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Asthma And HVAC

May 5, 2022 by Dennis Traina

Asthma and HVACAsthma is a chronic illness of our lungs that affects many of us. In fact, asthma affects approximately 25 million people or about 1 in every 13 Americans.

Millions of kids are affected by asthma as it is one of the leading chronic illnesses among them. It is also more likely to affect boys than girls until puberty hits, after which women are more likely to get asthma than men. And it’s not to be taken lightly… approximately 10 people die due to complications from asthma every day.

Worse, most of the deaths related to asthma could have been avoided.

Good indoor air quality – also referred to as IAQ – and avoiding allergens that can trigger asthma attacks are important factors in living with asthma. Keeping that in mind, how does an HVAC system affect asthma?

Is Central Air Good For Asthma?

Studies have shown that air conditioning and central air can, in fact, reduce pollutants in the air that could trigger asthma symptoms. In particular, central air can help reduce allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and more.

A central air system can also help cycle out smoke in your home. However, if you have someone in your family who is susceptible to asthma, you really should avoid things like cigar and cigarette smoke in your home. According to the EPA secondhand smoke is a “universal asthma trigger” and is especially a high risk for children without asthma. Not to mention how it can potentially affect your resale value.

While that’s good news for people who are affected by asthma… the benefits only exist if your air filters are properly maintained, and regular duct cleaning is performed. Depending on your HVAC systems, you’ll have to clean and replace air filters as recommended to maintain good indoor air quality. Additionally, you’ll want to have your system periodically checked and maintained by HVAC professionals.

Does Central Heating Make Asthma Worse?

Central heating systems when related to asthma are a bit more complicated than central air. When it comes to air circulation and removing pollutants in the air in your home, central heating is approximately as effective as central air conditioning.

That said, proper humidity is also a component of good indoor air quality. Central heating can dry out your home and can cause asthma symptoms to flare up. The dryness can cause your lungs to constrict – which could potentially trigger an asthma attack – in addition to making you short of breath if not monitored carefully.

In order to avoid asthma symptom flareups from home heating, make sure that you’re not cranking up your heating too high. Additionally, make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Adding a humidifier might also be necessary and you may want to look into a humidifier for your bedroom at the minimum if it’s recommended. Consulting an HVAC professional, like our expert team at Tragar, could provide some helpful tips and recommendations as well.

It’s important to keep in mind that properly functioning HVAC systems will always improve the indoor air quality in your home, which will provide health benefits to your entire household regardless of their asthma status.

Tragar Home Services Are Long Island’s Trusted Name In HVAC Installation And Maintenance

Residents of Long Island know that Tragar is a trusted name in home HVAC with more than 60 years of experience. We provide a wide variety of repair coverage and scheduled maintenance plans… or have us install a new HVAC system for you. To learn more about how Tragar Home Services can help you live more comfortably, contact us today.

Filed Under: Blog, Cooling, Heating

What You Need to Know About NY’s New Oil & Gas Law

April 21, 2022 by Dennis Traina

Heat Pump SystemsNew York Governor Kathy Hochul is, as of this writing, finalizing a state budget that includes a ban on natural gas, oil, and other fossil fuel hook-ups in new construction by 2027. The governor originally announced the plan in her State of the State speech on January 5, 2022 – as part of a multifaceted approach to combat climate change.

Oil and Gas Ban Details For New York

“New construction in the state will be zero-emission by 2027, and we will build climate-friendly electric homes and promote electric cars, trucks and buses,” Governor Hochul said in the speech. The plan also includes increased development and use of clean, renewable energy – like offshore wind – to offset the decrease in fossil fuels.

Several other similar plans are already in various stages in the New York Legislature. The governor’s plan is part of a half-billion-dollar investment the state is making in offshore wind energy.

The ban would only apply to new construction and is designed to curb greenhouse gases. The ban also applies to oil and gas hookups for hot water and gas stoves in addition to oil or gas burners for building heating systems. By 2027, all new buildings in New York state would be required to have zero-emission heat sources, such as heat pump technology or electricity from renewable sources like solar and wind.

What Is a Heat Pump?

Heat pumps can both heat and cool a home, providing a total comfort solution. More importantly, heat pumps are far more energy-efficient than typical residential furnaces or air conditioners (and they can work in all climates).

In the summer, heat pumps move warm air from the inside of your home to the outside. They also decrease indoor humidity in cooling mode better than alternative cooling methods.

In the winter, heat pumps move warmth from the outside into the inside of your home. In heating mode, the outside warmth either comes from the earth – if it’s a geothermal or ground source heat pump – or from the air (if it’s an air source heat pump).

Even in the dead of winter, outside air contains some warmth that an air source heat pump can concentrate and transmit to your home. ENERGY STAR® has illustrations that easily demonstrate how heat pumps work in both cooling and warming modes.

Can a Heat Pump Heat a Whole House?

Yes, a heat pump can be a whole-house solution. A heat pump can be used to replace a conventional furnace or as a supplement to your HVAC system. A heat pump can also be used as an addition to provide alternative heating and/or cooling to a part of your home that’s often uncomfortable. When used to supplement an existing system, it’s often set up as a ductless mini-split system.

A heat pump is a great way to provide a total comfort system to your home for both heating and cooling. The latest versions of heat pumps function well in all climates, including the cold winters we have on Long Island. Due to their energy efficiency, they cost less to operate than a typical furnace. At Tragar Home Services, we install Lennox heat pumps because of their quality, efficiency, and reliability.

Talk to Tragar Home Services About Heat Pump Technology

As the trusted provider of 24/7 service to Long Island homeowners for more than 60 years, Tragar has earned a professional reputation in all aspects of HVAC technology. If you’re considering a transition to heat pump technology or any other HVAC needs, give us a call and one of our specialists will answer all your questions and provide an estimate. Contact us today for a free estimate.

Filed Under: Blog, Cooling, Heating

Replace Drafty Windows For Heating Efficiency

March 24, 2022 by Dennis Traina

drafty window heating issue The winter isn’t any colder than usual, and the heat is set just like always, but the house still feels cold. Chances are, windows are the problem. Before you start cursing at your HVAC system, consider replacing draft windows to help improve your home heating efficiency. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Heating, Money Saving Tips, Winter Series

Are Space Heaters Dangerous?

February 23, 2022 by Dennis Traina

a space heater in a long island homeWhile space heaters are a common winter appliance, they can also cause a lot of worry and concern. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, home heating devices are the second leading cause of residential fires. That includes more than $1 billion in damage each year, in addition to injuries and deaths.

In January, a tragic example of a space heater accident recently caused the Bronx fire where 17 people died and dozens more were injured. According to U.S. Fire Administrator Lori Moore-Merrell, almost half of all fire fatalities are caused by space heaters. So yes, space heaters can be dangerous.

Can Space Heaters Cause Fires?

While cooking accidents are the number one cause of residential fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating appliances cause one-third of all winter house fires, specifically from December through February. Space heaters that use fuel, such as kerosene, are even more dangerous because they can explode if not used properly.

Are Space Heaters Safe?

It’s better to think about how you can use space heaters safely. Consumer Reports and other experts recommend a few steps for using a space heater safely.

  • Only use space heaters that are Underwriters Laboratory (UL) certified.
  • Keep the space heater on level floor space that is hard and nonflammable.
  • Do not use a space heater while sleeping.
  • Only plug space heaters into a wall outlet, never an extension cord or power strip.
  • Establish and maintain a 3-foot child- and pet-free space around the heater.
  • Move combustible items like bedding, furniture, curtains, etc., 3+ feet from the space heater.
  • Do not use a space heater near paint, matches, gas cans, turpentine, and other flammable liquids.
  • Turn off space heaters when leaving the room.
  • Do not use a space heater on a table.

In terms of the last item, this includes small space heaters shown on the packaging as resting on a desk or table. The fine print in the safety instructions will still say to use it on the floor, not a table.

Should You Leave Space Heaters on at Night?

The real question is should space heaters be used while sleeping? No, never, ever use a space heater while sleeping. Even if you have smoke detectors, the risk of a fire starting while you’re sleeping is too great to risk learning about the fire after it’s too late.

Do Space Heaters Give Off Toxic Fumes?

Space heaters that use kerosene or gas as a fuel give off carbon monoxide. This type of space heater is generally not recommended for indoor use. The exception might be to have them vented appropriately outdoors, but some experts still discourage indoor use.

Are Electric Space Heaters Bad for Your Health?

Electric space heaters do not emit carbon monoxide, so in that regard, they are not bad for your health. However, some argue that electric space heaters are more prone to creating dry air that can cause headaches and nose bleeds. A humidifier can mitigate those symptoms but keep the humidifier away from the electric space heater so water can’t spill and cause an electrical short or fire.

So, what should you do if your home has cold spots in the winter, leading to certain rooms being significantly colder than the rest of the house? Ductless heating is a safer solution that offers multiple benefits aside from efficient heating.

Are Ductless Heaters Safe?

Yes. Ductless heating consists of an indoor unit mounted on the wall with an outdoor unit. Ductless heating systems are much safer than kerosene- and gas-powered space heaters. Unlike electrical space heaters that can ignite flammable materials near it or cause a fire if knocked over, ductless heating has no such liabilities.

Call the Heating Experts at Tragar

Whether you want to add ductless heating to a room in your home or you need a complete furnace upgrade, Tragar can take care of all of your heating needs. To get an evaluation of the ways we can help keep your family and property safe, request a heat system estimate or call (516) 221-2559.

Filed Under: Blog, Heating, Winter Series

Why Do I Smell Burning When I Turn on the Heat?

February 9, 2022 by Dennis Traina

a boiler and furnace For the first time today or this season, the heat kicks on, and it smells like burning. It’s disconcerting because the first use of the season is when many heating systems fail or cause fires. Later in the season, homeowners wonder why if it’s a sign of an imminent issue. So, is this a panic-inducing problem or just a disturbing smell to get used to? [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Heating, Winter Series

Difference Between a Furnace and a Boiler

January 21, 2022 by Dennis Traina

a boiler and furnaceThe average person tends to refer to the heating portion of their HVAC system as a “furnace”. In reality, your home has either a furnace or a boiler, and while they both work to heat your home, each one does it in different ways. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Heating, Winter Series

5 HVAC Fire Safety Tips to Remember This Winter

January 7, 2022 by Dennis Traina

HVAC fire safety tips for winterDid you know that home fires peak in December and January? It makes sense that fire safety is more important than usual in winter – we’re home more and there are more fire hazards like space heaters. But did you know that your HVAC system could also be a risk for your home’s fire safety? [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Heating, Winter Series

Protecting HVAC Systems and Winter Maintenance

December 23, 2021 by Dennis Traina

snow on top of hvac unitAs the leaves start to fall and the days grow colder, many homeowners are beginning to prepare for the snowy season ahead. A little preparation can help avoid big problems down the road. So, here are some common questions and advice to help you prepare and protect your HVAC systems during the winter. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Heating, Money Saving Tips, Winter Series

Dealing With Furnace Problems

December 9, 2021 by Dennis Traina

Tragar technician fixing a furnaceNew York winters are hard enough without furnace troubles. No one wants to pay exorbitant bills when their furnace is working overtime or to have to bundle up in the living room because the heater simply will not warm up. But figuring out what’s wrong with your furnace is not always simple.

What Are the Most Common Furnace Problems?

At the most basic level, the most common furnace problem is that it isn’t heating your home properly. That can mean a lot of different things. Perhaps your furnace is running constantly, overheating the house, or it won’t turn on at all.

Common furnace problems range from dirty air intake filters to a bad thermostat. Even a blown fuse can cause your furnace to act strangely. Less common issues with a furnace include poor electrical wiring or improperly installed equipment. Each municipality will likely have different building codes regarding the installation of air handlers and other HVAC equipment, but improper installation can create major problems with your furnace.

How Do You Troubleshoot Furnace Problems?

  1. Check your thermostat settings
    While it may seem obvious, start at your thermostat. If your heater is constantly blowing and never shutting off, the first thing to do is to check your temperature settings and your fan setting. Most newer thermostats offer the option for “auto” or “on”. When the thermostat fan is set to “auto”, your furnace will kick off when the area reaches the specified temperature. When it is set to “on”, it will run constantly at the specified temperature.
  2. Check the batteries in your thermostat
    Assuming your thermostat is set correctly, the next step to troubleshoot furnace problems is to check the batteries in your thermostat. Generally, it’s a good idea to change the batteries twice a year and whenever you have a problem with your HVAC system.
  3. Check your air filter
    The third step in troubleshooting is to check the air filter on your furnace. The filter should be changed regularly, depending on the air quality going into your furnace. Some need to be changed monthly and others can be changed less often. Visually inspect the filter and determine if air is flowing into your furnace. If not, that might be the source of the problem.
  4. Check the electrical input
    Most homes have a breaker or fuse assigned just to the heating and air conditioning system. Make sure the breaker hasn’t tripped or that the fuse is in good shape. Many furnaces also have a small electrical switch close to the unit itself. Double-check to make sure that switch is set to “on”.

Improve Your Furnace Performance with Tragar

Furnace and HVAC systems are complicated machinery with a large electrical input. If none of the simple fixes correct your furnace issues, call Tragar to help keep you warm this winter. We’ll help identify the problem and get it fixed. Contact us online or give us a call directly at (516) 221-2559.

Filed Under: Blog, Fall Series, Heating

How To Avoid These Costly Mistakes This Holiday Season

November 24, 2021 by Dennis Traina

home with holiday decorationsWe here on Long Island in the fall tend to experience a couple of weeks of gorgeous, near perfect weather before the temperature really drops, and we’re breaking out the sweaters, hoodies, and heavy coats. This year is no exception. As a result, many Long Islanders are quickly switching from cooling their homes to heating them. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Fall Series, Heating, Money Saving Tips

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