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Tips to Reduce Allergens in Your Home This Spring

With spring finally approaching, those buds that promise green leaves and vibrant flowers also harbor dreaded spring allergens, primarily pollen. And “April showers” also bring the gift of mold, which many people are also sensitive to. As you stock up on OTC allergy meds, there are additional steps you can take now to prepare your home before allergy season hits hard. First, you can deep clean your home, and get rid of as much dust, dirt, and pet hair/dander as possible. You can also launder all of the bedding, soft furnishings, and window treatments and get everything as clean and sanitary as possible. Here are some ways to reduce allergens in your home.

Change the air filters in your HVAC system.

You should be doing this anyway, at least every three months. During the spring, you may need to change your furnace filter more frequently, especially if family members struggle with seasonal allergies. 

Install an air purification system.

You can also add an air purification option to your HVAC system — a HEPA filter or UV light. The HEPA filter will trap mold, pollen, dust, etc., and the UV light will kill mold spores, fungi, and bacteria. 

Reduce allergens in air ducts and vents.

You can dust the covers to your vents, but to be truly effective, the ductwork will benefit from a professional deep cleaning to get rid of mold, mildew, and pollen.

If you want to get a jump-start on spring allergies, call Atlas Butler at 614-681-2167. Schedule an appointment with one of our HVAC specialists to discuss the best options to protect your home and family, whether it’s a filtration system or duct cleaning. You’ll breathe much easier.

2023-03-21T12:55:50-04:00March 27th, 2023|HVAC Topics, Indoor Air Quality|
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Benefits of Air Flow Balancing

Do you experience areas of your home that are too hot or too cold? This can be especially annoying during summer and winter. You end up cranking the A/C or furnace, which really doesn’t solve the problem and results in increased energy bills. Instead of adjusting or replacing the thermostat, or shutting off specific areas of your home, you should look into the air balance in your home. Simply stated, air flow balancing is correcting the flow of heated or cooled hair that passes from the HVAC system through the ductwork and out the registers into your house.

An HVAC technician will test the air pressure and humidity in the duct system and look for problems that may be impacting airflow, such as blocked ducts, dirty ducts and vents, loose joints, holes in the ducts, etc. They will make the necessary adjustments including cleaning the ducts and repairing or replacing deficient infrastructure. This may sound daunting and expensive, but in the long run, you will save money as air balancing isn’t nearly as expensive as replacing your entire HVAC system.

Some other benefits of proper air balancing include increased longevity of your system, reduced energy bills, better comfort, and improved air quality. If you are dealing with uneven or fluctuating temperatures in your home, contact Atlas Butler at 614-681-2167. Our phone is answered 24/7 and in most cases, you can get a same-day appointment. One of our HVAC specialists will inspect your HVAC system and make recommendations for improvement. You and your family will breathe a lot easier. 

2023-03-21T12:53:44-04:00March 3rd, 2023|Home Energy Efficiency, HVAC Topics, Indoor Air Quality|
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Duct Work and Efficiency

How duct work affects HVAC efficiency

You might be doing everything possible to conserve energy in your home, like using a smart thermostat and installing thermal drapes, but it still feels cool in the winter and warm in the summer. Or maybe members of your household are experiencing worsening allergy symptoms or lingering colds and other upper respiratory disorders. What you may not know, is that the problems don’t lie within your heating or cooling system but in the duct system. In simplest terms, ducts are what carry warm or cool air through your house. If your ducts are dirty, it impedes airflow. In addition, dust, dirt, pollen, and other allergens can linger in the ducts and are dispersed whenever the AC or furnace kicks on. This can cause your home to become dustier than usual and can exacerbate existing allergies or make colds and coughs tougher to beat. 

Other indoor air quality problems include leaking ducts or overall air imbalance. When air ducts are damaged or not properly sealed, it causes cool or warm air to “leak” out, which decreases efficiency, resulting in higher energy bills. Air balance is when the air that flows between the supply and return ducts is circulating at the correct pressure. If the air balance is out of sync, that’s where you’ll find cold and hot spots in areas of your home.

In addition to these issues, dirty ducts can impact your wallet, in terms of higher energy bills. A small amount of dust that sits in your duct work can reduce efficiency by 20%, which means your furnace or air conditioner has to work harder to push the air through your home. 

If you question the indoor air quality of your house, whether it’s inconsistent temperature, health concerns, or rising energy costs, schedule a duct cleaning appointment with an HVAC specialist from Atlas Butler by calling 614-681-2167. Our specialists can clean your air ducts or inspect, repair, and reseal them. They can also rebalance your duct work to establish proper airflow. We also offer air quality products that will filter the air in your home, reduce allergens and improve air quality. With clean, balanced air ducts, your HVAC system will perform more efficiently, and your family will experience better comfort, a cleaner home, and improved respiratory health.  
 

2023-05-08T04:01:51-04:00February 6th, 2023|Furnace Maintenance, Home Energy Efficiency, Indoor Air Quality|
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Changing Furnace Filters

Cold weather has arrived and that means it’s time to turn on the furnace for the year. That doesn’t mean you can just set it and forget it. It’s important that you regularly change your furnace filters to make sure the unit operates efficiently during the winter; this will reduce the amount of dust that’s released into your home and keep your energy bills as low as possible. The good news is that changing furnace filters is an easy DIY project and rarely needs a professional assist.

You should follow your furnace manufacturer’s recommendations for how often to change your furnace filters, but a general guideline is to check the filter every 30 days and change it every three months. This is going to vary depending on the type of filter you use, its composition, and its thickness. Other factors can affect how often you need to change the furnace filter, such as if you have pets, smoke, cook a lot, or frequently burn candles. 

Here are some signs that your furnace filters need a change:

  1. You and your family suffer from more colds and other respiratory illnesses, coughs, sinus problems, and allergies. Dust and other debris get trapped by the furnace filter, and if allowed to build up, will be released through the ducts to circulate through your house.
  2. Your house seems a lot dustier. This is related to the problem mentioned above. Not only do dirty furnace filters lead to illness, but you’ll probably find yourself cleaning the house more because it gets dusty a lot faster.
  3. The furnace is running longer and longer cycles, but you don’t notice your house getting or staying very warm. Trying to force air through dirty filters makes your furnace work much harder, which can put a strain on other parts of the unit.
  4. You are seeing higher utility bills. It’s natural to see higher bills during the winter, but if they seem excessive, dirty furnace filters may be to blame. Try changing them and see if you notice a reduction in your monthly bills.
  5. Your smart thermostat or other device notifies you. Some smart thermostats and devices such as Google Nest can be programmed to let you know when it’s time to change the furnace filters. If you have the technology, let it prompt you.

If you are experiencing furnace problems and changing the filter hasn’t made any difference, give the service pros at Atlas Butler a call at 614-681-2167, or schedule online. A live person answers our phones 24/7, and we can usually get there the same day.

 

2023-02-27T15:38:20-05:00January 23rd, 2023|Furnace Maintenance, Home Energy Efficiency, Indoor Air Quality|
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Time for a New HVAC System?

Upgrading Your HVAC System

With winter on the horizon, now is a good time to assess the health of your HVAC system. If your heating and air conditioning units are more than 10 years old, it’s a good idea to have them serviced and evaluated before cold and wet weather settles in. The service pros at Atlas Butler can come to your home and perform routine seasonal maintenance and give you a frank assessment of how many more years of service you can expect out of your HVAC system. In many cases, it makes more sense to just bite the bullet and replace everything, especially if you’ve been spending a lot of money on ongoing repairs. Here are three ways a new HVAC system can save you money:

  1. Efficiency. If you’ve found that your AC or furnace just isn’t performing satisfactorily, a new system would fix that. Modern HVAC systems are engineered to run more efficiently and reduce your heating and cooling costs. In some instances, you may even be eligible for a tax credit.
  2. Fewer repairs. Goes without saying. A new furnace or AC will need few to no repairs, and if it does, you’ll be covered under the warranty. Another consideration is that as an HVAC system ages, it can become increasingly difficult to find parts and you’ll pay for it.
  3. Smart thermostat. A smart thermostat can save you money and keep your home at a consistent, comfortable temperature. You can program the thermostat to keep your home warmer or cooler when you’re away, then adjust the temperature to your preference by the time you arrive home. By not running your HVAC at full capacity during peak usage seasons when nobody is home saves money and energy.

So, if it’s time to replace your HVAC system, call Atlas Butler at 614-681-2167. We can get you scheduled, evaluate the system, and make recommendations. Keep your new HVAC system performing at its best. When you join the Atlas Butler Comfort Club, we’ll keep your new system maintained and running for years to come. Ask your service technician and select the service level that best fits your needs and budget.

2023-05-08T03:36:56-04:00August 20th, 2022|Home Humidity, HVAC Topics, Indoor Air Quality|
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Pros and Cons of Programmable Thermostats

Considering a Programmable Thermostat?

If you, like everybody else, are tired of soaring utility bills, fight back. Installing a programmable thermostat may be the solution to stay on top of your gas and electric costs. Programmable thermostats are a popular option for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures and are relatively easy to obtain and install. The service pros at Atlas Butler can help you choose the right model and install it for you. We carry a complete line of programmable thermostats and will show you how to use one.

If this sounds good to you, here are some of the pros and cons of programmable thermostats.

Pros

Saves money on utility bills. This is the obvious reason for having a programmable thermostat in the first place — economy. You can turn the AC up (or heat down) during the day while you’re at work. Then, the thermostat will be programmed to raise or lower the temperature accordingly so it’s nice and warm (or cool) when you get home. That way, the AC or furnace isn’t running full blast all day in an empty house, thus reducing energy expenditures.

Can be adjusted from anywhere. Suppose a sudden winter storm is brewing that nobody anticipated when you’ve landed at the airport after a tropical vacation. Your thermostat isn’t programmed to start heating back up until later in the day. Don’t want to come home to a chilly house? Simple. Go into your app and adjust the temperature from your mobile device.

Maintenance reminders. Some programmable thermostats will alert you when it’s time to change furnace filters. It can also give you other maintenance reminders, so you can call Atlas Butler to schedule your seasonal HVAC tune-up.

Cons

Upfront costs. Some people find the initial outlay of $75-$200 (estimate) for a programmable thermostat to be steep. That’s understandable but realize that the unit will pay for itself over time through reduced utility bills, especially if you live in an older home.

Use by multiple residents. If you have family members who are home at all hours of the day, then a programmable thermostat may not work. People want to be comfortable while they’re at home, so there is no point in automatically adjusting the thermostat.

Hacking. Believe it or not, bad actors have found a way to infiltrate home thermostats. This is more of a possibility when the thermostat is tied into other programs, but occurs, nonetheless. Luckily, this isn’t a huge threat, but something to at least have on your radar.

If you are looking for a way to manage energy expenses during a time of rising inflation, a programmable thermostat is a good investment to keep ahead of the curve. Call Atlas Butler at 614-681-2167 to learn how a programmable thermostat would work for you. We will help you choose the right model for your family’s lifestyle to provide the best HVAC services in Central Ohio.

 

 

 

2023-05-08T03:34:47-04:00July 20th, 2022|Home Humidity, HVAC Topics, Indoor Air Quality|
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The Role Humidity Plays in Your Home

How Humidity Affects Cooling Your Home

During summer, humidity can soar, which can lead to dangerous heat indices. While your AC is working hard to control the temperature, during days with high humidity, it’s pulling double-duty to remove moisture from the air. Some indoor humidity is beneficial. Otherwise, you’d be suffering from dry skin, breathing difficulties, as well as drying out your furniture and other household items. Signs of excessive indoor humidity include condensation on glasses of cold beverages, fogged-up windows and mirrors, and a musty odor. More common is the experience of feeling “clammy” and generally uncomfortable. Causes of a humid home are numerous, but the first step a licensed plumber at Atlas Butler will take is to examine your AC unit.

When your AC is running to cool the air in your home, it’s also removing moisture from the air. That moisture has to go somewhere and it should drain into a condenser drip pan. In an underperforming air conditioner, when the fan shuts off, the moisture has nowhere to go but back into the air inside your home. So not only do you feel physically uncomfortable, but another pain point is high energy bills. Also, an AC system that is too small for your home or not pulling moisture out of the air can result in more frequent service calls, which can add up moneywise.

The service pros at Atlas Butler can figure out why your home feels humid. It could be as simple as needed to change filters more often or as costly as needing a new condenser or bigger AC unit. We can help you figure out what works best for your home and comfort levels. Give us a call at 614-681-2167; our phones are answered 24/7/365 by a live person. Ensure year-round comfort. Ask about Atlas Butler’s Comfort Club, featuring different levels of membership, which include annual maintenance and discounts on parts and repairs.

2023-05-08T04:00:42-04:00June 18th, 2022|Home Humidity, HVAC Topics, Indoor Air Quality|
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Optimize Air Flow in the Summer

Now that it’s summer, A/Cs are running full blast in most parts of the country and Central Ohio is no exception. If you want to lessen the strain on your air conditioning unit, as well as lower your utility bills, there are several steps you can take to improve the airflow inside your house. The first and easiest is to make sure the filters on your HVAC system are changed monthly. This will make a huge difference in indoor air quality. You can also take advantage of cooler mornings and evenings and open the windows and doors to let the air circulate after the house has been shut up all day. Exhaust fans, ceiling fans, and attic fans all work to circulate air through your home and remove any humidity. Also, make sure that the vents and returns are clear; remove any furniture that may be blocking air vents. If despite your best efforts, your home still feels too warm, call Atlas Butler at 614-681-2167. We can look at your AC unit to make sure it is running properly or it may be that your ducts need cleaning.

2021-12-09T11:53:28-05:00July 10th, 2021|Home Energy Efficiency, Indoor Air Quality|
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The Benefits of Having Your Ducts Cleaned

Did you know that you should have the duct work in your home cleaned every 7 years? During that time, your air ducts pick up dust, dander and particles that can cause a few issues. 

First, the air quality in your home is impacted by the build up in your ducts. Your air filter will catch some of those particles, but depending on the type of house filter you have, some of those particles may be re-entering the air in your home. Air quality is a big reason that our customers schedule to have their ducts cleaned.

Secondly, dust build up in your ducts decreases air flow to the rooms in your house. Your HVAC system, including your duct work, was designed to push the air throughout your home. A layer of dust reduces the duct capacity to hold the air, resulting in less efficient air flow and forcing your system to work harder to achieve the target temperature. 

If you haven’t had your ducts professionally cleaned recently, or if you have pets that shed, you are probably due. Atlas Butler has you covered with our whole house duct cleaning service. One of our techs will spend between 4-6 hours working our brush and vacuum equipment through the ducts in your home to clean out the debris and buildup. Schedule a duct cleaning appointment today, or call our support team at 614-681-2167. 

2023-02-08T00:38:21-05:00April 30th, 2021|duct cleaning, Indoor Air Quality|
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Tips for Improving Air Quality

Improving Indoor Air Quality in Your Home

Frigid temperatures combined with continued sheltering at home to slow the COVID-19 virus have kept Central Ohioans indoors for longer periods of time during these winter months. The longer you are in your home, the more you notice dust buildup, dander and other pollutants and other particles that germs attach themselves to, which can cause respiratory problems.

Improving indoor air quality does a few things, mainly curtail germs, pollutants and other irritants that circulate through the house. To meet the demand for air quality improvement, manufacturers have increased production of UV light systems that kill germs, air purifications systems to install at the furnace level and HEPA filters to remove irritants from the duct system. 

If you want to keep your home cleaner and safer for your family, then give the service pros at Atlas Butler a call at 614-681-2167 to schedule an appointment. We will conduct an assessment of your house and HVAC system to recommend the best system for healthier indoor air quality.

2021-12-09T11:53:28-05:00January 13th, 2021|Indoor Air Quality|
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