Sound Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Seattle’

Be Aware of Common AC Condensate Drain Issues

Monday, May 23rd, 2016

One of the air conditioning components you probably think the least about is the system’s condensate drain. In fact, you might even now be asking yourself what a condensate drain is. This component is one of the most important, yet most ignored parts of your air conditioning system.

The condensate drain connects to a pan located below the evaporator coil, which collects the condensate that drips off the outside of the coil as warm, moist air passes over it. Dealing with moisture brings inherent problems, a few of which we’ve outlined below.

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Are You Regularly Checking and Changing Your Air Filter?

Monday, April 18th, 2016

There are many things you can and should do to ensure that your HVAC system functions properly. This includes hiring a professional HVAC technician to inspect, service, and repair your unit as needed. Regular maintenance is also vital to ensuring its efficiency over its lifespan. There is one step you should be handling on your own though, and that’s regularly checking and changing your air filter.

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Why You Should Get Your Air Conditioner Checked This Spring

Monday, March 14th, 2016

Winter is coming to an end, and while summer is a little ways off the days are already starting to warm up. You may not be using your air conditioner on a regular basis for a little while yet, but that’s no reason to neglect it. If you want to get your home ready for summer you should start right now. Let’s take a look at air conditioning maintenance, and why you should schedule it every spring.

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What Happens if Your Furnace Air Filter Isn’t Cleaned Often Enough

Monday, March 7th, 2016

Every furnace contains an air filter, which is installed in the return duct for the system. This filter is designed to capture any dust or other debris that might make it into the system and damage it. The filter is quite good at protecting the system, but it must be cleaned every few months in order to remain effective. If the air filter isn’t cleaned or replaced often enough, it can cause major problems for the health of the system. Let’s take a look at what happens if you don’t take proper care of your furnace air filter.

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Myths About Solar Energy

Monday, February 8th, 2016

There have been a lot of myths and misconceptions circulating about solar energy almost since its conception. To this day, many homeowners buy into various myths about solar energy and use them as an excuse not to invest in the technology. You may think that you have a good reason for not installing a solar energy system, but you might actually be missing out on a huge opportunity. Let’s take a look at some of these solar misconceptions, and separate truth from fiction.

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Boiler Problems to Watch For

Monday, January 4th, 2016

Winter is the time of year when home heating systems are put under the most stress, as they work to keep their homes warm on a daily basis. That added stress increases wear and tear on the system, which means that there is a much greater likelihood of problems developing. If you’re using a boiler to stay warm this winter, you should be able to identify the signs that it’s developing a problem. That way, you can get the system repaired as quickly as possible. Read on to find out more about the signs that your boiler is having issues.

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Furnace Issues to Be Aware Of

Monday, November 30th, 2015

Winter is the most stressful time of year for furnaces, which means there is a much greater chance of problems occurring in them. If you are relying on a furnace to keep you warm throughout the winter, you should be vigilant for signs that your system is starting to have operating problems. Otherwise, you may end up without heat for a few days when the furnace breaks down on you. Let’s take a look at some of the signs that your furnace might be heading for trouble.

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Air Quality Tip: Advantages of Steam Humidifiers

Monday, March 18th, 2013

Many homeowners in Seattle are increasingly concerned about the quality of the air in their homes. Whether it’s mold, bacteria, dust, pollen, dander, or other foreign debris, controlling what kinds of particles circulate through your home can be challenging to say the least. But one complaint that stands out among the rest is low humidity levels. Dry air can often be difficult to breathe, can result in skin irritation, and can slow healing. Ensuring that you have the appropriate levels of humidity in your home is critical to your health and comfort. Steam humidifiers make a great addition to any home. For more information, or for humidifier installation in Seattle, WA, call Sound Heating & Air Conditioning today!

A steam humidifier works by boiling water until it’s vaporized and then sending it circulating it through your home by means of a tube inside your ductwork. They are quiet and easy to maintain. While a standard power humidifier works by blowing your hot air over wet pads or cells, they can often reduce airflow and create bacteria problems. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of a steam humidifier:

  • Cleanliness. Because water needs to reach boiling point in order to vaporize, steam humidification is the cleanest of its kind. This means less risk of increased bacteria levels in your home.
  • Comfort. The appropriate level of humidity in your home makes it comfortable. By installing a steam humidifier, the dry air in your home will change into moist air that seems to make breathing easier. This can help to improve your sleeping habits, allow your sinuses to heal, and reduce skin irritation.
  • Good health. Customers who suffer from respiratory problems or other health concerns may be adversely affected by dry air. Steam humidification boosts the natural healing process by adjusting to the appropriate amount of humidity. Dry air conditions can be intolerable, especially for the elderly and the very young.

Low humidity levels in the air can negatively impact your health at home. Make sure that your air is comfortable with a steam humidifier. For comprehensive indoor air quality services in Seattle, call Sound Heating & Air Conditioning today!

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Myths about Solar Energy in Seattle

Monday, October 22nd, 2012

Have you ever heard…

  • Solar panels don’t work in cold places
  • They are ugly and bulky and drive down property values
  • Solar panels break when it snows or hails

There are countless myths like the ones above about solar energy and how effective it can be for your Seattle home depending on where you live or what type of climate you have. However, most of these myths are just that – falsehoods and rumors spread from the days when solar power wasn’t a very effective energy source.

These days, solar energy is increasingly efficient and works in almost any climate if properly installed. Here are some other common myths you might hear about this popular alternative energy source.

  1. Too Expensive – While it is true that solar power is expensive, it is dropping in price rapidly. The cost of manufacturing has dropped to such that the cost per watt is between $5 and $8 – an all-time low. On top of that, most state governments and the federal government offer general rebates and tax incentives for having solar power installed.
  2. Constant Maintenance – If you want constant maintenance, stick with your fossil fuel based heating and energy sources. Solar panels and heating systems require less frequent maintenance than most other systems and last for up to 25 years.
  3. Inconsistency – Older solar panels were less efficient, only capturing 1-5% of the energy emitted by the sun. These days, solar panels are much better at capturing solar energy – ranging from 11% to a whopping 20% capture rate, which means they are incredibly effective, even in bad weather. For the record, that’s the same energy capture rate as your gasoline fueled car, but with none of the emissions.
  4. Making Back the Investment – Solar investment recuperation used to be a long process. These days, however, solar panels increase the value of your home, decrease your annual costs and give you peace of mind. The usual payback time is down to less than 20 years and even less if you sell your home.

Solar energy is one of the most efficient and effective ways to power your Seattle home today, despite the myths. Make sure you read more about it before making any big decisions.

For more information on solar energy for your Seattle home, give Sound Heating & Air Conditioning a call!

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Important Indoor Air Quality Tips When Remodeling in Seattle

Monday, October 15th, 2012

Remodeling your Seattle home is a big step. As you plan the layout of your new bathroom or the size of the bedroom being added to the second floor, make sure you take into account the effects your changes will have on the indoor air quality of your home. Here are some specific things to keep in mind:

  • Water and Moisture – When you build on to or remodel your home, one of the most common problems is excess moisture. The grade may not be built to handle the extra space or you may find that moisture is harder to block from your home than expected. However, it’s vital that any additions are as water tight as the original construction. Mold and mildew, as well as dust mites and other humidity and moisture borne pollutants are major health concerns.
  • Ventilate Properly – Most people assume that the best thing they can do is close their home up tightly to block out pollutants. But, indoor air can be as much as 100 times more polluted than outside air if it isn’t properly ventilated. Stagnant, stale air filled with dust, pollen and dander among other things is not healthy, so extend your ventilation system to support your new addition.
  • Proper Flooring – The floor you choose when remodeling has a major impact on indoor air quality. You want to ensure any water that gets on the floor, especially in bathrooms can be removed without it penetrating to the wood underneath. Properly sealed tiles and fixtures are a must.
  • Unsafe Building Materials – Modern materials are generally safe, but if your home was built before 1978, consider the risk of flaking paint or old insulation before you start demolishing a room for remodeling. Lead paint in window frames and doors can be a major risk if it flakes and enters the air and asbestos can be found in insulation in walls, wiring and pipes.

Remodeling is a big step, and likely you have a lot of things on your mind, but don’t forget to include the air quality in your calculations, both during and after the construction. The EPA has a fantastic resource on indoor air quality in home remodels to help you determine what things you should watch for in each room of the house as you make changes.

For more information on how to improve your Seattle home’s indoor air quality, give Sound Heating & Air Conditioning a call!

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