When Is It Time to Replace Air Conditioning Ducts

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When Is It Time to Replace Air Conditioning Ducts?

It’s likely the largest appliance in your home. But aside from changing a filter every so often, adjusting the thermostat, and taking refuge in that cool house of yours on a hot humid summer’s day, most people don’t think very much about their air conditioning system. Until the moment it stops working.

Quite often, we’ll get a call from someone irritated that certain rooms of their home are hotter or colder than others. When we stop by their home, and conclude that nothing is wrong with the air conditioning unit itself, we’ll ask if their ductwork has ever been inspected or tested for leaks. More than a few homeowners have absolutely no idea.

Although it’s hidden throughout your home, it’s critical that your ductwork is in good condition. Leaky ducts can lead to air that is either too dry in winter months or too humid in the summertime.

Duct work that is in poor condition can also be a health hazard, particularly for anyone with allergies or asthma, since particles pulled from the attic will lead to the presence of excessive dust throughout your home.

If you’re wondering if now is the time to replace air conditioning ducts, please call TopNotch Heating and Cooling at 412-381-0598 or 724-693-0598 to have your ductwork’s condition inspected and tested.

Start Breathing Better By Improving Indoor Air Quality

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Start Breathing Better By Improving Indoor Air Quality

We can’t see it, but it’s all around us. It’s a critical component to our day-to-day lives, yet it’s all too easy to never think of it or completely take it for granted. We’re talking about the air we breathe – both outside and indoors.

The air we breathe impacts both our health and overall quality of life. We feel better and healthier when we’re breathing in air that is pure and clean. Nobody gets any relief when they step outside for a breath of fresh air only to be smacked in the face by emissions from a passing truck, bus, or a nearby factory. Yuck.

Nobody knows this more than life-long Pittsburgh residents who still remember a time when today’s “Most Livable City” had the dubious distinction of being known as the “Smoky City.” And, if you’re new here, or too young to understand, all it takes is one look at an old black-and-white photo of a downtown Pittsburgh street so smoky that its street lights are on in the middle of daylight. Need further proof? Look at the still soot-stained old buildings in downtown Pittsburgh for further evidence.

But air quality isn’t something that only affects us when we step outside. It’s also something we have to consider when we’re at home or our workplace. Newer buildings today are airtight because they’re built to be energy efficient. This means fresh air outside can’t get in and bad air indoors stays inside. This is why it’s important to consider the quality of our indoor air, too. There are a number of air filters and cleaners available that significantly reduce pollutants and improve indoor air quality.

Limiting indoor pollutants is especially important if anyone in your home suffers from respiratory ailments, allergies, or similar illnesses that complicate breathing. Make sure any air conditioning or furnace unit has good filters. There are even UV lights that can be installed that purify indoor air, improving indoor air quality tremendously.

Call TopNotch Heating and Cooling at 412-381-0598 or 724-693-0598 if you’d like to hear about our solutions for improving indoor air quality.