INDOOR AIR QUALITY CATEGORY The following entries all contain information relating to indoor air quality. Click "Read More" to view the entire entry including the response from our experts and other visitors' comments. Feel free to add comments of your own. To quickly locate specific information, type the word or phrase you are looking for into the Search box to the lower right.

  • Improving air circulation in second home

    Apr.21.2010

    I have a second home that is mostly vacant this time of year except for weekends. Since neither the heat nor the AC is kicking on and since we can't leave the windows open when we're not there, the air tends to get stale... not necessarily foul smelling, but just stale. To improve air circulation and quality can I set my fan on the thermostat to the "on" position rather than "auto" all the time with no negative implications other than the energy costs? Or would this cause my blower motor to burn out pretty quickly?

    John, Raleigh, NC

    Expert Answer

    It is okay to run the blower motor at all times, but it will not help with the air quality and it will shorten the lifespan of the motor. I suggest looking into a…

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  • Do I need two humidifiers

    Oct.31.2008

    My house is so dry now that its getting colder, I know that a whole house humidifier is needed but I have two heating systems. Do I have to get a unit on both heaters, and what is the general cost for something like this.

    Michael, Aldie, VA

    Expert Answer

    You are correct, it is that time of the year. You turned on the furnace and now you are noticing the dry air which can lead to stuffy noses, agitated allergies and that unwanted static electricity. I would… Read more

  • How often should I change my air filters

    Oct.24.2008

    I have 4 central a/c units with built in filters in the units, I replace these once a year, should I do it more often? Also, I replace the filters in the intake vents quarterly, is this overkill? Your thoughts?

    Tom, The Woodlands, TX

    Expert Answer

    Most units only have one filter per system. A lot of times, when you start adding more than one air filter it will reduce the air flow that comes out of the registers. I would recommend you buy a high quality… Read more

  • What is the deal with duct cleaning?

    Oct.2.2008

    I have heard that you should vacuum your ducts to improve both the HVAC system performance and the air quality in your home. What is your opinion, and do you provide this service?

    Leslee, Chapel Hill, NC

    Expert Answer

    On average, a residential duct cleaning is recommended every 5 to 7 years.  This can vary depending on several factors in and around the home including the number of persons in and out of the home, pets, type of… Read more

  • Humidifier or dehumidifier?

    Sep.16.2008

    To humidify or not to humidify...that is the question. I just moved to Raleigh, NC and I know nothing about humidifiers and dehumidifiers, so can you tell me a little bit about both? I’m trying to figure out which I need for my home, or if I even need one at all. Thanks. – Richard, Raleigh, NC

    Richard, Raleigh, NC

    Expert Answer

    Here is a rundown on humidifiers and dehumidifiers. Humidifiers add moisture to the air. Your heating system can dry out the air in your home. If the air becomes too dry, you may experience irritating static… Read more

  • Older home with no air coming through the vent

    Sep.1.2008

    I have a three bedroom house, in one of the room no air is coming through the vent. My house was built in the late seventies or early eighties. I moved in the house around or about '89.

    Sandra, Houston, TX

    Expert Answer

    Make sure the damper on the air conditioner register is completely open. If you find that this is not the problem, it is possible there may be a damper on the other end of the duct work or a section of duct work… Read more