Will An Ultraviolet Air Cleaner Help Improve Air Quality?

Modern homes are designed to be sealed up very tightly against heat loss, and while this may lead to energy savings, it's not always the healthiest way to live. It can often mean a house lacks sufficient fresh air, and this can lead to unwanted contaminants building up in the home which can be very detrimental to your health. Air cleaners are designed to help remove contaminants from the air in the home. They can be very beneficial for anyone who suffers from certain respiratory ailments such as asthma or who has significant allergies. The air in the home can be full of mold spores, dust, pollen and pet dander, all of which can create allergies. Ultraviolet air cleaners can also be very good at helping to reduce tobacco smoke in the home. They are quite different from filters that are already present in many home heating and cooling systems. 

Ultraviolet Air Cleaners Can Help to Purify the Air in Your Home

Ultraviolet air cleaners can either be purchased as a small standalone unit, or can be attached to a home HVAC system. Ultraviolet air cleaners can work in several different ways. They can be used to purify or sterilize forced air that passes over ultraviolet lamps. Sometimes a fan is used to push the air past the ultraviolet light, while other systems that are installed into forced air systems will use the circulation already present to help purify the air. These systems are the best to look for and usually need to be professionally installed to be fully effective. They also work extremely well in combination with filtration systems designed to remove larger microorganisms. The light is fully contained so there's absolutely no risk of any harmful side effects. In these systems the ultraviolet light is often placed in the drain pan or at the coils of the cooling system to help prevent any undesirable microorganisms from forming in these damp areas.

How do Ultraviolet Air Cleaners Work?

Ultraviolet light is known to be able to destroy or render harmless biological and chemical contaminants in the atmosphere. The light produced by these units is exactly the same as the UV light produced by the sun, so it's actually a very natural process. The reason ultraviolet light is effective lies in the way it disrupts the DNA in biological contaminants so they are unable to perform the necessary cellular functions to stay alive and more importantly they lose the ability to replicate. Most of these organisms have an extremely short lifespan so it's possible to decimate the population quite rapidly.

Ultraviolet Light Is a Tried and Tested Method of Sterilization

Ultraviolet light has been used for many years in medical facilities and hospitals to help sterilize instruments and surfaces. It's also used in rooms that need to be completely clean and free from germs. In addition you'll find ultraviolet light is used in water purification systems to help eliminate bacteria and viruses. It is extremely safe and effective when properly installed.

Choosing a New Garage Heater for Winter Hobbies

Although spring may be just around the corner, it's likely to remain chilly for a good while yet, and winter may still have a nasty surprise for us up its sleeve. However one of the nice things about winter is it's an excellent time to get into indoor hobbies, and the garage can often prove to be an excellent location for permanently setting up tools and equipment and for being able to make a mess in a room where it doesn't really matter too much. But one of the problems of working in the garage is that the temperatures are often a little brisk, and having extra heat can make time spent on hobbies a lot more enjoyable. While it might be possible to pick up a cheap wood-burning stove or other heater for a garage, you really need something that's going to heat up the space quickly and efficiently helping you to maximize your leisure time. Ideally it needs to be something that you can just turn on and leave without the need to fiddle with it every 5 minutes. There are a lot of different heaters to choose from, so it's worth spending a bit of time picking the best one for your garage or shop.

Forced Air Heaters

Forced air heaters are a popular choice, and can be electric or gas fired. They are relatively cheap to install, but you do need to pick one that's rated for a residential building. It is best to have it professionally installed as it's simply not worth taking chances with electricity lines or gas lines. In some areas it's not even legal to perform your own gas hookup. These types of heaters can be mounted on the ceiling so you maximize your working area. You need to calculate the size of your garage, taking into account the height of the ceiling and any installation you may have. It's not worth buying an oversized heater as you'll simply waste energy. The major advantage of a forced air heater is that they give a uniform heat distribution.

Infrared Heating

Infrared heating is another popular choice, and is highly recommended by many installers as these types of heaters heat objects rather than the air. This means that provided it's properly positioned you'll be kept nice and warm. Infrared heaters can be mounted on the ceiling, but the energy produced will only be converted into heat when it actually hits an object. Some people prefer this type of heat to forced air, although energy costs may be similar.

Garage Heaters with a Separate Combustion Chamber

If your particular hobby is very dusty or dirty then you may be better off choosing a garage heater with a separate combustion chamber. This pulls in air from the outside to heat rather than heating up dirty air within the garage. This type of heater can be a lot safer, as there's always the slight risk of fire if the air within your garage contains flammable components such as wood dust or spray paint. In addition choosing a conventional forced air heater could mean it develops problems relatively quickly and requires more regular maintenance and repairs.

What is a Geothermal Heating and Cooling System?

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are becoming more popular, but what exactly are they?
Geothermal systems utilize the temperature below ground, as this remains largely unchanged
regardless of the time of year. It can be freezing cold during the winter, or blazing hot during the
summer, but the temperature of the Earth remains quite stable. This is because the ground
absorbs nearly half of the sun's energy as it hits the ground, and geothermal heating and cooling
systems tap into this free energy source by using a loop system. These loop systems can be open
or closed, and closed loop systems can be installed horizontally or vertically, or even in a pond.
Open loop systems can use surface water or well water. It doesn't matter whether the system is
open or closed, as both will transfer energy giving year-round home comfort.

Using Geothermal Energy during winter and summer

During the winter a geothermal heat pump extracts heat from the ground using an earth loop. As
the heat is extracted it can be distributed throughout the home using a duct system, but can also
be distributed using a radiant heating system or used to heat hot water. During the summer the
process of heating the home is reversed, as unwanted warmth extracted from the home can be
moved back into the loop, or it can be used to heat hot water.

Advantages of Geothermal Energy

It is an incredibly effective system that has been in use for quite a long time. Geothermal heating
and cooling systems are generally a lot quieter than many other heat pumps or ordinary air
conditioners as there is no noisy outside unit. Another advantage is that geothermal systems are
installed inside, so they're not exposed to the kind of wear and tear that heat pumps are subjected
to. As such they tend to be pretty reliable and low in maintenance. They are also highly effective,
and many people find that a properly installed geothermal heating and cooling system can
eliminate previous hot and cold spots in the home. The savings on energy bills can also be huge,
and can reduce energy costs of heating, cooling and heating hot water for a home by up to 70%.
In short they are environmentally friendly and one of the most energy-efficient systems on the
market.

Government Incentives for Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems

Not surprisingly the government is keen to encourage use of this type of energy, so it may well
be possible to gain tax credits through the installation of the system. This is something your
installer can discuss with you. There's little doubt the use of this system is growing considerably,
especially amongst people looking to build a new home. The advantages including it in a new
build property is that the costs can usually be added to the mortgage, and should soon be repaid
due to the vastly decreased energy bills. In addition new homes are often better insulated and
have a better fitting windows and doors, helping to keep down the energy requirements which
could result in a smaller system being fitted. Fitting a geothermal heating and cooling system
will not only help reduce energy bills, but is also likely to make the home more sellable in the
future.

What are Air Cleaners?

Air cleaners are used to remove potentially harmful indoor air pollutants. They are especially useful during winter months when it's not possible to ventilate a home by simply opening up the windows and doors. Having an efficient air cleaner is one of the best ways to help cut down on the number of particles that might otherwise pose a health risk to the homes occupants. However it is almost impossible to eliminate these airborne pollutants completely. Certain types of air cleaners are designed to be fitted to the ductwork of a home’s heating and cooling system, and will effectively clean the air throughout the whole house. Others are made to be portable units that can be placed in specific rooms or areas of the home where they are really needed. These portable units aren't capable of cleaning the air in the whole house. Portable air cleaners usually have a fan that can circulate the air and are a good choice if a home doesn't have a central HVAC
system or doesn't use a forced air heating system.

Pollutants That Can Be Removed by an Air Cleaner

There are quite a few different pollutants that can be removed by an efficient and well-maintained air cleaner. These include particles of dust and pollen, smoke generated by cigarettes or other tobacco products, animal dander, and particles generated through using appliances such as wood burning stoves and other cooking appliances. A good quality air cleaner can also remove a number of tiny particles such as bacteria, viruses, molds and dust mites. They can also be useful for removing pollutants produced by cleaning products and pesticides, and by household paints and adhesives. The exact type of pollutants that can be removed by an air cleaner does depend on the type of device used.

Different Types of Air Cleaners

Air cleaners can use mechanical air filters or can clean the air electronically. Air cleaners that use mechanical air filters are very effective at capturing larger particles, but are not that effective at removing them completely as these larger particles tend to settle more quickly. The most efficient type of air cleaner will remove these pollutants electronically. These use a system called electrostatic attraction to extract particles. The polluted air is drawn through a section where the particles are ionized so they have an electrical charge, and this enables them to be collected on flat plates that have the opposite charge. There is another type of air cleaner that is designed to remove gaseous pollutants from the air, but these tend to be specific for a particular type of pollutant and are not designed to remove all of the pollutants from the air.

Air Cleaners That Destroy the Pollutants

Some air cleaners incorporate the use of ultraviolet light technology to destroy the pollutants. These can be very effective at destroying pollutants such as bacteria, viruses and molds. Some models use UV light to produce ozone, but as ozone is a known lung irritant it cannot be used at very high concentrations. This means this type of air cleaner isn't always that effective at controlling the types of pollutants that can affect indoor air quality.

Getting the Indoor Air Quality Just Right in Winter

It can be quite tricky to get the indoor air quality just right in your home during the winter months. Most of us tend to keep doors and windows closed in an effort to lower fuel costs, and this can lead to problems developing in the home. The air can become too dry, or sometimes it can become too damp, so what are the solutions for getting it just right, and is it something that's easy to achieve? It's not an easy task, and it does pay to seek professional advice before spending a fortune on the products you may not need or which might not be right for your home. Products that can help indoor air quality include humidifiers, air cleaners, dehumidifiers, and ultraviolet air cleaners. All have a slightly different purpose, and it can get pretty confusing.

Humidification Systems in the Home

Humidification systems can be very useful during winter. Having the central heating on a lot tends to dry out the air in the home, decreasing home comfort levels. You probably notice your skin becomes drier during the winter months, and you may be more prone to getting static shocks. Having a home humidification system helps alleviate these problems by adding humidity to the heated air. One of the nice side effects of this is that the heated air feels warmer, so it's possible to lower the thermostat while still feeling comfortable. This means you'll not only be improving indoor air quality, but you'll also be able to lower fuel costs. Humidifiers also help protect your home and its contents, as wooden furniture shouldn't be allowed to dry out completely as it could crack and warp. Dehumidifiers are designed to do exactly the opposite, and remove excess moisture from indoor air. These tend to be used in homes where there is a problem with mold and other pollutants that like moist air, and may mask the problem rather than treating its source.

Air Cleaners Can Improve Indoor Air Quality

Air cleaners can be fitted to your HVAC system, and are the best way to help improve indoor air quality. There are lots of different types on the market, as some use ultraviolet light and are designed to remove different pollutants. Some are designed to destroy ozone which is known to be a lung irritant. The top-of-the-line air cleaners will remove just about everything as far as it is possible. It is definitely best to seek professional advice as a properly qualified installer will be able to help you select the best model for your home.

Exchanging Stale Air in Your Home for Fresh Clean Air

It's necessary to get fresh clean air into the home, even during the colder winter months. Air exchangers are designed to do just this thing, and some will vent stale air, while others will supply fresh air into the home. The best systems are more balanced and introduce fresh air into the home while extracting the stale air. They are also able to extract the heat from the stale air in the home before transferring it to the fresh clean, cold air from outdoors so you and your family stay warm and comfortable.

Carbon Monoxide Protection

Not many things can disrupt home comfort more than living in an unhealthy environment, which is why it is important to keep your home free of carbon monoxide gas. Even people who own newer homes have to be careful to make sure their families are not exposed to this dangerous, silent, odorless, and tasteless killer. It is especially important during the winter months when windows are shut for months at a time, and the only air circulation is coming from your furnace. In order to ensure that you and your family are safe from carbon monoxide gas, you must make the time to maintain your carbon monoxide detection units, check appliances for potential leakage, and call professionals to come make any repairs that may be necessary.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

It is important to make sure you have enough carbon monoxide detectors in your home, especially in or near your home’s sleeping areas. It is recommended that you have at least one detector per floor of your house and to put them near the main sleeping area and in any separate bedrooms. Some states even require you to have a carbon monoxide detector inside each bedroom. Remember that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are not the same thing; although, they can be included in the same unit. So it is important to check to see if the units in your home are carbon monoxide detectors or smoke detectors or both. Thinking that you are protected when you really are not can be a fatal mistake. When you are certain that your home has the appropriate protection from detectors, check them frequently, and change their batteries twice a year.

Checking for Leaks

Carbon monoxide gas is created while many kinds of fuel are being burned, so there are several main areas in your home where you should be making checks that everything is running properly. Otherwise, you may have a carbon monoxide leak and not know it. Common fuel burning units that create carbon monoxide are furnaces, gas ovens, and fireplaces. For all of these things, it is important to make sure the units have the ventilation they require to move the gas out of your home—make sure nothing is blocked up, especially for your fireplace. Also, if you happen to see any cracks in your furnace, especially if you can see flame through them, call and have a professional come and fix it right away, since carbon monoxide will be leaking through the crack.

Repair and Replacement

If you are having issues with carbon monoxide leaks in your home or are worried about old and faulty systems that may not be as efficient as newer ones, you should consider having a professional come and inspect your furnace, oven, or fireplace to make sure they are safe to use. If they are not, talk about your options, but remember if the units are becoming hazards because of their age, you should consider buying a replacement furnace or oven. A newer model will most likely provide you with additional energy savings as well as protect you from unwanted carbon monoxide gas. Sometimes safety and savings walk hand in hand.

Why Use a Home Humidification System?

During the winter months we tend to keep our homes closed up as tightly as possible to try to eliminate any loss of heat. This of course makes perfect sense given current energy prices, but isn't too good from a health point of view. The fact is that having the heating going full blast can lead to the air becoming far too dry to be comfortable. Using a home humidification system can help improve indoor air quality, and can greatly increase home comfort. If you or your family tends to suffer from skin problems, or find you have frequent sore throats or respiratory problems then it may be worth your while consulting a qualified installer about a humidification system. To put things into perspective, the average humidity in a desert can reach as low as 25%, but the average humidity in a home during winter can be even lower than this, so it's easy to see why this can be so uncomfortable.

Advantages of Keeping Humidification Levels Comfortable

A humidification system is designed to keep levels within a comfortable range. Obvious advantages include improvements to health, and you’ll probably notice your skin is not so dry as you'd expect during the winter months. However this type of system is also good for your home and its contents. Wood has a tendency to warp and crack if it becomes too dry, and this could lead to some pretty expensive bills to put things right, not to mention the personal cost of possibly losing treasured pieces of furniture and other items. In contrast the home humidification system will help minimize this risk by making sure nothing dries out too much.

Easy to Use and Quick to Install

The types of humidification systems available to be used in residential homes are extremely easy to use. Many have automatic controls enabling you to set the humidity levels exactly as you'd like them, so once you have got your unit adjusted for optimum home comfort you can just simply leave it on and do its job. Home humidification units can be attached to your current home furnace or air handler, so the moist air simply moves through your duct system. They have built-in fans to make sure the humidified air is circulated even if your heating system isn't on at the time. These types of systems can humidify homes of a considerable size, so no matter where you are in your house, you will always feel comfortable. They are designed to need the minimum amount of maintenance and are very easy to keep clean.

What about a Portable Humidifier?

Not everyone wants a humidifier connected to the HVAC system, and there are certainly plenty of portable humidifier's to choose from. The most basic type of humidifier boils water before releasing it as steam into the air, and many even allow medications to be added to the steam. However while cheap to buy these types of systems can be expensive to run. Ultrasonic humidifiers rely on vibration to release water into the air, but although cheaper to run they do rely on using fresh water and need quite a lot of maintenance.