See, you’re probably aware of the dangers of pollution, smog, and allergens outside your home – but you may not know that your indoor air has the potential to be even more dangerous. The issue has become so pressing that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun to address it with special studies.

The Results
“EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be two to five times, and occasionally, more than 100 times higher than outdoor levels. In recent years, comparative risk studies performed by EPA and its Science Advisory Board have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health.”

Tip-offs
Irritated eyes, nose, and throat are some of the first indicators of poor indoor air quality. Since these symptoms can also accompany colds, the flu, or viruses, it’s important to pay attention to when and where the symptoms begin. Don’t be afraid to play detective. Dust or dirt around heating or air vents, on ceilings or stained walls should alert you that there is a problem.

• Have your heating system cleaned and tuned.  A pre-season tune-up is a good investment – it reduces the chances of breakdowns in the middle of winter, improves safety, and pays for itself through more energy efficient operation.
• Test your system for hazardous carbon monoxide, which can be produced by a dirty or malfunctioning furnace or water heater. We can also install a low level carbon monoxide alarm.
• Have your duct system tested for air leaks. According to recent research by the U.S. Department of Energy, the typical duct system loses 25 to 40 percent of the energy put out by the central furnace, heater or air conditioner.
• Get your home’s air checked to find out if the air you breathe is unhealthy. Your indoor air can be much more polluted than what is outside, and with all the time spent indoors during the winter, you’ll want to ensure your family’s health, safety and comfort.
• Consider replacing your old furnace or heat pump. Just like a car, heating equipment doesn’t last forever. If your system is more than 12 years-old, and you are planning to stay in your home more than a few years, it is wise to consider replacing it before it fails permanently. A new system is safer, more dependable, and can pay for itself through energy savings as it is up to twice as energy efficient.

For more information on our indoor air quality testing or furnace maintenance or repair, call Action Air at 317-585-8981.

But sometimes the relief is about something that has been prevented. That can happen during one of our routine maintenance visits. If we show a homeowner a problem that’s been developing that could lead to a carbon monoxide leak, and then we present a simple solution for making that problem go away, we’re both relieved!

Carbon monoxide is a serious source of indoor air pollution – one that requires immediate attention. And though the danger may not be as high with other pollutants that can get in your home, you can still experience discomfort.

If you’d like to learn more about what could be hidden in your home’s air, we’ve got a free report that can tell you “Five Reasons to Watch What You’re Breathing.”

Oh, and you can find out about one of our recommended solutions for indoor air pollution by watching the helpful video below.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX1T0mfo7Uk

Also, the “fear of the unknown” can be a little unnerving too. If you’re asking for help and aren’t sure who to turn to, you may be wondering if you just called someone who’s going to take advantage of you while you’ve got this comfort problem.

So starting with that last point first, we are looking forward to getting to know you better – because that means we’ll have had a chance to let you know that Action Air is reliable, thorough and professional. We’re looking forward to providing the service you need when you need it – because then you’ll see that your inconvenient problem is handled in a timely manner. And we’re also looking forward to showing you that our customers are our highest priority.
So please call us when you need us. Watch to video below to know what to expect when you contact Action Air; Reliable, 24/7 HVAC service, up-front pricing and skilled, friendly technicians.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv47IBHo8ZE

The Washington Post recently reported on the Pew Center’s climate research that showed the breakdown on where we use energy in our home:

• Heating/Cooling – 42%
• Water Heating – 14%
• Lighting – 11%
• Electronics and Computers – 10%
• Refrigeration – 7%
• Cooking – 5%
• Other – 8%
• Statistical Adjustment – 3%

Notice who’s at the head of the list? No question about it, your heating and cooling system sucks up the biggest portion of your energy dollars. That’s why we always recommend one very important way to help you conserve these dollars: regular service and maintenance.
Regular maintenance also helps you stay comfortable in your home and extends the life of equipment that accounts for such a sizeable investment.

Maintaining your equipment can usually prevent breakdowns. The reason a lot of companies keep this a secret is that the average repair is about triple the cost of a tune-up and to replace a system is up to 50 times the cost. A regularly maintained system is actually inexpensive insurance, especially when you factor in the energy savings.

Watch the video below for more information about the important of furnace and air conditioner maintenance and service. If you would like to schedule a service appoint for your furnace or A/C, contact Fishers based Action Air at 317-585-8981.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmLNiO4OOh0

The number one reason for your system failing isn’t age, brand, lightning or that you play with your thermostat too much – it’s dirt. That’s right, a furnace that isn’t regularly cleaned and tuned will most likely be the reason the heat doesn’t come one night.

There are a lot of other reasons seasonal maintenance is a good idea – like saving energy dollars, increasing the life of your system and protecting yourself from dangerous problems like carbon monoxide poisoning. This quick video explains more, so please take a look!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ujNzNX5Xoo

For more information on furnace repair, furnace maintenance or furnace installation in the Indianapolis area, contact Fishers based Action Air at 317-585-8981.

Yes, a shift in season shifts a lot of the things we do. You could say, it feels a little like a change in direction. If you want to stay comfortable in your home, there’s something else that calls for a change in direction too.

The rotation of your ceiling fan helps you stay cool during the summer. We all know this, of course, but what many are surprised to learn is that ceiling fans can also help keep you comfortable in winter – once you change the direction of their rotation.

So, the change in season doesn’t mean you have to put your ceiling fan into hibernation. Simply reverse the rotation of the blades, and it’ll help you stay warm. Confused? Don’t be. We’ve got a video that tells more about it. Please take a look!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpY9j0YkvGM

• Set your thermostat at 78°F or higher. Each degree setting below 78°F will increase your energy consumption by approximately 8%.

• Use bath and kitchen fans sparingly when the air conditioner is operating. They can pull out an entire home’s cooling in one hour.

• Inspect and clean both the indoor and outdoor coils. The indoor coil is like a magnet because it is constantly wetted during the cooling season. Dirt buildup on the indoor coil is the single most common cause of poor efficiency. The outdoor coil must also be checked for dirt buildup and cleaned if necessary.

• Check the refrigerant level. The circulating fluid in your air conditioner is what keeps you cool. But like most things under pressure, it tries to escape! If there’s too little or too much refrigerant, your system will not work properly. Call us to check it out for you.

• Reduce the cooling load. For example, effectively shade south and west windows. When possible, delay heat-generating activities, such as dishwashing, until the evening on hot days.

• Keep the house closed tight during the day. If practical, ventilate at night either naturally or with fans.

Indianapolis area residents, for more information on how to lower energy costs,  click here to request a FREE copy of our report on how to “Cool Off with Lower Energy Costs”.

This report is being provided by Fishers, Indiana based Action Air Heating and Air Conditioning. For air conditioning repair or installation, contact Action Air at 317-585-8981.

Summer is officially here! And that means all of us—from Indianapolis, Fishers and Geist to Anderson and McCordsville—are finally experiencing the season’s heat and humidity. With prices rising on everything else, no one can afford a higher energy bill too. So here are some tips to help lower the temperature and your expenses.

Summer Energy Saving Tips:

1. Is your air conditioner 10 to 15 years old or need substantial repairs? Consider replacing it with a new, high-efficiency system, which uses about half the energy of your old A/C.
2. Keep your drapes and blinds closed! Sun shining in through un-shaded windows can account for one-third of the load on your air conditioner.
3. Install the proper amount of insulation in exterior walls, roof and ceilings and cut your energy bills dramatically.
4. Turn up your air conditioner to the highest comfortable setting: 76 to 78 degrees when you’re home and 80 degrees when you’re away. Adjusting your thermostat up even a few degrees can significantly lower your cooling bill.
5. Clean and replace your A/C filter monthly or as needed.
6. Trim or remove any shrubs, trees or bushes around your outdoor air conditioner. Leave and limbs can interfere with the efficiency of your unit.
7. Turn off unnecessary lights in your house. Also, switch to energy-efficient fluorescent light bulbs, which give off less heat than traditional bulbs.
8. Resist the urge to open your windows on cool nights to give your air conditioner a break. Humidity is a significant drain on your cooling system. Keep your windows closed at night to keep humidity out of your house; otherwise your air conditioner has to work that much harder the next day when you turn it back on.
9. Also have an old refrigerator? If your fridge is 10 to 15 years old, it may be time to buy a new ENERGY STARÒ unit instead, which uses approximately one-third less energy.

Don’t sweat through another summer—or sweat getting your utility bills in the mail. Do you live in Marion County, Hamilton County or Madison County? Then give us a call if you need a new cooling system or if your current air conditioner needs inspected or repaired. Also, don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook!

Give your home an energy check up: Do windows close properly? Do you have enough insulation in your attic? Is it time to schedule a tune-up for your furnace or air conditioner?

Update your light bulbs: fluorescent lights—particularly compact fluorescent bulbs—use only 25 percent of the energy consumed by traditional incandescent light bulbs. They also last up to ten times longer too! Fluorescent light bulbs may cost more, but they save you considerably more in the future.

Send your water heater on vacation: Did you know most water heaters have a “vacation” setting? So when you’re out of town, switch the setting. It will keep the water warm, but not use as much energy as keeping a tank full of piping hot water.

Unplug rarely used appliances: Cell phone chargers, laptops, TVs, stereos, all use energy—even when they’re turned off. Try using a power strip to group these electronics. Then, one flick and they’re all off.

Give your clothes the cold shoulder: It takes a lot of energy to heat water, so wash clothes in cold instead. There are even detergents made specifically for washing in cold.

Get with the program: Spring can be unpredictable in Marion County, Hamilton County and Madison County. You’ll be tempted to adjust your thermostat every time the mercury drops or rises. Don’t—invest in a programmable thermostat to save money.

Be a Star: Of course, we’re talking about choosing Energy Star appliances. If you’re in the market for a new appliance, such as a heating or cooling system, let us know. We’d be happy to do a Home Comfort Analysis to help you choose the perfect system for your home. We’ll analyze the size of your home, and factor in windows, high ceilings, insulation and more.

We hope this helps you save a little green this spring and summer. Have even more energy-saving tips to share? “Like” us on Facebook and tell us how you save energy around your home.