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How Does Humidity Affect Indoor Comfort?

September 12, 2024

When it comes to interior comfort, humidity is a major factor. We are all vulnerable to the negative effects of excessive or inadequate humidity on our health, our homes and our quality of life. If homeowners are aware of these effects, it becomes easier to make a home healthier and more pleasant place to live. Dry Skin and Irritation Keeping our skin supple and healthy requires a specific amount of moisture. Skin dryness and irritation are two of the most noticeable symptoms of low indoor humidity. Extremely dry air, especially in the winter when heating systems

Pros and Cons of Ductless Mini-Splits

September 5, 2024

One type of HVAC system that’s gained a lot of popularity over the past 20 years is the ductless mini-split unit. This type of system allows you to enjoy all year-round comfort without the need for any traditional ductwork. If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system, it can be helpful to understand both the benefits and drawbacks of this type of system. Heating and Cooling Probably one of the most significant benefits of a ductless mini-split system is that it offers both heating and cooling capabilities. You no longer have to invest in

13 Factors That Affect HVAC Efficiency

August 20, 2024

HVAC efficiency refers to how efficiently your system converts energy into the cooling, heating, and ventilation you require. The more efficient your system is, the cheaper it is to run. There’s also the matter of environmental impact. HVAC is the number one contributor to the average American household’s carbon footprint. Let’s explore 13 factors that shape your system’s efficiency. 1. Efficiency Ratings There are three core energy efficiency ratings that the Department of Energy (DOE) uses to set standards for the American consumer. In all cases, the higher the number, the more efficient the system.

5 Health Risks Associated With Poor Indoor Air Quality

August 13, 2024

Poor indoor air quality in a home is one of the most common triggers for a wide range of health problems. Even if there doesn’t seem to be direct visual evidence of a specific problem, such as dust or mold, you need to consider the possibility that particular health issues are tied to your home’s air quality. Here is a look at five common health risks linked to poor indoor air quality, the signs that they’re present, and how our HVAC technicians at Beltway Air Conditioning, Heating, & Plumbing help customers address them. 1. Mold Growth Mold naturally occurs in the

Understanding The Different Parts of Your HVAC System

August 6, 2024

Even though you rely heavily on your HVAC system to keep you comfortable throughout the year, you might not know all that much about how it works. That’s not unusual. Most homeowners’ knowledge of HVAC systems doesn’t go much beyond operating a thermostat. However, if a component of your Hanover, MD home’s HVAC fails, a bit more knowledge can go a long way toward getting you back on track. To help, here is a guide to the major components of your home’s HVAC system. We’ll identify each component and let you know exactly what it does. That way, you can

Why Your Building Needs a New Air Purifier

July 26, 2024

A comfortable home that is healthy for your family is essential. One overlooked aspect of a healthy indoor environment is air quality. Many buildings still use old, outdated air purification systems that can no longer effectively remove pollutants, pathogens, and allergens from the air. This can create health issues and general discomfort among everyone living in the home. From cutting-edge filtration technologies to more energy-efficient and, therefore, cost-saving designs, modern whole-home air purifiers can offer solutions that improve air quality. They also create a healthier, more pleasant indoor environment for your family. At Beltway Air Conditioning, Heating, & Plumbing in Hanover,

The Environmental Impact of Older HVAC Systems

July 19, 2024

If your Arbutus, MD, HVAC system uses inefficient technology, it could have a negative impact on the environment. Old age, an extensive maintenance history, low energy efficiency ratings, and outdated refrigerant types are key markers of an out-of-date HVAC system. Energy Consumption: A Key Environmental Concern Older systems often use more power since they aren’t as efficient at turning energy into warm or cold air. This raises emissions and exacerbates the greenhouse effect. Modern systems can save a lot of energy and reduce your household’s carbon footprint since they are up to 30% to 50%

Why Air Ducts Should be Cleaned by a Professional

July 12, 2024

The air ducts in your Hanover, MD, home play an important role in keeping you and your loved ones comfortable. By circulating air from your heating and cooling system to the various rooms in your house, air ducts help ensure that the desired temperature of your living space remains consistent throughout. If neglected, air ducts can accumulate dust particles, mold, pollen, and various other types of debris. These pollutants building up in your air ducts can lead to a number of issues, making having your air ducts professionally cleaned highly beneficial. Let’s look at the benefits

The Role of Air Filters in Enhancing Indoor Air Quality

June 15, 2024

The quality of the air that we breathe in our Hanover, MD, homes is incredibly important. Since many of us spend so much time indoors, it makes sense that we should be prioritizing air filtration. Unfortunately, a house can experience contamination from several types of particulates and pathogens. This often results in headaches, more allergy symptoms, irritated nasal passageways, and inflammation. Luckily, there is room for improvement using air filters and air filtration technology. Let’s discuss your options. What Contaminants Need to Concern You? Before we talk about the different types of filters that are available,

The Meaning Behind HVAC Efficiency Ratings

June 10, 2024

HVAC efficiency ratings are an invaluable tool for homeowners purchasing a new system. This information informs you how environmentally friendly a system is and how much it will cost to run over its lifespan. Use that information to compare any system to another and make a better buying decision. With this in mind, let’s explore the different rating systems you may encounter. BTU The British thermal unit (BTU) is a measure of energy and heat in particular. While it isn’t a measure of energy efficiency, it’s an important concept in the HVAC space. Many of the

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