean and replacing them as needed, homeowners can not only improve indoor air quality but also prolong the lifespan of their HVAC equipment and lower energy costs. FilterShipping.com carries quality, OEM air filters in a variety of sizes. Purchasing the best quality air filter ensures that your home’s indoor air is as healthy as it can be.

In conclusion, the spring weather changes in the Midwest bring about a host of challenges, particularly concerning indoor air quality. Fresh HVAC air filters play a crucial role in mitigating these challenges by trapping allergens and pollutants, improving indoor air quality, and maintaining the efficiency of HVAC systems. Therefore, it’s important for homeowners and building managers to prioritize regular filter replacement as part of their spring maintenance routine. Order today from FilterShipping.com.

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality in the age of COVID-19

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During this time of uncertainty, we are all concerned about keeping ourselves and our families safe and healthy. Following social distancing guidelines and advice recommended by our country and state’s leaders is a start, but many of you are probably wondering: What more can be done?

Since most of us are sheltering in our homes, we want to make sure we are doing everything we can to keep our home environment healthy. This time of year, most of us are transitioning from heating our homes to turning on the air conditioning, particularly in the southern states.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, recently linked an outbreak in January to the air conditioning system inside of a restaurant in Guangzhou, China. By analyzing the seating pattern, relationships of the patrons, and identifying those that were sickened with the virus, they were able to conclude that the air conditioning unit helped spread the virus. These diagrams indicate who was affected and their positions relative to the air conditioning unit.

This study was by no mean conclusive. However, it does point to an area we CAN control: The quality of our home’s indoor air. Depending on the MERV rating, your HVAC system’s air filters can do a good job of preventing the spread of airborne contaminates.

Yes, these are frightening times, but the more you know, the more you can do to increase the chances that your family will remain healthy and well.

For more information about air filters and their various attributes, please go to www.filtershipping.com or call us at 815-568-9300.

Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov

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