Author: Degree Heating & Cooling

What Type of Cooling System is Best for My Home?

Posted on by Degree Heating & Cooling

family enjoying summer feast in cool comfortable homeIf you’ve either never had air conditioning installed in your home, or you’ve been considering replacing an older AC system or upgrading from window air conditioning units, you might be wondering what’s available for homeowners. You should know that today, there are many different types of air conditioning systems on the market. That makes it much easier for virtually any homeowner to enjoy the cool comfort of air conditioning in their home.

But how can you know what type of system is right for you and your family? We’ve taken the guesswork out of that for you! Below, we’ll talk about the different configurations Degree, is able to provide. We’ll explain how each system works and tell you how we can help you get the cooling you need for your home. Keep reading to learn more!

What types of air conditioning systems does Degree, install?

Degree provides a complete range of air conditioning services, including the installation of high-quality cooling equipment from trusted manufacturers. Learn more below about the types of systems we offer:

Central Air Conditioning

Most homeowners with ducted systems in their homes (i.e., homes with furnaces) opt for traditional central air conditioning systems. Central air conditioning is easy for homeowners to control and usually can be controlled using the same thermostat as your heating system. Additionally, today’s central air conditioning systems are built for high efficiency, so they can save you money on cooling versus an older system or window unit.

Ductless Air Conditioning

Gone are the days when homeowners with radiant or baseboard heat only had window air conditioning systems as an option. Ductless cooling systems can be installed in homes that do not have ductwork, which makes them a flexible option for homeowners. And, ductless air conditioning systems are a great choice for homeowners who want to cool a specific room or area of their home, such as an addition or converted space. Not to mention, ductless systems are highly efficient, and many times can also be used to provide heat in the winter. That can be especially beneficial for homeowners looking to replace old, inefficient electric baseboard heating systems.

Heat Pump System

Heat pump systems are highly efficient. Ductless systems usually use heat pump technology, but there are also ducted heat pump systems available that use a home’s existing ductwork to distribute cooled air throughout the home. And like their ductless counterparts, these systems are generally capable of providing cooling in the summer and heating in the winter, making them an all-in-one, year-round option for home comfort. And, heat pump systems do not require fossil fuel to operate, lending to their efficiency while helping you reduce your carbon footprint.

Consult an air conditioning expert today
516.488.1800

How can I get the air conditioning system I need for my home?

It’s as easy as giving us a call! At Degree, we’re dedicated to providing the best possible cooling solution for your home. You can rely on us to provide you with an air conditioning system solution that is individualized for your needs. Because we’ve installed many systems locally, we’ve earned a reputation for doing the job right the first time, while respecting your home and leaving it spotless after we are done. Let our experts help you customize an air conditioning solution that’s right for you. Call Degree at (860) 633-6122, and one of our friendly associates will be happy to assist you with your cooling needs.

Spring Has Sprung. Keep Allergies at Bay with These IAQ Products.

Posted on by Degree Heating & Cooling

children surprise mom with tulip bouquetSpring has arrived, and that means the Glastonbury, Connecticut, area will be filled with the beautiful sights of the season. Budding trees and blooming flowers are welcome signs of the season. However, for seasonal allergy sufferers, they can also bring sniffles, sneezes, and other unpleasant symptoms. Not to mention, the warmer temperatures and April showers can also cause an increase in mold growth, which can also spell problems for those with allergies.

How can you keep seasonal allergies from ruining the spring season? While there isn’t much we can do to help with outdoor concerns, at Degree we can help you with your indoor air quality (IAQ) needs. We offer a range of IAQ products that can help keep common allergens like pollen and mold at bay in your home, providing you with fresh, clean air – and that’s nothing to sneeze at! Keep reading to learn more about these products and how they can help.

Learn more about indoor air quality products from Degree.

At Degree, your comfort is always our top priority and goes beyond keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. That’s why we also provide our customers with a complete lineup of home comfort products and services.

  • Carrier® Air Purification:The air that circulates throughout your home is full of tiny particles – both naturally occurring and man-made. Such particles as pollen, dander, mold, tobacco smoke, exhaust, bacteria, and viruses can circulate through your home in the air that flows through your HVAC system. Our air purifier is installed to work in conjunction with your home’s furnace or air handler, removing those particles that would otherwise flow freely through your home.
  • Carrier® Ultraviolet Lights: Everyone loves the cooling benefits of air conditioning, but unfortunately, your HVAC system’s indoor cooling coil can be the ideal place for mold and mildew to grow. Our ultraviolet lights kill bacteria and mold growing on your indoor cooling coil, and prevents them from becoming airborne – and circulating through your indoor air.
  • iWave-R: Your HVAC system can circulate unwanted particles throughout your home. Luckily, there is a way to prevent this from happening – the iWave-R air treatment system. This system can kill mold, bacteria, and viruses, as well as reduce allergens, smoke, static electricity, odors, and other particles that can make your indoor air quality unpleasant.
  • Aspen Air Purification: Aspen is a high-performance air purifier with true HEPA and activated carbon filtration, high airflow, and exceptional efficiency. It is designed and assembled in America with a quiet and efficient German EC fan motor that uses 85% less electricity than AC fans in most other units.  Aspen is the best choice for asthma and allergy sufferers and those who demand the highest indoor air quality.
Contact for cleaner air solutions
516.488.1800

I’d like to learn more about indoor air quality products for my home.

If you’d like to make the indoor air you and your family breathe fresher and cleaner, you’re not alone. More and more people are looking for ways to ensure that their indoor air quality is the best it can be. When you need indoor air quality products for your home, you can count on the experts at Degree Heating & Cooling to help. We have been helping people stay comfortable in their homes for more than 20 years, and we can help you get the improved indoor air quality you and your family deserve. Just give us a call at (860) 633-6122 and we’ll be happy to help.

Should I Get a New Heating System for My Home?

Posted on by Degree Heating & Cooling

woman in winter hat and blanket cold at homeIt never fails – if your heating system is going to go on the fritz, it likely will do so on the chilliest day of the year. There is nothing worse than finding out that you need a new heating system when the weather outside is at its coldest. But sometimes, replacing that old furnace or boiler is actually for the best, especially when it comes to your family’s comfort and your home’s energy efficiency.

Unfortunately, once a heating system begins to fail, it can become a safety concern, aside from leaving your family cold and uncomfortable. It can cause your utility bills to spike, and you may find yourself paying a lot more for repairs. In this article, we’ll talk about a few of the different factors to consider when it comes to replacing your heating system, and how Degree can help. Keep reading for more information!

Why Should I Consider Replacing My Heating System?

At Degree, we completely understand that replacing a heating system is an expense that most homeowners don’t look forward to. That’s why we never suggest replacing something when a system still has significant life in it and can be repaired. However, there are some factors to consider when thinking about the choice between a repair or a heating replacement, including:

  • Age of Heating Equipment: If your current system is 10 years old or more, chances are it has become less energy-efficient, and less effective at keeping your home comfortable. This can be especially true for systems that have not been properly maintained over the years. Fortunately, heating equipment technology is constantly evolving and modern units are usually much more efficient than older ones.
  • Warranty Status: Your equipment’s warranty status often goes hand-in-hand with its age, so chances are if you have an older heating system it’s probably no longer under warranty. Whenever your system falls out of warranty, it’s good practice to start making plans to replace it, because now you have to cover the costs any part replacements and repairs.
  • Heating System Size: If you have increased the size of your home through additions or converted spaces, your furnace may not be sized appropriately to meet the new heating needs of your home. This can make your system operate less effectively and efficiently. The good news is that installing a ductless heating unit might help keep new spaces that are not connected to the home’s ductwork comfortable – and cause less stress on your current system.
  • Expensive Heating Repairs: If it seems like you’ve been faced with more costly repairs to your heating system over the last couple of winters, you may find that it’s going to be cost-effective to replace your system. A good rule of thumb for determining your choice of repairing or replacing a unit is if the cost of repairs is 50 percent or more of what your system is currently worth. This tipping point might help you decide whether a replacement might be smart.
  • Poor Energy Efficiency: If your utility bills have been on the rise for no good reason, your heating system could be the culprit. As heating equipment ages, it begins to lose efficiency, and eventually, homeowners end up spending more on their energy bills than they might on a newer and more efficient system in the long run.
Contact Degree to discuss heating system solutions
516.488.1800

I think I’m ready for a new heating system. Can Degree Heating & Cooling help?

We sure can! We’ve been in the business of providing our customers with the best names in heating equipment, as well as the highest level of service, for the past 30 years. We offer a wide variety of heating services and products that will keep you and your family warm all winter long. Let our experts help you customize a heating experience that’s right for you. Just call us at (860) 633-6122, and one of our friendly associates will be happy to help you with your heating needs.

What Type of Heating System is Best for My Home?

Posted on by Degree Heating & Cooling

woman in sweater looks outside at winter sceneOnce the chillier weather in Connecticut settles in, many people start to think about the best way they can make their homes more cozy and comfortable. Having a quality heating system in your home is going to be your first step in making sure your home is nice and warm for the winter. If you have an older, outdated heating system in your home, you might be thinking about replacing it, especially if you’ve made a lot of expensive repairs the last couple of years to keep it running.

If it’s time for a heating system replacement, you may be wondering what the best type of system might be for your home and your budget. In this article, we’ll discuss a variety of heating systems, the best application for each, and how you can get started on improving your home’s heating system. Keep reading to learn more!

What are the different types of residential heating systems?

Most people know what kind of heating system is in their home, but they may not know how it works or if there is an alternative available. Below, we’ll provide more details about each type of system:

  • Furnaces: Many people use furnaces to heat their homes. Furnace systems typically provide centralized, or forced-air, heating throughout the home via a system of air ducts. Furnaces generally use natural gas or fuel oil to heat the home, (although some homes have heat pumps). Older furnaces tend to lack the efficiency levels of modern equipment. Today, it’s possible to achieve up to 98 percent efficiency with some gas furnace models, which can help you enjoy much better home comfort, as well as save when it comes to your utility bills.
  • Boilers: Boilers use oil or gas to generate heat for a home. Unlike furnaces, they heat water, which then moves through a system of pipes to provide radiant heat. Boilers have also come a long way in terms of efficiency, with some gas boilers achieving an efficiency rating of 98 percent.
  • Heat Pumps: While heat pumps aren’t really a new technology, it hasn’t been until recent years that they’ve been a viable option for homes in the Northeast. Today’s cold climate heat pumps are built to work well even in the chillier weather we often experience here in Connecticut. Heat pumps work by removing the heat from the air or ground, and (as the name implies) pumping that warm air into the home. Many people are choosing heat pumps now because they can work with an existing centralized duct system, they’re environmentally friendly, and they provide excellent fuel efficiency. As an added bonus, heat pumps can also provide cooling to the home during the summer months by removing heat from the indoor air and pumping it outside.
  • Ductless Heating: Most ductless heating systems use heat pump technology, so they’re a very energy efficient choice for home heating. They differ from traditional heat pump systems in that they don’t require ductwork in order to operate. This makes them an ideal choice when a homeowner needs to heat an area of the home that doesn’t have access to ductwork, such as a converted attic or garage, or a new addition. Ductless heating systems are also a good choice for homeowners who would like to replace older, inefficient electric baseboard heat. Like heat pump systems, many ductless configurations are also able to provide cooling in the summer, making them a year-round home comfort solution.
Consult a certified heating expert today
516.488.1800

I’m ready to learn more about installing a new heating system in my home.

That’s great news! Degree Heating & Cooling, is ready to help you. We’ve been in the business of providing our customers with the best names in heating equipment, as well as the highest level of service, for the past 30 years. We offer a wide variety of heating services and products that will keep you and your family warm all winter long. Let our experts help you customize a heating experience that’s right for you. Just give us a call at (860) 633-6122, and one of our friendly associates will be happy to help you with your heating needs.

Why Choose Maintenance for My Heating System?

Posted on by Degree Heating & Cooling

Now that the fall season has arrived, cooler temperatures will be here before we know it. Along with the changing season, many homeowners turn their attention from cooling their homes to heating. No matter what type of heating system you have in your home, early fall is a great time to make sure it is operating properly. And the best way to do that is to make sure it gets the maintenance it needs each year.

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Just like your air conditioning system benefits from preventive maintenance in the spring, autumn is the time to have one of Degree’s HVAC contractors give your heating system a complete checkup. It will give you peace of mind knowing that everything is working properly once the temperatures start to dip down. There are many benefits to choosing a heating maintenance plan for your system – keep reading to learn more!

Six Reasons to Get Heating System Maintained This Autumn

Having your heating system checked and tuned up on a yearly basis is important for the life and efficiency of your heating equipment. Here are a few reasons why it’s going to make a difference for you and your home:

  1. It helps your heating equipment operate more efficiently. Over time, the inner components of your heating system, as well as your filter, can become dirty. Dirty and clogged parts can make your heating system work harder and lose efficiency. Having a regular yearly maintenance check will help ensure your system is running clean and efficiently!
  2. Maintenance allows for more effective heating. Through time and frequent use, your heating equipment collects dust, dirt, and debris – and this can build up inside your unit and make it hard for the components to move properly. Annual maintenance includes cleaning your system, allowing all the moving parts to work freely – helping your system heat your home more effectively.
  3. Your warranty will remain intact. Most equipment warranties require you as a homeowner to get regular maintenance in order to preserve the warranty on the equipment. Failure to do so can cause the warranty to become void – and that means you might have to pay out-of-pocket for expensive repairs or replacements.
  4. Your technician may find small problems that can easily be remedied. When it comes to major equipment like furnaces, boilers, or heat pumps, it’s much easier to take care of problems before they become larger and more expensive problem. By getting annual maintenance tune ups, your technician will have a better understanding of how your system is working and will be familiar with its history. Our technicians are trained to spot your potential issues with parts and systems and can recommend fixes to keep you warm all winter.
  5. Your heating system will likely last longer. Getting maintenance not only helps your system run better on a yearly basis; it also helps it last for years to come. With proper maintenance, your system will be cleaned and tuned up every year, and any small issues will be taken care of right away. All that adds up to longer system life – and that means big savings on replacing entire systems.
  6. The air in your home may be cleaner. This is especially true if you have a forced-air heating system, where the heated air is delivered from room to room via your home’s ductwork. When your heating system is dirty, the air that flows through it becomes dirty as well. And, that air just keeps circulating through your home. A clean system and fresh filter help keep your home’s air cleaner, too!

How can Degree Heating & Cooling help me get the annual maintenance I need?

At Degree, we’re pleased to provide our customers with the annual maintenance they need on all types of heating systems. We offer annual service agreements which can reduce the cost of your heating system maintenance tune-up. When you rely on us to perform your heating system maintenance, you’re choosing a company that’s both reliable and professional. When you’re ready to schedule your fall maintenance appointment, simply call us at (860) 633-6122, and one of our friendly associates will be happy to assist you.

Should I Choose Ductless or Central Air Conditioning for My Home?

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woman enjoys comfortable, air conditioned spaceThe summer months mean lazy, hazy days enjoying the outdoors, from beaches and picnics to fun summer sports. The warmer temperatures also mean that you probably enjoy cooling off in a nice, air-conditioned home after spending time outside. You might have an air conditioning system installed in your home that’s on the older side, or you may be considering a brand-new AC installation. Either way, there is much to consider when choosing the right system for your home and lifestyle.

Today’s air conditioning systems are built to provide homeowners with effective and highly efficient cooling. For instance, an air conditioner installed today versus one installed in 2012 may save you 20-40 percent of cooling energy costs. And, you could potentially save up to 50 percent on cooling costs if you have a system that’s more than 10 years old. As technology improves, air conditioning systems and the refrigerant they use become much more energy efficient and earth-conscious, helping you keep your home cooler while reducing your carbon footprint at the same time.

And, there are different types of HVAC systems available

Along with better efficiency and more environmentally conscious refrigerants, air conditioning systems have also been developed that can work in a variety of applications. In this article, we’ll focus on central air conditioning and ductless cooling – what they are, how they work, and what scenarios they are most suited for. Keep reading to learn more!

Central Air Conditioning

Central air conditioning has been a popular choice for homeowners for many decades. That’s because a single unit can supply cooled air throughout the entire home. Homes that have a forced-air heating system, such as a furnace, are ideal candidates for central air conditioning. Most people with a furnace will opt for a split system, where part of the unit sits outside the home and an indoor cabinet that contains the indoor heat container and blower.

It is essential that there is ductwork already installed in the home in order to use a central air conditioning system. This type of system relies on the ductwork in the home to carry the cooled air throughout. While you can choose to add ductwork to your home in order to support a central air conditioning system, it may not be cost-effective or even feasible. Fortunately, you have options for cooling a home where ductwork is not a possibility.

Ductless Cooling

As the name implies, ductless cooling systems work without the need for ductwork. Because they don’t rely on ductwork to deliver cooled air, they are a great choice for homes that have baseboard or radiant heating. One of the main advantages of a ductless system is its efficiency. When compared to window AC systems, ductless systems offer much better energy efficiency, often consuming up to 40 percent less energy.

Ductless systems require minimal construction during installation, using a small-diameter conduit to connect the indoor and outdoor units. Unlike window air conditioners, which can be loud and obtrusive, ductless systems are usually quiet and can be mounted high on a wall or ceiling, out of your living space. Whether you have just one room that could benefit from ductless AC or an entire house, there are different configurations available to help you get just the cooling you need.

And, as an added bonus, ductless systems are available that can also provide heating during the winter months – making them a great option if you need to replace old baseboard heat.

Contact for expert AC advice
516.488.1800

How can Degree Heating & Cooling help me choose the best system for my home?

When you choose Degree to help you determine what type of air conditioning system is best for your home, you can count on the fact that we’re dedicated professionals. Your home comfort is always our top priority, and we’re pleased to provide you with the air conditioning products and services you need for complete comfort. Whether you’re considering a new installation, or need maintenance or repairs for your current system, we can meet your needs.

We’ll always provide you with the best quality air conditioning products as well, from names you can trust like Carrier® and Mitsubishi®. Degree wants to help you enjoy cool comfort in your home, now and for years to come. If you’re ready to talk with us about your air conditioning options, please give us a call at 860-633-6122, and we will be happy to schedule an appointment with you.

How Can I Choose the Best HVAC Contractor?

Posted on by Degree Heating & Cooling

Tools for air conditioner maintenanceWhen the spring season arrives, many homeowners in Connecticut want to make home improvements for a variety of reasons. Often, they just want their homes to be more comfortable. This can include getting new windows installed, improving the insulation in their home, or getting maintenance on their home’s air conditioning system.

Spring can also be a good time for having an HVAC system replaced. The weather has warmed up enough not to require constant heating, but is still cool enough that air conditioning is not yet needed. Finding someone to do the work can be daunting. It’s important to make sure that the company you’re hiring is known for reliability and expertise. Here are some things to look for when hiring an HVAC contractor:

Ten Things to Look for When Choosing an HVAC Contractor

Whether you’re looking for a contractor who can maintain your home’s heating and cooling system, install brand-new HVAC equipment in your home, or provide you and your family with better indoor air quality, it’s important to do your research. Below are ten things any homeowner should keep in mind when selecting an HVAC company to help meet their home comfort needs.

  1. Check with neighbors, friends, or family. Often, the best way to learn about home comfort companies in your area is by word-of-mouth referral. What company have they used for their HVAC needs, and were they satisfied?
  2. Check review sites and social media pages. Google Reviews, Yelp, and Facebook are all good places to check and see what others are saying about a particular company. At Degree Heating & Cooling, we’re proud to have a 4.7 out of 5-star rating on Google, as well as a 5-star rating on Facebook.
  3. Check the local Better Business Bureau for complaints. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a great place to look for both ratings and complaints. If you do notice a complaint, see how the company resolved it. Degree has been accredited by the BBB since 2008, and we have an A+ rating.
  4. Look for local companies whenever possible. Companies that service locally are likely going to work to earn and keep your business because they understand the importance of having a good reputation and know the power of word-of-mouth advertising.
  5. Make sure the business knows the location’s needs and weather. “Home-services” companies aren’t always invested in the neighborhoods that they service. At Degree, we are dedicated to being a part of the local communities that we serve.
  6. Big box stores may offer services, but often do not have their own technicians. Many times, these types of stores use outside subcontractors to do the work, who may, or may not be local.
  7. Find a company that has been in business for at least 10 years. If an HVAC contractor has been around for 10 years or more, it’s very likely that they not only do a great job but also make customer satisfaction a top priority. At Degree, we’ve been keeping people comfortable for 28 years.
  8. Look out for a valid license number. Be sure your contractor has their license number displayed prominently on their website and vehicles, check to make sure it is valid and not expired.
  9. Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics. Good contractors want to get you into the best system for your budget. They will never pressure you into purchasing equipment you don’t need and will be honest about whether they can (within reason) affordably repair your system, or if it should be replaced.
  10. A contractor should understand local codes and ordinances. Your contractor should pull the appropriate permits and ensure an inspection is completed.
Contact Degree Heating and Cooling today
516.488.1800

Degree Heating & Cooling is local, family-owned, and ready to help you.

At Degree, it means a great deal to us when customers trust us to help them stay comfortable. We want to help you achieve the best possible home comfort as well. We assure you that you can trust us to meet your needs, whether you need heating, cooling, or indoor air quality products and services. We’re ready to help you get the HVAC installation, maintenance, or repairs you need. Contact us online or call (860) 633-6122 to find out how Degree Heating & Cooling can be your home comfort contractor of choice.

How Can A Humidifier Help My Home?

Posted on by Degree Heating & Cooling

Humidifier in the house

Five Signs Your Home May Be Too Dry

 1.      Your floorboards creak excessively. If you notice that your wood floors tend to creak loudly or making popping sounds when you walk across it, then it’s likely that your home is too dry. That’s because overly dry air can cause warping, and that can lead to expenses down the road.

 2.      Your wood furnishings crack. When your home’s air is too dry, it can wreak havoc on your wood furniture, bannisters, mantels, and other woodwork. This can cause permanent damage to these fixtures, leaving you with costly repairs or replacements.

 3.      You and your family feel “itchy.” If you’re noticing dry, flaky skin on yourself or family members, as well as chapped lips and itchy eyes, the air is probably too dry. Many times, people blame this on the cold of winter, when often it comes from dry indoor air from heating your home.

 4.      Static cling abounds. If your hair is flyaway, your clothing clings to itself, and you feel that little electrical zap when you walk across the carpet, you’re suffering from static electricity – a problem often seen in an overly dry environment.

 5.      Allergies seem worse. While there could be many causes for an increase in seasonal allergy symptoms, when your home’s air is too dry it can cause the membranes in your nose and throat to dry out, making you feel more sniffly and sneezy.

Why Choose a Whole Home Humidifier?

For Healthy Humidity Levels...

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Most people have some experience using humidifiers that are meant for one room. These small units can be effective but will require regular maintenance on your part. You’ll have to make sure your room humidifier doesn’t run out of water and that the filter is free of debris. You’ll also have to make sure mold doesn’t grow inside of it, because that can lead to more problems with your indoor air quality not less. Additionally, if your entire home’s air is overly dry, you’ll need a humidifier for each room, which means you’ll be busy keeping track of them all and their condition.

A whole home humidifier can solve all of these humidifier chores and problems. The Carrier® Bypass Humidifier, for instance, uses less electricity than fan-powered humidifiers. It lets your furnace blower supply the necessary air movement to circulate moisture vapor into your ducts – up to 12 gallons per day.

And, this humidifier was engineered to work with your Carrier heating system to provide better, whole-home comfort. A humidified home can help you save energy – because properly moisturized air holds heat more efficiently, you’ll be less likely to turn up the temperature on your thermostat during the winter months, and that could potentially help you save on heating costs!

How can Degree help me get the humidifier I need for better indoor air quality?

At Degree Heating & Cooling, we work hard to make sure our customers are as comfortable as possible. Not only can we provide you with the heating and air conditioning products and services you need for optimal comfort, we can help you with indoor air quality concerns, such as home humidification, too. Learn more about how we can help – Schedule a FREE Indoor Air Quality Consultation today! Contact us or call (860) 633-6122 to find out how Degree Heating & Cooling can help you get the Carrier Bypass Humidifier you need for your home.

 

Learn About Indoor Air Quality & How You Can Improve It

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indoor air quality

Your home’s air quality has always been important. But, with more and more people working and going to school from home, the air you and your family breathe every day needs to be as fresh and healthy as possible. Many newer homes are nearly airtight, which can be great for energy efficiency but also means that the air in the home is getting circulated again and again. To make sure the air you breathe is as healthy as possible, you might want to investigate an indoor air quality system.

You may not be entirely sure what indoor air quality is, or how poor indoor air can affect your home. And, you may not know how to improve it. In this guide, you’ll learn about indoor air quality – what it is, how it can affect you, and how you can improve it. We’ll share some pointers that can help you to start getting better indoor air quality today, and tell you about products that are available that can help you and your family breathe easier!

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), Defined

Start Improving Your Indoor Air Quality Today.

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The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, defines indoor air quality as “the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of the building’s occupants.” The EPA goes on to say that by understanding and controlling the common pollutants often found in indoor air, you can reduce your risk of health concerns.

They add that indoor air quality may cause certain health-related issues if it isn’t cleared of contaminants, including:

  • Eye irritation
  • Nasal irritation
  • Throat irritation
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue

In general, if you remove yourself from the source of these pollutants and get fresher, cleaner air, these problems will likely go away on their own. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to these irritants can lead to problems with the respiratory system and other, more long-term health concerns. If you or your family have any of the above symptoms, fortunately there are measures you can take to ensure that the air inside your home is not the cause of them.

Causes of Indoor Air Quality Issues

While there are many things that can cause your home to have poor indoor air quality, the most likely suspect is indoor particulate matter. There are numerous microscopic particles in the air at any given time, but there are some that can cause irritation and even illness. Some of these include:

  • Dirt
  • Dust
  • Cooking, Wood, and Tobacco Smoke
  • Pet Dander
  • Spores
  • Pollen
  • Viruses
  • Bacteria

Because of the microscopic nature of these particles, they can get into your respiratory system via the simple act of breathing. That’s why removing them from your indoor air is important. They can cause the symptoms listed in the previous section, and can be particularly problematic to people suffering from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.

Improving IAQ: Some Simple Measures

Naturally, if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed you’ll likely want to take some steps to improve your indoor air quality as soon as possible. There are a few measures you can take right away to help improve your IAQ, including:

  • Change the filter on your HVAC system regularly. The point of the filter is to trap contaminants and keep them from entering your indoor air. When your filter becomes clogged and dirty, those particulates will be forced back into your indoor air – and back into your lungs.
  • Keeping windows closed on high-pollen days. If you suffer from allergies, you probably keep your eye on the pollen count before heading out for the day. But, pollen can travel easily and enter your home through an open window.
  • Take off outerwear and shoes before entering your home. Because pollen and other particulates can cling to you when you’re outdoors, one measure you can take is to leave coats, hats, and shoes on the porch or entryway.
  • Become friends with your vacuum. Maybe vacuuming isn’t your favorite household chore, but it’s a necessary one. Carpeting is notorious for holding in all sorts of particulates, especially dust, dirt, and dander. Regular vacuuming can help mitigate those pollutants in your home.

Making these changes right away can be helpful, bit they might not reduce indoor air pollution enough that you and your family are comfortable. If you take these measures, but still notice that your eyes, nose, and throat are irritated, or that there’s a lot of dust on your furniture and even in the air, you’ll likely want to consider products that are made to improve indoor air quality.

The IAQ Products You Need from Degree Heating & Cooling

Nowadays, it is much easier to get the indoor air quality products you need to enjoy fresher, cleaner indoor air. Learn about the products Degree Heating & Cooling offers to help homeowners just like you get the indoor air quality they deserve.

  • Carrier Infinity Air Purifier: The Carrier Infinity Air Purifier can help slow the spread of infectious diseases and other particles in your home’s air. Featuring the patented Carrier Captures & Kills technology, this air purifier offers proven effectiveness, inactivating 99 percent of the viruses and germs it captures when used as instructed, including coronavirus, common cold surrogate, streptococcus bacteria, and human influenza.
  • Carrier Bypass Humidifier: Especially during the cold winter months, the air in our homes can become dry. That’s because your home’s heating system is running more often, and can dry out the air. This can lead to a whole host of concerns, such as dry, flaky skin, irritated nasal passages, itchy eyes, static cling, and creaking floorboards and furniture. But, keeping the air in your home properly humidified is easy, when you install a Carrier Bypass Humidifier.
  • Carrier UV Lights: Mold and mildew can be a real cause for concern for homeowners. Mold and mildew can leave an unpleasant odor wherever they grow. Even more, they can trigger allergies and other respiratory issues when they circulate through your home’s air. Fortunately, there is a way you can easily prevent them – Carrier UV Lights.
  • The iWave-R: Unfortunately, your AC system can help circulate unwanted particles throughout your home. Luckily, there is a way to prevent this from happening – the iWave-R air treatment system. This system can kill mold, bacteria, and viruses, as well as reducing allergens, smoke, static electricity, odors, and other particles that can make your indoor air quality unpleasant.

Degree Heating & Cooling is ready to help with your indoor air quality concerns.

At Degree, your comfort is always our top priority. We want to help you enjoy the best indoor air quality possible. Schedule a FREE Indoor Air Quality Consultation Today! Contact us or call (860) 633-6122 to find out how Degree Heating & Cooling can help you get the indoor air quality solutions you need for your home.

COVID-19: A Changing Landscape, And How We’re Moving Forward

Posted on by Degree Heating & Cooling

Microscopic view of the novel coronavirus.

The threat of COVID-19 is still a very real part of life here in Connecticut. While we have seen the number of new cases decrease dramatically since April, it is still important for us at Degree Heating & Cooling to keep your safety top-of-mind. We will continue to provide our services using best practices in order to meet your needs.

Please note that we will continue to observe the following policies based on federal and state guidelines:

  • Any Associate with signs of illness or has been in contact with anyone that is ill is required to stay home.
  • Our office staff is working from home as much as possible to minimize contact and limiting the number of staff in the office at any time.
  • We are not allowing visitors or delivery drivers into our offices or shop areas.
  • We are sanitizing often-touched surfaces in our offices and shop areas regularly.
  • We are following protocols to maintain safe distancing, and a safe work area by wearing masks when entering a living area, and gloves when needed.
  • We are minimizing face-to-face contact with our customers and will avoid entering the living area of your home unless absolutely necessary.
  • Our associates are practicing social distancing during their work-day.
  • Technicians have sanitizer, masks, gloves, and boot covers for use when necessary.
  • We are waiving requirements for a signature during service.
  • For payment we have 3 options:
  • Call a credit card into the office.
  • Verbally give payment information to our Technician while maintaining social-distancing requirements.
  • Put a check or cash payment in an envelope and leave for our Technician.

Call us for your fall maintenance, and ask us how to get cleaner indoor air.

As always, we will continue to provide complete home comfort services to our customers, including annual fall maintenance on your heating equipment. Getting the maintenance you need is more important than ever, as many people are still working and attending school from home. Having a comfortable indoor environment is important at any time, but when you and your family are spending much more time at home, it’s vital.

At Degree, providing you with the heating maintenance and repairs you need this time of year is just one way we can help you enjoy better home comfort. We’re also able to help you get the indoor air quality you need to stay more comfortable. Ask us about filters, air cleaners, humidifiers, and more. We will be glad to help you get through this time as comfortably as possible.

We will continue to do everything we can to maintain our high level of service throughout this time while maintaining the safety of our associates, customers, and families. To schedule your fall heating maintenance, learn more about indoor air quality products, or ask us more about our COVID-19 policy, please feel free to give us a call at 860-633-6122. We will be happy to help.