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It’s not unusual for Americans to spend plenty of time indoors — especially when outdoor weather reaches uncomfortable extremes. But even staying indoors comes with certain hazards. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that indoor air pollution may be two to five times worse than outdoor air.

If you’re someone who likes to keep their home clean, you might look around and wonder where the pollution is coming from. Sources of indoor air pollutants include:

• Household chemicals and other products
• Dust
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Fuel-burning appliances
• Cigarette smoke
• Carbon monoxide
• Asbestos
• Bacteria and viruses
• Mold and mildew

Indoor air pollution can have a negative effect on your health. And it can be particularly harmful for people with asthma or other existing conditions. Through air purification, Denver residents can breathe easily.

Air Purification Systems

Air purifiers are devices that typically use fans to pull in air and filters to capture pollutants in that air. Clean air is then circulated throughout the room. The filters are key to the effectiveness of these systems.

Filters are typically composed of materials such as paper, mesh, or fiber. Different types of filters are compatible with different models of air purifiers. Filter types include:

• Reusable filters, which require cleaning
• Disposable filters, which require regular replacement
• UV-filers, which claim to use ultraviolet light to inactivate microorganisms

You can find air purifiers that forgo traditional filters. These are known as ionic air purifiers, and they use electrostatic to pull pollutants from the air and onto a plate. Ionic air purifiers may not be as effective as models with filters. However, instead of buying replacement filters, you simply clean the plates. It’s also worth noting that some ionic air purifiers produce ozone, which can potentially cause asthma symptoms to flare up.

Other Steps to Take

Although air purifiers are effective — especially when they’re properly maintained — you can take additional steps to reduce indoor air pollution. Use the following strategies to cut down on pollutants in your home:

Ventilate your home. You can do this by opening opposing windows to allow a breeze to blow through your living space. Obviously this isn’t a step that’s useful when it’s freezing cold or sweltering outdoors. It may also allow pollen to enter your home and irritate the lungs of anyone with seasonal allergies.

Vacuum on a regular basis. Be thorough when vacuuming carpeted areas, as carpet fibers can house lots of unwanted particles. HEPA-certified vacuums are best, but no matter what type of vacuum you use, remember to maintain its bag or collection chamber.

Wash and change your bedsheets and pillow cases regularly. Any curtains you have hanging up will also require attention. You can use a vacuum attachment to clean them, or wash them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Ready to improve your indoor air quality? Turn to the professionals at Go Green Heating and Air Conditioning for solutions to indoor air pollution as well as HVAC repair. Reach out today for a free quote or to schedule an appointment.

A busted air conditioner can leave you feeling sweaty and miserable during the hot months of summer. ACs are fairly complex appliances, and there are plenty of parts that can wear down over time or without proper maintenance. By learning some of the most common AC problems, you can quickly identify what’s wrong with your system. Then, you can reach out to a Denver air conditioner repair service for quick maintenance.

Short Cycling

Does your air conditioner seem to be turning off and on too quickly? This is known as short cycling, and it’s a common problem that comes with several potential consequences. First, because your AC is failing to complete a cooling cycle, you’ll notice an increase in your energy bills. Second, the short cycles can eventually wear down AC parts, shortening the lifespan of the appliance.

So, what causes short cycling in an AC? There are several possibilities:

• The air filter is clogged and the AC is forced to shut down as it overheats.
• The AC is too big for the space, so it quickly cools the room to the set temperature and then immediately shuts off. The result is sudden temperature shifts.
• The evaporator coils are frozen, leading to malfunctions.
• Refrigerant is running low, so your AC is repeatedly overheating and then shutting down.
• Problems with the electric system, such as corroded wires, can cause short cycles.
• Your thermostat may be defective or exposed to drafts or too much sunlight.

Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant is vital to your AC system because it absorbs heat. Without enough refrigerants, the AC can’t efficiently cool your space. If it’s leaking from your system, you may notice the following:

• A hissing noise is present while the AC is running.
• Ice is building up on the evaporator coils.
• Cooling cycles are longer than usual.
• Your indoor space feels humid or unusually warm.
• Your monthly energy bills are increasing.

Unusual Noises

An AC that makes strange noises can be disruptive. But more importantly, those sounds may be a sign of underlying problems. Here are a few types of noises to listen out for:

• Hissing: As mentioned above, a hissing noise may indicate a refrigerant leak.
• Rattling or clanging: This type of sound may be loud or faint, and it’s likely caused by a loose part near the motor or blower.
• Buzzing: When electrical parts start to degrade, you might hear a buzzing noise when the AC is running.
• Clicking: This type of sound can indicate anything from faulty electrical components to a small, loose part.

In some cases, AC problems may be the result of improper installation or maintenance. With that in mind, make sure you only hire experts to fix your system or unit. In addition, a routine inspection of your HVAC system may help you identify small issues before they turn into larger problems.

You can count on the experienced technicians at Go Green Heating and Air Conditioning to address your needs. Contact us today to get a free quote or schedule an appointment.

Air conditioning and heating are essential for most homes. It keeps you comfortable in the summer when the heat reaches up in the ’90s and keeps you warm during the cold and icy winters when the temperatures dip below freezing. But, whether you are building a new home, need to install a new HVAC system, or simply get one, to begin with, it can be exciting.

Sometimes the focus of a homeowner is on what an HVAC system looks like, but it is a bit more important to know how it will affect your home. This might include how it will impact your utility bills and the different payment options to purchase the HVAC system. The most important part of this process is to choose the system. Here are three important tips to determine the best Best Denver HVAC system for your home in Colorado.

Pick the Right Size

This is one of the most important decisions when installing a new HVAC system. You may want to work with an HVAC contractor along with your building contractor to decide which is right for your home. Although you may think this does not matter, it truly does.

If your system is too small, then it will not properly cool or heat your home. If the unit is too large, it can result in short-cycling which means your home will once again suffer from completely inconsistent temperatures. Overall, your system will work too hard in either context.

Choose the Type of HVAC System

There are many different forms of HVAC systems to choose from. The best system is essentially a central air system, but this is also the most expensive. Sometimes you may consider a different type of system as well if you do not want to change the integrity of the home.

You may simply choose one of the following:

• Ductless split systems: These systems do not use ducts. Instead, they deliver the air directly from different air handlers. These are typically placed all over the home to deliver direct air to that room.
• Heat pumps: If you are building a new home then this is a good plan. It allows you to lay different heat exchanger loops underground while building. These pumps work to save energy.

Do You Need an Air Purification System?

Everyone has a different lifestyle, and if you are someone who needs to avoid allergens, then this may be important to you. Although Denver has some of the best air in the country, it is still a city. Especially for those who have pets or are allergic to dust, consider adding an air purifier to the HVAC system to keep the air clean in your home.

Consult a Professional

When building a new home or adding a system to your current home, it is essential to consult a professional. Whether you need an air purification system or are not sure what size your home requires, contact us to learn more. We can offer advice about HVAC systems and discuss your options.

An HVAC repair professional can help if you’re experiencing problems with your HVAC system. However, you may want to try a quick fix at home first. HVAC Troubleshooting and DIY is easy when you are aware of common system issues. These issues can occur in your compressor, condenser, evaporator coil, or expansion valve. Try these simple troubleshooting and DIY methods for typical HVAC issues.

Your AC Unit Won’t Turn On

Faulty air conditioning activation is a frequent problem that homeowner’s experience with a unit. Common causes of a faulty AC activation include:

• Issues with the thermostat settings
• The internal switch is deactivated
• The circuit is tripped/there is a blown fuse

Luckily, there are several at-home solutions that you can try. First, make sure that your thermostat settings are in the correct position. Once the thermostat is set to ‘COOL,’ adjust the temperature below the current room temperature. If the AC doesn’t kick on in a few minutes, it’s time to check your breaker box.

There are two ways to troubleshoot your circuit breaker box. First, ensure that the air-conditioning unit’s 240-volt breaker switch is turned to ‘ON.’ Second, ensure that the furnace blower’s 120-volt breaker switch is also turned to ‘ON.’ You may notice that your breaker is consistently tripping or the fuse is blown. This indicates that there is a more serious issue at hand, like a short circuit. Call your technician right away if this is the case.

Once you confirm that the circuit breaker switches are set correctly, make your way to the condensing unit. Check that all switches around the unit, including the external safety switch, are on. Then check for excess water in the condensate overflow tray and empty if needed. Occasionally, excess water in the tray triggers the sensor, and causes the unit to shut off.

For more HVAC troubleshooting & DIY tips, contact your air-conditioning technician.

You Experience Poor Airflow from the Vents

Little to no airflow is a result of a dirty air filter, evaporator coil, or condenser coil. If these items are not properly maintained, it could result in blocked airflow or a disconnected system. Find out what you can do to troubleshoot these problems at home.

Dirty Filters

A dirty filter causes more than just poor airflow and filtration. It could lead to a frozen air conditioner or overheated furnace. Replace dirty filters with new ones and call a professional if you need assistance with replacement.

Dirty Condenser Coil

A condenser coil’s job is very important as it helps to cool the system’s liquid refrigerant. An old or dirty coil will freeze your system and damage the compressor. Simply hose off the coil or wipe with a damp towel to clean off debris and dirt. Be sure to disconnect the power before doing so.

Dirty Evaporator Coil

This indoor coil absorbs your home’s hot air. It can cause restricted airflow if not properly maintained, but it is difficult to troubleshoot properly at home. Because it is located in a small box near to or above your furnace, it can be difficult to reach. This coil is impacted by the furnace’s filter and should be diagnosed by an HVAC professional.