How Summer Weather Affects Your Indoor Air Quality

Woman Opening Window On A Sunny Day

Woman Opening Window On A Sunny Day

 

Summers in Central & Eastern Mass can be very hot and humid. Many homeowners spend most of their time outdoors during the summer months. However, when they step inside, they often find their indoor air quality is very poor. Allergens, higher humidity and rising temperatures all contribute to reduced air quality. Landry Mechanical put together this guide on How Summer Weather Affects Your Indoor Air Quality and how to improve it.

 

The Summer Heat

Pollutants inside your home are exacerbated by warmer temperatures.

If you use A/C in your home, you most likely have the windows and doors closed to keep cold air in.

These allergens linger inside your home and mix with warm air to create an uncomfortable environment.

Mold Growing on Ceiling Inside Home
High Humidity In Your Home Can Lead to Mold Growth Like This!

 

The Danger of Humidity

Humidity isn’t just uncomfortable; it can become a breeding ground for harmful air pollutants. If indoor humidity rises above 60%, mold, mildew, and dust mites will thrive inside of your home.

Here are some tips to reduce your home’s humidity:

  • Consider a humidity monitor to keep levels between 30-50%
  • Properly Vent Bathrooms, Kitchens & other High Moisture Areas
  • Use portable dehumidifiers or consider installing a whole-home dehumidifier
  • Clean and dry damp areas and spots quickly
Woman Cleaning Carpet With Vacuum
Regular Home Cleaning can dramatically Improve Indoor Air Quality

The Danger of Allergens

Pollen from trees, weeds, and other plants ends up everywhere during the summer including your home!

Pollen can enter your home on clothes, pets, and open windows. This contributes to poor indoor air quality during the summer season. It can also trigger symptoms in people with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues.

Here are some tips to reduce allergens in your home:

  • Monitor pollen counts on weather apps
  • Keep windows closed during days with high pollen counts
  • Run an air purifier with a HEPA filter
  • Regularly clean your home with microfiber cloths and vacuum cleaners
Woman opening window
Opening your windows on cooler days lets fresh air into the home!

Air Conditioning & Air Quality

Air conditioning keeps you comfortable on steamy summer days.

However, A/C systems can either improve or degrade your home’s air quality. Dirty A/C filters can spread dust, pollen, and mold throughout your home. Malfunctioning A/C systems can also increase humidity.

Here are some tips on how to use your A/C without reducing air quality:

Outdoor Unit with Dirty Condenser Coils
Does Your A/C Look Like This? It’s Hurting Your Indoor Air Quality  Time To “Just Call Landry” 

Conclusion

Summer weather has a negative impact on your indoor air quality. However, by taking some proactive steps, you can stay comfortable even during a heat wave.

If you’re interested in improving your home’s air quality, “Just Call Landry” We’re your local HVAC & Indoor Air Quality experts standing by to bring comfort to your home.

 

Landry Mechanical We Take COMFORT in YOUR Comfort!

What To Do If Your A/C Goes Out During a Heatwave

Woman Trying To Turn On Broken A/C System

What To Do If Your A/C Goes Out During a Heatwave

Woman Trying To Turn On Broken A/C System

AtLandry Mechanical, we know how brutal and sweaty New England summers can be. However, summer heat isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be deadly.

According to mass.gov “Extreme heat can be dangerous and even life-threatening if proper precautions are not taken” Here’s what to do if your A/C goes out during a heatwave.

 

Pay Attention to Weather Reports

News Reporter Shows Heat Warning
Pay attention to the news for heat warnings!

In Central and Eastern Mass, weather can change frequently.

Pay attention to weather reports that mention heat watch, heat advisory or excessive heat warnings.

These are signs that a heatwave may be on the way. The more time you have to prepare the better.

 

Stay Cool

Staying cool during a heatwave is your main priority. If you’re A/C isn’t working, there are other ways to avoid heat stroke.

Man Closing Blinds During a Heatwave
Closing your blinds during a heatwave can reduce the temperature in your home!
  • Close blinds and curtains during the day
  • Use fans: Ceiling Fans and box fans keep you cool and push out hot air.
  • Take cool showers and baths rather than hot ones
  • Seek out cool locations like libraries or shopping malls.
  • Dress lightly (wear clothing that is loose-fitting and lightly colored)
Ceiling Fan In Living Room
Ceiling fans like this one can keep you cool even if your A/C isn’t working!

Run into issues with your ceiling fans? “Just Call Landry” Our electrical experts are here to help with ceiling fan repairs and replacements to keep you cool this summer!

 

Stay Hydrated

No Soda, No Alcohol, No Caffeine
Avoid Soda, Alcohol, and Caffeine during heatwaves. They increase your chance of dehydration!

Dehydration during a heat wave is common, but serious. Dehydration can lead to health problems and death if untreated. To avoid dehydration, drink water frequently, avoid drinking sugary drinks, or alcohol.

These beverages increase your chance of dehydration. Make sure you have bottled water available before the next heatwave strikes

 

Check Your A/C System

Checking Ecobee Smart Home Thermostat
Check your thermostat to make sure your A/C system works properly!

You should always check your A/C System before a heatwave arrives. First, make sure the thermostat is set to the correct temperature for your home. Also, make sure that your system starts when you turn it on.

If you have window units that aren’t working, make sure to check the electrical panel to see if the circuit breaker is tripped.

If you’re a/c system isn’t running or is blowing hot air, it’s time to “Just Call Landry” Our home cooling experts are here to help with A/C repairs and A/C Installations to get your system back up and running.

 

Change Your Air Filter

Clean & Dirty HVAC Air Filter
Dirty air filters on your A/C system can cause warmer temperatures in your home! 

Dirty air filters reduce cooling system efficiency and limits airflow. If your a/c isn’t working well, a dirty air filter may be the issue.

If you notice a dirty air filter, it’s time to “Just Call Landry”!

Our HVAC maintenance experts are here to help with filter replacement to keep your ac running smoothly.

 

Limit Heat Sources

Wet Clothes Drying on clothes line
Consider hang drying your clothes during heatwaves. It keeps your home cooler and saves electricity!

Heat generating appliances are the last thing you want to turn on during a heatwave.

Using Ovens, clothing dryers, space heaters and other heating devices will increase the temperature of your home. This is especially true if your ac isn’t working.

Consider cooking outdoors or going out to eat to prevent turning the oven on.

Dry clothes outdoors on a clothesline and unplug any space heaters you may still have on from winter time.

 

Conclusion

Heatwaves can be dangerous if you don’t know ways to stay cool. Although these methods can help, it’s always best to have a working air conditioning system.

Landry Mechanical has you covered with A/C maintenance, repair and replacement. We’ll keep you cool during the heatwaves this summer.

 

We Take COMFORT In YOUR Comfort!

 

Stay Dry This Summer: Tips on Reducing Humid Air In Your Home

Open Window in Summer Time

Stay Dry This Summer: Tips on Reducing Humid Air In Your Home

Temperatures are warming up in Massachusetts which means cooling season is here! Summers in Central and Eastern Mass are often hot and humid.

Stay dry this summer with tips on reducing humid air in your home from Landry!

Dry Your Clothes Outside

Drying wet clothes inside after washing can increase your indoor humidity levels. If available, dry your laundry outside to keep dampness and mold to a minimum.

Hanging Clothes Outside To Dry
Hanging Clothes Outside To Dry Reduces the Humidity Level In Your Home

Consider Houseplants

Houseplants add aesthetic beauty to your home. Did you know that houseplants also absorb excess moisture in your home?

Lilies and orchids are great choices to add greenery to your home while reducing indoor humidity.

Orchids Absorb Excess Moisture in Your Home
Plants Like Orchids Absorb Excess Moisture in Your Home

Open Your Windows

Proper ventilation is key to managing humidity in your home. Use bathroom fans and open windows after showering or bathing.

If it’s dryer outside open your windows to let wet air escape. Also, make sure your HVAC system is circulating air properly.

Not sure if your HVAC system is working properly?

“Just Call Landry” Our HVAC experts are here to help with maintenance and repair services to keep your home cool this summer.

Open Window in Summer Time
Opening Your Windows on Dry Days can Reduce Humidity in Your Home

Replace Your Air Filters

When was the last time you had your air filters changed? Clogged HVAC filters reduce airflow and prevent moisture from leaving your home.

Need a new air filter installed? “Just Call Landry”

Our indoor air quality experts can replace your existing filter with a new one, reducing the humidity in your home.

Clean & Dirty HVAC Air Filter
Remember to Change Your HVAC Filter Regularly

Use a Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are a great way to reduce moisture in your home. Dehumidifiers come in different varieties including smaller units for individual rooms or whole house units for your entire home.

Interested in a new dehumidifier for your home? “Just Call Landry” Our comfort experts can install a whole home dehumidifier that will keep you comfortable all summer long.

Whole-Home Dehumidifier
Whole-Home Dehumidifiers like this one Reduces Your Home’s Humidity Fast!

Conclusion:

Nobody can control the weather. However, you can control the humidity inside your home. By following these proven tips, you can stay comfortable this summer despite the heat!

If you need any help staying cool this summer “Just Call Landry” Landry Mechanical is here to help.

We Take COMFORT in YOUR Comfort!