Installing a humidifier is an easy job if you are replacing your furnace. But you can also have a humidifier fitted to your current system with minimal labor since it is installed in the ductwork. It is also important to properly maintain your humidifier to avoid potential bacterial growth. Periodic cleaning and draining of the reservoir is strongly recommended.

There are a couple factors you should take into consideration when purchasing a humidifier for your home. Consider size.

A humidifier's capacity, or the amount of moisture it can dispense in a given time, should match your particular household's needs. The capacity is measured as gallons per day of operation. One method that is used to determine the correct-sized humidifier for your home is multiplying the total floor area in square feet by the ceiling height. Your local Service Experts sales and service center can also provide you with additional ways you can determine which unit best suits your needs.

Consider cost. Consider not only the purchase price of the unit but also the operating and maintenance costs. Some models consume more energy than others, so choosing a model that is right for your home and budget is extremely important.

Regular maintenance is necessary to keep your humidifier in top working condition.

Depending on the model you choose and the size of your home, a humidifier uses from 1.5 to 12 gallons per day when the furnace is operating. This minimal amount of water is enough to raise the humidity to your desired level, but not enough for you to notice a difference on your water bill.

With central heating, people are confined indoors with unnaturally dry air for many months each year. Humidifiers help to keep comfortable levels of moisture in the air, and properly maintained levels of humidity are beneficial for your respiratory system.

Whole-house humidifiers work like old-fashioned room humidifiers: They put moisture into the air, making harsh, dry air easier to breathe. And whole-house humidifiers use water mist instead of hot steam, which keeps the entire house at the desired humidity level — no more carrying a humidifier from room to room in the winter.

Dry air in your home can make your throat feel dry and cause or aggravate respiratory ailments.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends that your home maintain a humidity level between 30 and 60 percent.

During extremely cold weather, your home loses humidity to the outdoors and the level may drop to as low as 10 percent. A humidifier adds moisture to your indoor air and can help relieve ailments related to dry respiratory membranes.

Health Concerns: Conditioning the amount of moisture in the air is necessary for your family's health. One of the major causes of respiratory infections is inadequate humidity during cold weather. The start of the heating season each fall causes many people to begin having repeated attacks of winter colds. Winter weather is blamed for these problems, but the actual cause may be dryness, which develops in the membranes of the nose, throat and bronchial tubes. Relative humidity also has a significant effect on controlling the occurrence of airborne infections.

Other Concerns: Dry air can cause more than health problems. Static electricity is a direct result of very dry air. And houseplants can suffer from "winter drought" caused by low humidity levels. A humidifier can help keep the indoor air comfortably moist, despite conditions of low outdoor humidity.

We were once able to achieve natural ventilation in our homes by merely opening a window. However, with the concern for energy efficiency in recent years, we have been busy making homes "tighter" from an energy standpoint. Armed with weather stripping and caulk guns, we have eliminated air leaks from our homes. Unfortunately, that has also eliminated the opportunity for outside ventilation that could help reduce concentrations of indoor contaminants. But thanks to some innovative engineering, it isn't necessary to throw energy efficiency out the window in order to grab a breath of fresh air.

Air pollution is not just limited to outside. It can occur inside too, and the quality of this air directly affects your quality of life. Studies have shown that indoor air is two to five times more polluted than outside air. The American Lung Association rates indoor air quality as one of the top five environmental risks.

Indoor air pollutants can be the cause of numerous health-related problems. Indoor air pollutants can cause you to suffer from cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing and respiratory irritation. They can also exacerbate existing illnesses such as allergies, asthma and sinusitis. Recent statistics show that more than 65 million people suffer from asthma and allergies.

Four major strategies must be undertaken to control the indoor air quality. They are source control, ventilation, filtration and purification and monitoring. These strategies vary depending on the sensitivity of people to allergens in the air or the requirement of a clean home.

Source control starts with reducing the amount of pollutants in the air. Frequent dusting and vacuuming will reduce the amount of dust and dust mites present in your home. Allergens need to be identified and removed to enhance comfort. However, not all allergens can be removed.

Ventilation of the home through opening windows for dilution of the air is necessary to remove allergens. However, allergens are also in the outside air, and physicians have recommended closing windows depending on a person's sensitivity to specific allergens. Therefore, a product may be necessary to bring fresh air into the home for continuous replenishment of air.

Filtration devices can eliminate particles that are too small to be captured by a vacuum. There are many factors you should consider when evaluating an air-cleaning device. The efficiency of the air filter should be a top consideration. Efficiency is measured in terms of the particle size an air filter can capture. The higher the efficiency, the more effective it will be. Look for the filter's MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) number, a new industry standard that rates filters based on their performance. Residential filters typically have an MERV range of one to 12. Higher ratings indicate more efficient filters. For example, MERV 8 filters remove 80 percent of pollutants down to a size of .3 microns over the course of air circulation in the home. Germicidal lights sterilize surfaces, purifying the air and creating enhanced comfort from bioaerosols that may contaminate your HVAC system.

Lastly, monitoring the air in your home to identify the return of unwanted allergens is necessary to keep your home clean of allergens.

Airflow reduction is a major consideration. Forcing air through the various types of filters may reduce the air circulation in your home. Generally, the more efficient a filter is, the more airflow reduction there will be. For more details, check with your Service Experts sales and service center. Cost is another major factor. It is important to consider not only the initial purchase price of the item, but also the cost of maintenance and upgrades. Purchasing a filter of reasonably high quality can save you money over the long term. Inexpensive filters may not clean the air as effectively as you need them to and may also need to be replaced more frequently.

There are many different types of filters to choose from. Disposable filters are generally made of coarse fiberglass mats in a frame mounted on a filter rack. They are often referred to as throwaway filters. Reusable foam or metal filters have slightly higher performance capabilities than disposable filters due to the use of oils and adhesives applied to the filter to cause particles to adhere to them.

Electrostatic filters have a means for electrically charging the filter to attract particles. They are most effective on large particles. Pleated filters are constructed of fiberglass or synthetic fibers woven into a more dense material. A pleated filter is arranged in V-shaped forms to increase the area of the filter material without increasing the face area. This increases the particle-holding capability.

Other choices include electronic air cleaners (EACs) and High-efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. EACs are highly efficient filters that use an electrical charge to remove and collect particulate matter such as dust, smoke and pollen. HEPA filters are considered to be very effective at small-particle removal.

Indoor air pollutants can cause you to suffer from cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and respiratory irritation. The main pollutants are allergens known as respirable particulates, bioaerosols and chemicals.

These allergens found in the home trigger chronic illnesses such as allergies, asthma and sinusitis. Recent statistics show that more than 65 million people suffer from asthma and allergies.

Air filtration products purify the air and eliminate many of the indoor air pollutants that cause numerous health-related problems. Many things should be considered before purchasing your next air filter.

Sensitivity to allergens may be the biggest consideration for choosing your filtration system. The more sensitive a person is to allergens, the greater the need for a high-efficiency filtration system. There are many products to choose from, including one-inch filtration systems and electronic air cleaners. Germicidal lights sterilize surfaces, creating enhanced comfort from bioaerosols that may contaminate your heating and cooling system. Each solution removes particles, bioaerosols and chemicals depending on the size of the allergen.

The efficiency of the air filter should be a top consideration. Efficiency is measured in terms of the particle size an air filter can capture. The higher the efficiency, the more effective it will be. Look for the filter's MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) number, a new industry standard for rating filters based on their performance. Residential filters typically have an MERV range of one to 12. Higher ratings indicate more efficient filters. For example, an MERV 8 filter removes 80% of allergens down to .3 microns during air circulation in the home.

Airflow reduction is also a major consideration. The air circulation in your home may be reduced when air is forced through various types of filters. Generally, the more efficient a filter is, the less airflow reduction there will be. For more details, check with your Service Experts sales and service center.

Cost is another major factor. It is important to consider not only the initial purchase price of the item but also the cost of maintenance and upgrades. Purchasing a filter of reasonably high quality can save you money over the long term. Inexpensive filters may not clean the air as effectively as you need and may also need to be replaced more frequently.

There are many types of filters to choose from. Disposable filters are generally made of coarse fiberglass mats in a frame mounted on a filter rack. They are often referred to as throwaway filters.

Reusable foam or metal filters have slightly higher performance capabilities than disposable filters. This is true because oils and adhesives are applied to them to help particles adhere.

Electrostatic filters have a means for electrically charging the filter to attract particles. They are most effective on large particles. Pleated filters are constructed of fiberglass or synthetic fibers woven into a more dense material. The pleats are arranged in V-shaped forms to increase the area of the filter material without increasing the face area. This increases the particle-holding capability.

Other choices include electronic air cleaners (EACs) and High-efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. EACs are highly efficient and clean the air by taking recirculated air and passing it through a prefilter that traps the large pollutants. Then, ionizing wires give a positive electrical charge to the remaining particles. A negatively charged collecting section collects the particles. HEPA filters are considered to be very effective at small-particle removal.

Activated carbon and microbiocide-treated filters can also purify your home's air. Both the carbon and the microbiocide-treated filters remove odor and kill bacteria, but the carbon filters are more adept at removing odor, and the microbiocide-treated filters trap bacteria as the air is pulled through, which inhibits biological contaminants from growing.

The best method of detection is to use a carbon monoxide detector in your home. A carbon monoxide detector is a device very similar to a smoke alarm. It monitors the air for carbon monoxide and sounds an alarm if a specific level is detected. Ideally, you should have one detector adjacent to every living area in your home.

Carbon monoxide detectors are most effective when used in combination with preventive maintenance.

For more information on how to schedule regular maintenance for your furnace or about purchasing a carbon monoxide detector, call your local Service Experts sales and service center.

Prevention is the most important step.

Taking proper safety measures will reduce your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Because vehicles are a major cause of carbon monoxide poisoning, always back your car out of the garage to let it warm up. Never leave it running in the confined space of a garage, particularly if the garage is attached to the home.

The same holds true for lawn mowers or snowmobiles. Never use ovens or grills for heating devices. Home heating systems represent only five percent of the many potential sources of carbon monoxide. They are designed to be safe and efficient and not produce substantial amounts of carbon monoxide.

However, it is important to schedule annual maintenance visits by a qualified technician to check all combustion appliances to make sure they are operating properly and to be sure that all chimneys and vents are connected properly and not blocked.

Unfortunately, the symptoms caused by carboxyhemoglobin saturation are easily overlooked because they are often flu-like. With mild exposure, most people experience headaches, fatigue and nausea. Medium exposure can cause a severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, disorientation, confusion and an accelerated heart rate. Extreme exposure can lead to unconsciousness, convulsions, cardiorespiratory failure, coma and possibly death.

When we breathe, carbon monoxide combines with the red blood cells in the blood and displaces the oxygen our bodies need to survive. Carbon monoxide combines with the red blood cells over 200 times more easily than oxygen and creates a condition known as carboxyhemoglobin saturation. Carbon monoxide instead of oxygen then gets carried to the vital organs through the bloodstream. Our organ tissues require oxygen; without it, our bodies start to asphyxiate or suffocate. It takes the body much longer to eliminate carbon monoxide than to absorb it, which is one reason why exposure can be so dangerous.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as wood, natural gas, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, coal and charcoal. It is caused by lack of oxygen or a disruption in the burning process. Household appliances such as your furnace, water heater, stove, space heaters, charcoal grill and gas dryer can be sources of carbon monoxide, especially if they are not in proper working condition or have been installed improperly. Vehicle exhaust fumes from attached garages, as well as improperly operating fireplaces, also can become carbon monoxide hazards, particularly if your home is well-sealed for energy efficiency.

Carbon monoxide can be an invisible threat to your family's health and safety.

Though more commonly associated with fires and automobile emissions, carbon monoxide poisoning can accumulate in any home unless certain precautions are taken.

That's why Service Experts is getting the word out that carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable.

Lack of humidity in a home can be the cause of numerous respiratory ailments. Fortunately, there is a way to improve the humidity levels within the home that will help relieve ailments related to dry respiratory membranes.

It is recommended that a home's humidity level be between 30 and 60 percent. However, during extremely cold weather, a home loses humidity to the outdoors and the level may drop to as low as 10 percent. When humidity levels drop, it is ideal to have a humidifier on hand to help ensure that the proper level of moisture is present in the air.

Conditioning the amount of moisture in the air is necessary for a family's health. Not having enough moisture in the air can cause dryness in the membranes of the nose, throat and bronchial tubes and can be the source of several health-related problems. Respiratory infections and repeated attacks of winter colds can be the result of inadequate humidity during the cold winter months. Relative humidity also has a significant effect on controlling the occurrence of airborne infections.

In addition to the health benefits, humidifiers are an easy way to keep room environments comfortable. Whole-house humidifiers work like old-fashioned room humidifiers. They put moisture into the air, making harsh, dry air easier to breathe. Water mist instead of hot steam is used, keeping the entire house at the desired humidity level. A humidifier uses from 1.5 to 12 gallons of water per day — just enough to raise the humidity to the desired level but not enough to make a difference on the water bill. And because a humidifier is installed in the ductwork, there is no need to carry one from room to room.

There are many factors to take into consideration when selecting a humidifier. Size is important. A humidifier's capacity, the amount of moisture it can dispense, should match a household's needs. The capacity is measured in gallons per day of operation. Consider not only the purchase price of the unit but also the operating and maintenance costs. Some models consume more energy than others, so choosing a model that is right for your home and budget is extremely important. Also, regular maintenance is necessary to keep your humidifier in top working condition.

Installing a humidifier is an easy job when also replacing a furnace. But a humidifier can also be fitted to a current system with minimal labor since it is installed in the ductwork.

Who would think indoor air can be hazardous to your health? Indoor air — a pollutant Unfortunately, that is often the case.

Exposure to air pollutants can be up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. Fortunately, several steps can be taken to ensure that your indoor environment is the safest.

The American Lung Association estimates that most people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, making indoor air quality (IAQ) extremely important. Many common household items contribute to poor indoor air quality. Compounds found in carpeting, furniture, upholstery and drapery fabric constantly emit fumes. Other sources of pollutants can include cleaning agents, paints and personal care products.

The tight construction of today's homes also contributes significantly to poor IAQ. Things like weather stripping and storm doors are designed to save on energy costs. However, they also prevent proper ventilation by keeping indoor air in and outdoor air out. The result can be a buildup of contaminants within the home.

Poor IAQ can be the cause of numerous health problems. Medical groups report that as many as half of all illnesses are caused or aggravated by indoor air pollution. Pollutants within the home can cause homeowners to suffer from flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea and respiratory irritation.

Two health problems that can be helped by clean indoor air are allergies and asthma. Even people who have never suffered from allergies can benefit from improved IAQ. By removing airborne dust particles from the air, the amount of exposure the respiratory system has to them is greatly reduced.

Thankfully, there are things a homeowner can do to help alleviate potential IAQ concerns. The first step toward improving indoor air is to identify the sources of air pollutants. Eliminating or reducing these sources is the most effective way to clean the air. Although it is not possible to eliminate every contaminant source, reducing the sources and/or the amount of pollutants they emit will contribute to a healthier living environment.

Ventilation also plays an important role in improving indoor air quality. Proper ventilation can reduce the concentration of pollutants inside the home.

A third way to minimize the concentration of pollutants is by thoroughly cleaning the home. Frequent dusting and vacuuming can help to reduce the amount of dust particles in the air.

Some of the most effective solutions for poor indoor air quality may involve heating and cooling systems. Electronic air cleaners (EACs) and high-efficiency air filters can assist in absorbing particles that otherwise would escape due to their size. EACs and high-efficiency filters help clean the air and provide respiratory relief by removing dust, dirt and pollen. Other products that are available include humidifiers, carbon monoxide detectors, heat recovery ventilators and air purifiers.

Did you know that most people spend 90% of their time indoors, and 50% of all illnesses are either caused by or aggravated by poor indoor air quality? According to studies conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to air pollutants indoors can be 100 times higher than outdoors.

Indoor air pollutants can be the cause of numerous health-related problems. Indoor air pollutants can cause you to suffer from flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea and respiratory irritation. They can also exacerbate existing illnesses such as allergies and asthma. Recent statistics show that more than 40 million people suffer from asthma and allergies.

Reducing the amount of pollutants in the air is the most effective way to improve indoor air quality. Frequent dusting and vacuuming will reduce the amount of dust and dust mites present in your home. However, not all airborne particles can be eliminated. Filtration devices can eliminate particles that are too small to be captured by a vacuum. Some filtration devices include UV light units, air filters, energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and electronic air cleaners.

UV light units help decompose contaminants, such as bacteria, chemicals, dust mites, animal dander, cat saliva and mold, through a process called photolysis oxidation. When the UV lights are installed in the ductwork of your central air and heat system, they can eliminate most of the organisms in the treated area. Activated carbon and microbiocide-treated filters can also purify your home's air. Both the carbon and the microbiocide-treated filters remove odor and kill bacteria, but the carbon filters are more adept at removing odor, and the microbiocide-treated filters trap bacteria as the air is pulled through, which inhibits biological contaminants from growing.

The efficiency of the air filter should be a top consideration. Efficiency is measured in terms of the particle size an air filter can capture. The higher the efficiency, the more effective it will be. Look for the filter's MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) number, a new industry standard that rates filters based on their performance. Residential filters typically have an MERV range of one to eight. Higher ratings indicate more efficient filters.

ERVs and HRVs bring fresh air into the home and exhaust stale air out. An HRV conserves energy from indoor conditioned air and transfers it to the outdoor air as it is brought into the home to provide ventilation. An ERV does the same thing, but it also maintains the desired humidity levels to keep the house comfortable.

Electronic air cleaners clean the air by taking recirculated air and passing it through a prefilter that traps the large pollutants. Then, ionizing wires give a positive electrical charge to remaining particles. A negatively charged collecting section collects the particles. Pollutants pass through an optional carbon filter that absorbs unwanted odors.

You may have tried to get rid of odors in your home by spraying air fresheners or lighting candles. However, these tactics only mask the odors. They don't get rid of them. These remedies may cause further contamination of the home with chemicals that cause allergic reactions in homeowners.

What causes the lingering odors? Sometimes poor ventilation in a home causes unpleasant odors. Moisture condensation on walls or windows and stuffy air are signs of poor ventilation. A qualified service technician can inspect your home comfort system to determine if this is indeed the problem, and the technician can also inform you whether or not your equipment is working properly.

Bacteria, dust mites, animal dander, cat saliva and mold may also be roots of your home's odor problem. One method to purify the air is by using germicidal (UV) lights, which inhibit the growth of biological contaminants, sterilizing surfaces in the HVAC system. They also purify the air, preventing the growth of contaminants. The UV lights are installed to work with your home comfort system.

Activated carbon and microbiocide-treated filters can also purify your home's air. Both the carbon and the microbiocide-treated filters remove odor and kill bacteria. The carbon filters are more adept at removing odor, and the microbiocide-treated filters trap bacteria as the air is pulled through, which inhibits biological contaminants from growing.

Electronic air cleaners clean the air by taking recirculated air and passing it through a prefilter that traps the large pollutants. Then, ionizing wires give a positive electrical charge to remaining particles. The particles are collected by a negatively charged collecting section. Pollutants pass through an optional carbon filter that absorbs unwanted odors.

Allergies and asthma are two health problems that can be helped with clean indoor air. When airborne irritants are removed, allergy and asthma sufferers often find relief from their symptoms. Even healthy people who have never suffered from allergies can benefit from clean air. Dust, smoke and other particles float around in the air, causing your drapes and furniture to gather dust. By removing airborne dust particles, you reduce the amount of exposure your respiratory system has to them.

Many everyday unsuspected household items contribute to poor indoor air quality. Compounds found in carpeting, furniture, upholstery and drapery fabric constantly emit gas or fumes. Other sources of pollutants can include, but are not limited to, cleaning agents, paints and personal care products. Newer, more energy-efficient homes do not breathe like older homes. Things like weather stripping and storm doors keep indoor air in and outdoor air out. This provides energy savings, but the limited exchange of outdoor and indoor air can mean a buildup of contaminants inside your home.

Different people have different needs. It is up to the inhabitants in the home to determine the right product or products. The threshold of irritancy and triggers that affect people determine the proper solution. High threshold levels may require simple solutions like a one-inch air filter. Low threshold levels may require an air purification system for the reduction of triggers and irritants.

Your local Service Experts sales and service center can help you decide which products are right for you.

Eliminate: The first step to improving your indoor air quality is to identify the sources of air pollutants. Eliminating these sources to the extent feasible is the most effective way to clean the air. Chemicals in carpets, household cleaners, furniture and building materials, just to mention a few, all contribute to poor indoor air quality. Damp basements and other areas where standing water is prevalent can become the breeding grounds for pollutants such as mold, mildew and other microbes. Although it is not possible to eliminate every contaminant source, reducing the sources and/or the amount of pollutants they emit will contribute to a healthier living environment.

Ventilate: While not every pollution source can be eliminated completely, ventilation plays an important role in improving indoor air quality. However, in an effort to increase energy efficiency, today's homes are being built tighter, making it increasingly difficult to have the proper amount of exchange between indoor and outdoor air. Improper ventilation can lead to an increase in the concentration of pollutants inside your home. To increase ventilation, open doors and windows, particularly when you are using cleaning agents. Also, make sure to operate any exhaust fans your home may have. Your local Service Experts sales and service center can also assist you in recommending ways you can increase the ventilation in your home. He may suggest the installation of an outdoor air connection or the use of a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV). HRVs and ERVs work similarly, bringing fresh air into your home and exhausting stale air out. They conserve energy from indoor conditioned air and transfer it to incoming outside air.

Clean: A third way you can minimize the concentration of pollutants in your indoor air is by thoroughly cleaning your living spaces. Frequent dusting and vacuuming can help reduce the amount of dust particles in the air. Washing bedding in hot water is the only way to kill dust mites. Not only will your indoor air quality improve, but your furnishings will benefit as well. They will stay cleaner, look better and hopefully last longer. Although these methods are effective, not all airborne particles can be removed. Some particles are so small, they may escape through the vacuum or never land on a surface. To capture these particles, products such as electronic air cleaners (EACs) and high-efficiency air filters can be beneficial. EACs and high-efficiency filters help clean the air and provide respiratory relief by removing dust, dirt and pollen.

Your local Service Experts sales and service center can show you the advantages of our complete line of indoor air quality products. Your family's health and comfort are priorities, and working together, we can help to provide you with a breath of fresh air.

Air pollution surrounds us daily...car exhaust, smog, indoor air. Indoor air? Yes, indoor air quality is important to your health. Your exposure to air pollutants can be up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. The American Lung Association estimates that most people spend 90% of their time indoors. So clean indoor air is very important.