Monday, April 27, 2020

How Does My AC Remove Humidity In My House?

high humidity in home and indoor air quality

Anyone who lives in an area that experiences high temperatures or damp weather has, most likely, felt humidity before. It’s that uncomfortable feeling where the weather is muggy and damp. Humidity outdoors is bad enough, but inside the home, it can lead to a myriad of problems. Fortunately, a good HVAC system can help alleviate the problem. If you think you have high humidity in your house, read these tips on how to identify the problem and how to remove humidity.

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What Is Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is the quality of air in and around buildings. The term is often used when talking about how air quality relates to people’s health. Poor indoor air quality can cause health problems such as difficulty breathing, allergic reactions, and symptoms that are similar to the flu. Even worse, people who are exposed to indoor air pollutants for long periods of time may develop respiratory diseases. This is why it is so important to maintain high indoor air quality standards.

How High Humidity Levels Impact Your Indoor Air Quality

couple dealing with high humidity and discomfort

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, high humidity is one of the major factors that contribute to poor air quality. This is because humidity creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. When mold and mildew permeate the walls, carpets, and other porous surfaces, they release spores into the air that can be dangerous to humans. Some common symptoms of mold infestation include headaches, skin rashes, eye irritation, and lung infections. In addition, houses that are excessively humid are more susceptible to dust mites and other allergens.

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Signs Of High Humidity In Your Home

allergies due to poor indoor air quality

Even if you use an HVAC or air conditioning system, the humidity levels in your house may be too high. These are a few symptoms of high humidity in the house:

  • You constantly sweat even though the air conditioning is on or your skin feels clammy
  • You have trouble breathing
  • Your allergies are acting up
  • The windows are fogged up, and there is condensation on the glass inside
  • Your house smells musty
  • Your walls or ceilings look damp in certain areas or have water stains
  • You see mold growing on the ceiling, walls, or objects in your house
  • There are cracks around your window and door frames
  • The wood inside or on the outside of your house is rotting

The Effects Of High Humidity

High humidity not only causes potential health problems, but it can also wreak havoc on your home. The excess moisture in the air can cause wood to start rotting. This issue, in turn, can cause structural damage to your home and create openings for pests like rats, termites, and cockroaches. Other high humidity effects include cracking of door frames and window frames and damage to porous household items such as books, carpets, and clothing.

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Removing Humidity From Your Home

How Can My Air Conditioner Remove Humidity From My Home?

image of an air conditioner

An air conditioner not only blows cool air into your house, it also pulls hot, humid air out. Your HVAC system contains an evaporator coil that condenses water from the air and sends it out of the house via a drain. If your air conditioner system is working properly, it should be keeping your house at the optimal humidity level. So what should humidity be in the house with air conditioning? The EPA says that 30% to 50% humidity is ideal. Anything higher or lower, and you may have air conditioner humidity problems.

Dehumidifier Vs. Air Conditioner: Which Works Best?

portable dehumidifier

Many people ask whether an air conditioner vs. dehumidifier is better for removing humidity. Basically, a dehumidifier removes the moisture in the air, while an air conditioner removes the excess moisture and cools the air. A portable dehumidifier is fine for removing moisture in one specific part of the house, but an HVAC system is a better system for cooling large areas. In addition, an air conditioner has an air filter that can help screen out pollutants. A whole-house dehumidifier is ideal for when you want to use a dehumidifier with an air conditioner. It works with your HVAC system to pull out hot moist air and lower the temperature in your house.

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Your Air Conditioner & Humidity

An air conditioner can significantly reduce humidity in the home by extracting the moisture from the air and releasing it outside the house. When used in conjunction with a whole-house dehumidifier, you can achieve and maintain humidity levels between 30% to 50%, which is recommended by the EPA for optimum health and safety. Be sure to schedule regular HVAC tune-ups to ensure your air filters, ducts, and evaporation coils are working properly. If you suspect that you might have an air-conditioning humidity problem, be sure to call an expert to assess the situation and make any necessary adjustments.

Call Point Bay Fuel For Expert HVAC Services

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Point Bay Fuel offers superior heating and cooling services in Ocean and Monmouth counties, New Jersey. We hire the best NATE certified technicians who can provide you with excellent HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. Each of our techs has the knowledge and experience to service your HVAC system correctly.

Point Bay Fuel guarantees the most competitive heating and cooling service costs in the area. Our maintenance services can improve your comfort, increase your energy efficiency while reducing your home cooling costs. They also improve your indoor air quality. If you happen to need an HVAC repair or replacement system, we can service your system while staying within your budget. We back all of our work with a guarantee to ensure your satisfaction. To schedule an air conditioner tune-up or service appointment, give Point Bay Fuel a call today. We offer free, in-home estimates.

Call Today: (732) 349-5059

Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!

The post How Does My AC Remove Humidity In My House? appeared first on Point Bay Fuel.

Monday, April 20, 2020

The Challenges Of Cooling Historic Homes

historic home and an air conditioner installation

Historic homes typically do not have the type of structure that will accommodate most modern air conditioning designs. Many older homes are well-maintained, but the layout inherent to their design often makes it very challenging which type and size of the air conditioning system should be installed. Also, most historic homes do not have ductwork. Therefore, adding ductwork would require a major reconstruction project, impacting the aesthetic value of the home. There is also the issue regarding the reliability of the insulation that a historic home has. However, out of all of the HVAC systems available, ductless air conditioning is the most viable option. It enables you to preserve your historic home while ensuring it feels comfortable in an energy-efficient manner.

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What Are Ductless Mini-Split Systems?

Ductless mini-split systems are a type of heating and cooling systems that provide temperature control in different rooms or areas of a home. The main components of a mini-split system are the indoor air handler or evaporator and the outdoor compressor or condenser. There is also a conduit that runs in between the indoor and outdoor unit. Depending on the size of the home and the needs of the occupants, there may be between one or more indoor air handling units to accommodate different zones or areas.

 

Advantages Of Ductless Air Conditioners

Ductless mini-splits are the preferred cooling solution for a historic home. They offer several advantages, such as:

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Energy Efficiency

About 25% of energy is lost to ductwork, something that can be avoided with a ductless system. Also, window AC units tend to perform inefficiently and have high operating costs. Ductless models, on the other hand, have inverter-based compressors that can slow down or speed up depending on what it senses in the room or zone. Conventional HVAC compressors often have to shut down and start up again just to keep the system running. Since more energy is consumed when the compressor starts up, you save more in energy use with a ductless air conditioning system.

Furthermore, ductless units can be turned off when you leave the room. This way, you don’t have to pay to cool an empty room. This is also another great feature that central units don’t offer.

 

Indoor Air Quality

Improved multi-stage air filtration and the absence of ductwork ensures improved indoor air quality (IAQ) with ductless mini-splits. Dust, pollen, dander, and other tiny particles tend to accumulate in the ductwork. The HVAC system releases these indoor air pollutants into the rooms and spaces via the vents. Likewise, window air conditioning units tend to create the perfect environment for mold, bacteria, and mildew, impacting your IAQ. In ductless systems, this problem is eliminated.

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indoor air quality

 

Zoning

Ductless mini-splits allow the creation of zones – areas or rooms that can be grouped together based on temperature preferences. As such, each zone can have a different temperature setting. For example, you can set the kitchen and pantry at a lower temperature while you can set the bedrooms at a higher temperature. Since zones are independent of each other, people can maximize their enjoyment of indoor conditions without sacrificing their personal comfort.

Whisper-Quiet Operation

Ductless systems are the perfect fit for your historic home, especially if you prefer low-noise and whisper-quiet operation. Indoor units have small tubes through which it distributes conditioned air. Ducted systems, however, utilize large duct systems that generate high levels of noise. Window air conditioners are also notorious for being loud and noisy since the components are in one single unit. Also, there is no insulation, which further exacerbates the problem.

new cooling Fujitsu

 

Ease Of Installation

HVAC technicians will tell you that ductless mini-splits are some of the easiest heating and cooling equipment to install. They do not require intensive work and whatever drilling takes place is down to a bare minimum. This aspect is very different than installing a  central air conditioning system that requires the installation of ductwork, a major construction project in a home.

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Environmentally Friendly

Ductless air conditioning systems do not use as much energy as conventional AC systems or window air conditioning units. The refrigerant required for AC systems is also an environmentally-friendly coolant. When you use a ductless AC for your historic home, you not only ensure the comfort of residents indoors but you also do not contribute to the pollution of the environment.

Reduced Home Heating And Cooling Costs

Energy-efficiency translates to lower costs. Of course, operating costs will vary depending on the size and model but since ductless ACs only cool rooms that are occupied and not the entire house, you pay less in terms of energy consumed. Also, they have high SEER ratings, some of the highest out of all the air conditioners on the market.

cutting home heating and cooling costs

 

How Will Ductless Air Conditioning Affect The Structure Of A Historic Home?

The great thing about a ductless air conditioning system is that it does not require the installation of ductwork. If a homeowner decides to install a network of ducts, it will require extensive (and costly) construction work that will include tearing down walls and ceilings and rebuilding them again. A ductless system will only require a small, three-inch hole that an HVAC contractor drills through the wall to connect the indoor unit to the outdoor unit. If there is any damage at all that will be done to the home, it is this small hole. Ductless ACs are also compact in size and will not require too much space for installation.

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Are Window ACs A Good Alternative To Ductless ACs?

Window ACs may seem like a close alternative to ductless systems, but window-type air conditioners are notorious for many reasons. They require a giant hole through the wall or at least, a space on a window. If they do occupy the wall or a window, they leave your historic home vulnerable to pests and burglars who could easily enter the house through the hole or window space. Window-type ACs also block natural light and will require removal and storage during winter. They also tend to be noisy and encourage the growth of mold and mildew, as mentioned above.

 

Conclusion

A historic home deserves to be preserved and maintained, so it retains its beauty and value. Although cooling a historic home can be challenging, it is not impossible, thanks to ductless air conditioning systems that are not only effective but also capable of maintaining the aesthetics of a home with a long history. If you want to know more about how a ductless mini-split system can help you keep your home cool, talk to your local HVAC company today.

Call Point Bay Fuel To Learn More About Ductless HVAC Systems

Point-Bay-Fuel-LogoPoint Bay Fuel offers superior heating and cooling services in the area. We hire the best NATE certified technicians who can provide you with excellent HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. Each of our techs has the knowledge and experience to service your HVAC system correctly.

Point Bay Fuel guarantees the most competitive heating and cooling service costs in the area. For HVAC repairs or installations, we can recommend the best solution for your home while staying within your budget. As always, we prioritize energy efficiency, comfort, indoor air quality, and more. To schedule an appointment, give Point Bay Fuel a call today for a free, in-home estimate.

Call Today: (732) 349-5059

Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!

 

The post The Challenges Of Cooling Historic Homes appeared first on Point Bay Fuel.

Monday, April 6, 2020

Top 6 Benefits To Getting An Air Conditioner Tune-Up

image of a family enjoying their air conditioner

With summer just a few months away, this is the right time to check your air conditioner to see if it is ready for the hot months. Temperatures are expected to rise, which means that you will require a reliable air conditioner when it is needed most. If you do not have an annual air conditioner tune-up scheduled, today may be a good day to call your local HVAC technician for an appointment. If you wait until your A/C malfunctions in the summer, you may have to deal with the potential risks and inconveniences of having a broken air conditioning system in the middle of a hot day.

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Why Should I Get An Air Conditioner Tune-Up?

Here are some of the most important reasons why you should consider getting your cooling system tuned-up before summer comes.

Lower Cooling Costs

low cooling costs

Home comfort comes at a price, and an air conditioning unit that has not had regular maintenance will have to work harder to deliver the kind of comfort you need. When your AC works harder, it will consume more power and increase your home cooling costs. HVAC tune-ups help ensure that your air conditioner operates at its peak efficiency. When efficiency is optimized, the unit will consume less energy to deliver a high level of comfort.

Increased Level Of Comfort

During an air conditioner tune-up, the HVAC technician will clean, lubricate, and inspect your unit for potential issues. They will make sure that the components of the air conditioning system perform correctly. A tune-up identifies any problems, including air conditioner wear and tear, and indoor hot spots. Maintenance checks keep your air conditioner in optimum condition so it can cool your home better and for a fraction of the cost.

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Avoid Potential Air Conditioner Breakdowns

Air conditioner tune-ups should be part of your preventive maintenance procedure every spring. If you want to save on air conditioner repair and replacement costs, and ensure the longevity of your air conditioner, have it undergo regular maintenance. Very often, problems with your unit can be prevented if they are caught early. If there are any issues, they can be fixed immediately, and any damage can be corrected. It doesn’t allow a problem to escalate into a more costly one. Furthermore, ensuring that your AC is in good shape will help increase air conditioner life expectancy. It will not only help save on the cost of repairs, but it will also help you avoid the cost of frequent HVAC replacement.

air conditioner maintenance check

 

Pay Less On Air Conditioner Repairs

Before the summer comes, get your air conditioner ready to perform well when you need it most. Of course, air conditioners, like all equipment, can and will break down at some point in their lifespan. However, regular maintenance helps keep components in good form. As such, you can avoid paying more on the cost of repairs. Tune-ups help reduce the risks of damage, and any wear and tear issues can be remedied when necessary. A well-maintained air conditioner will never run on damaged components, and if there are any problems that may be present, they are likely to be simple (and affordable) enough for basic repairs.

Extend The Lifespan Of Your Air Conditioner

Well-maintained air conditioners can last from 15 to 20 years. This means that as long as your air conditioning system receives regular attention, you do not have to think about getting a replacement until after its 10th year. All HVAC experts will agree that air conditioners that receive regular checkups and annual HVAC inspection simply last longer. They perform better and show fewer problems than units that are ignored, neglected, or abused. By simply ensuring that your AC unit receives a yearly tune-up, you can rely on it to perform reliably.

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Improve Indoor Air Quality

image of an HVAC contractor repairing an air conditioner

One of the biggest problems that accompany the use of forced-air air conditioning systems is indoor air quality. Homes and buildings that rely on ACs for comfort are often sealed structures. Over time, particulates commonly found indoors such as dust, pollen (brought in from indoors), animal and human dander, and other pollutants usually from cleaners and chemicals will mix with the air and are breathed in.

Poorly-maintained air conditioners do not properly filter these pollutants. Instead, indoor air pollutants circulate and re-circulate inside the building, resulting in a severe reduction of indoor air quality. With regular HVAC inspections and tune-ups, the HVAC technician checks your ventilation system and immediately corrects any problems with HVAC ductwork and air filters.

Why is indoor air quality such an issue? Pollutants that contaminate the air we breathe are potential causes of health issues. Dust and pollen, for example, can increase the likelihood of respiratory illnesses and allergies. Chemicals in the air can lead to eyes, nose, and throat irritations. They can also cause headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. Poor indoor air quality can also increase the risk of adverse long-term effects on at-risk individuals such as very young children, the elderly, or those who have a history of allergies and respiratory diseases.

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Conclusion

Getting your air conditioner tuned-up is not only a cost-saving decision but also a wise choice. When the comfort, health, and well-being of your family are on the line, there really is no reason why you should delay getting your AC system checked. Get in touch with your local licensed HVAC contractors to discuss your concerns. An HVAC professional can help you develop a better understanding of your system so you know exactly what you need to do to achieve maximum home comfort and AC efficiency.

Call Point Bay Fuel For Your Air Conditioning Requirements

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Point Bay Fuel offers superior heating and cooling services in Ocean and Monmouth counties. We hire the best NATE certified technicians who can provide you with excellent HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. Each of our techs has the knowledge and experience to service your HVAC system correctly.

Point Bay Fuel guarantees the most competitive heating and cooling service costs in the area. Our maintenance services can improve your comfort, increase your energy efficiency while reducing your home cooling costs. If you happen to need an HVAC repair or replacement system, we can recommend the best one for your home while staying within your budget. We back all of our work with a guarantee to ensure your satisfaction. To schedule an air conditioner tune-up or service appointment, give Point Bay Fuel a call today. We offer free, in-home estimates.

Call Today: (732) 349-5059

Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!

 

 

The post Top 6 Benefits To Getting An Air Conditioner Tune-Up appeared first on Point Bay Fuel.