• Electrostatic furnace filters: Use an electric charge to attract particles; are washable and reusable
• Media furnace filters: Most frequently used in commercial applications; trap particles in thick layers of disposable material and need to be changed less frequently than other types
• Pleated furnace filters: Most common type; large surface area traps particles before they reach system interior
• HEPA furnace filters: Capture 99.9% of particles; good for allergy sufferers or environments where good air quality is essential (i.e. hospitals, nursing homes, laboratories, etc.)
• Activated carbon furnace filters: Good for removing unpleasant odors from air (ex. cigarette smoke, gases, chemical smells, cooking odors, etc.)
• Fiberglass furnace filters: Durable; sometimes coated with special adhesive to trap dust and dirt particles

Improving your indoor air quality is not the only reason to replace your furnace air filter. Dirty furnace filters are one of the primary causes of furnace breakdowns and high heating costs. The more dust and debris that accumulates on your furnace filter, the harder your furnace has to work. Your furnace air filter should be changed every three months to maintain optimum performance. Always be sure to select the right size and type of filter for your heating system. Your Horizon Services Heating Technician can advise you on the best furnace filter for your system.


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• Volatile Organic Compounds: All types of mold produce substances called volatile organic compounds (VOC). These are naturally-occurring chemicals that are found in a variety of things used in the home. Some of the most common volatile organic compounds are generated by paints, household cleaners, and adhesives. The VOC in mold creates that distinct, musty odor that we usually associate with mold or mildew growth. The smell alone can decrease the quality of air inside your home and will gradually worsen if the problem is not eliminated. Research has shown that humans who are exposed to a high concentration of indoor mold growth experience a wide range of symptoms, from allergic reactions to issues with the central nervous system including nausea, headaches, and diminished mental capacity.


• Allergens: Every type of mold also produces allergens. Mold grows in tiny clusters called spores. These spores release invisible toxins that travel through the air inside your home and can trigger allergic reactions when they are inhaled. These reactions are the same as you might experience with any other environmental allergy: itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; coughing; nasal congestion and sinus pressure; and even skin rashes.

Prevent Mold Growth

For visible mold, clean the area with an antibacterial cleaner or a common bleach and water solution. This will get rid of existing mold and will prevent new growth. Remember that mold and mildew thrive in warm, moist places so be sure that your bathrooms are vented properly, open windows whenever possible to allow fresh air into your home, and never leave damp clothing or linens lying around.

If you suspect mold is growing in unseen areas of your home, hire a professional to perform a thorough assessment. You may need to contract with a professional cleaning service or make some repairs if the problem is serious.



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• Peace Lillies: Remove benzene, a chemical found in tobacco smoke.
• Ferns: Removes toulene from the air, a chemical found in printer and copier inks and glues.
• Anthuriums: Help remove the ammonia and other harmful chemicals produced by cleaning products from the air.
• Dieffenbachia: Helps remove formaldehyde from the air. (Be careful -- the leaves from these plants are poisonous to children and pets!).
• Sansevieria: Remove acetone from the air, often found in nail polish, paints and paint removers.

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• Ultrasonic Humidifier: These units employ a high-frequency energy source that breaks water up into miniscule droplets that are circulated through the air in your home by a small fan. Ultrasonic humidifiers are desirable because they’re quiet and use very little energy. However, using hard water in the machine can leave a sticky white film all over your house so it’s best to use filtered or distilled water for best results.
  


• Evaporative Humidifier: Using a honeycomb wick made of cellulose paper partially submerged in water and a high-volume fan these humidifiers distribute moisture into the air. They can be noisy and the wicks must be replaced regularly to maintain functionality, but evaporative humidifiers are very easy to clean and use little energy.
  


• Impeller Humidifier: This type of unit sprays tiny droplets of water directly into the air. Perfect for small spaces or single-room humidification, impeller devices are inexpensive and portable. Because the water enters the room directly, though, be sure to use distilled water or demineralizing tablets to ensure that hard water deposits won’t damage furniture and flooring.
  


• Floor Vent Humidifier: The floor vent humidifier is a device that fits in the space where a standard floor vent register would normally go. The units have a water chamber that holds liquid, which then passes through a filter and into the air when the home’s heating system cycles on. They use no energy and are much more portable than traditional plug-in units, making floor vent humidifiers a great option for single-room humidification.
  


• Furnace-Mounted Humidifier: Furnace-mounted humidifiers connect directly to your home’s water supply, so the foam element that mounts on the furnace is automatically refilled as needed. As dry air from the heating system is forced through the foam, it collects moisture and distributes it throughout the house. Some furnace-mounted humidifiers even come equipped with an automatic reset humidistat that adjusts moisture according to changes in the weather.
  


• Warm Mist Device: A warm mist humidifier contains a heating element that warms water to near boiling before it passes through a cooling fan that distributes the moisture into the air. The returned moisture is slightly warmer that the air in the room, making warm mist devices desirable for nurseries or children’s rooms. Tap water can be used in these units, though they do consume more energy than other models and some are quite noisy.
  


• Evaporative Cooler: These machines use ice and cold water to put moisture back in the air. Ice and water are mounted on top of the device and as the ice melts the water flows over a wick. A fan then blows cool mist into the air. Evaporative coolers use very little energy and pose almost no risk from harsh chemicals or pollutants.
  


• Dehumidifier: Humid air passes over and through coils inside the unit which cool the air and condense moisture. The water is then collected in a basin inside the dehumidifier; most devices will shut off automatically when the basin is full. Because of the automatic shut-off feature, these machines have to be checked regularly and the basins must be emptied as needed so the dehumidifier keeps working properly.

To find out what kind of humidification/dehumidification system is best for your home, speak to a Horizon Services Comfort Consultant or HVAC Service Technician!


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• Effective humidity control and enhanced indoor air quality in every room of your home.
• Automatic Controls to keep humidity precisely where you need it.
• Maintains optimal comfort during heating seasons.
• A generally healthier home w/ lower likelihood of skin irritations, sore throats and respiratory problems.
• Protection of home, furnishings and furniture by reducing the risk of wood warping and cracking.
• Easier-to-operate and less intrusive than portable units —- no need to constantly fill and clean units.
• Built-in fan provides better circulation of humidified air through rooms and home.

• Interested in augmenting your heating system with a home humidifier? Contact the HVAC Installation team at Horizon Services TODAY!

• High Energy Bills: We all know the drill: The utility bill arrives in the mail and we brace ourselves for the inevitable monthly sticker shock. If you heating or cooling bills seem higher than usual, it could be because of air leaks in your HVAC system, inefficient or poorly insulated windows and doors, incorrectly installed heating and air conditioning systems, or badly sealed and insulated air ducts.


• Mold and Mildew: Noticing a musty, unpleasant smell? It could be mold or mildew accumulation resulting from water leaks or high levels of humidity inside your home. Excess water can cause wood rot; bubbling or peeling paint and wallpaper; structural damage; staining on walls, floors, or ceilings; and health problems like allergies and asthma. If your home has a central air conditioning system, the problem could be linked to components that are the wrong size or that have been improperly installed.


• Water in Basement: Dampness in the basement is usually caused by water that seeps in through your home’s foundation. Any time standing water is present in your yard, like after heavy rain or when winter snow and ice begin to melt, there’s an increased chance of moisture coming in your basement. Cracks or breaches in the foundation make it easier for water to get in, causing higher levels of indoor humidity and promoting the growth of mold.


• Cold Floors: If you wouldn’t think of touching a toe to the bare floor during the wintertime without layers of wool socks and slippers, it could be due to insufficient insulation or invisible drafting through improperly sealed windows and doors. Obviously, certain floor coverings (hardwood, stone, ceramic tile, concrete) will feel colder on bare feet during the winter months, but excessive frigid temperatures might indicate a more serious problem.


• Drafty Rooms: When you can’t seem to keep your house a consistent temperature or notice that certain rooms are always much hotter or colder than the rest of the house, it could indicate drafts coming in through poorly sealed windows and doors. Air leaks in the attic, crawl space, or basement can also make a house feel drafty.


• Excessive Dust: Wearing out that duster and furniture polish? Excessive amounts of dust or a sudden increase in dust could mean it’s time to change the air filter on your heating and cooling system. It could also point to a problem with your home’s HVAC system or ductwork.


• Ice Dams: These nasty ice formations are caused when warm air from inside your home leaks out through attics and ceiling crawl spaces that are poorly insulated. As the air escapes, it warms the snow and ice on your roof and makes it melt. The water refreezes as it moves away from the air leak and forms icicles and ice dams. Ice dams can seriously damage your roof, eaves, gutters, shingles, and trim, thus it's important to remove snow and ice from these areas as soon as you can.
  

• A FREE, No-Obligation In-Home Energy Analysis and Consultation: A Horizon Services Comfort Advisor can come to your home and perform a FREE audit and assessment of your present heating and cooling system. He or she will also answer all of your questions about heating and cooling, discuss your existing system (including duct work), measure your home to determine the right size equipment and discuss options that are best for your home and budget, and show you how to save up to 35% off your utility bills. Learn More!
  


• A Precision Tune-Up for Your Furnace: Want your furnace to perform more efficiently? Want to avoid costly breakdowns this winter? For just $89 and in just one-hour, Horizon Services can perform a 21-point precision tune-up and system cleaning for your furnace. It’s like having your furnace rejuvenated to factory fresh condition! Then…if your system breaks down this winter after our tune-up, we will either refund your $89 or credit it to the repair necessary to get your furnace back in working order. IN ADDITION, if you don’t see a savings on your utility bill — or don’t feel that the furnace tune-up was worth the money — we will also give you a refund…NO QUESTIONS ASKED! Learn More!