Lindstrom Wants Homeowners to Breathe Easier this Spring

WESTFIELD, IN, May 01, 2011 (Press-News.org) Springtime means allergy season for many Americans; the uncomfortable coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma and allergies strike 1 out of every 4 Americans and are the leading chronic diseases in the U.S. among all age groups. And it's not just outdoor air that's the culprit. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) reports indoor air levels of many pollutants may be 2-5 times, and occasionally, more than 100 times higher than outdoor levels. Indoor air pollutants are particularly concerning because statistics show most people spend as much as 90% of their time indoors (American Lung Association).

"The consequences of indoor airborne contaminants are poor health, reduced home comfort, in addition to reduced efficiency of your heating and cooling system," states Joe Canosa, General Manager of Lindstrom Air Conditioning, a local heating and cooling expert. "Your heating and cooling system is the vehicle in which indoor air is circulated throughout your home. Keeping your indoor air healthy means first, keep your heating and cooling system maintained on a regular basis and second, look at products that treat the air in your whole house."

Canosa has some suggestions for homeowners to stay healthy and breathe easier this spring.

First, change your heating and/or cooling air filter on a regular basis. Air filters are designed to collect dust and dirt, pollen, bacteria, smoke, smog, pet dander and plant and mold spores. By changing (or cleaning) your filter on a regular basis you'll help cut down on the amount of pollutants in the air of your home. Also, keeping a clean air filter improves the energy efficiency and prolongs the life of your heating and cooling system, says Canosa.

According to Canosa, another way to improve the quality of air in your home is to upgrade the type of filter in your heating and cooling system. If you switch from a standard 1" filter to a higher quality HEPA filter you'll increase the filtration of particles in the air of your home. One thing to note, a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating is the standard method for comparing the efficiency of air filters. The higher the rating, the better the filter is at removing particles in the air. Filters with higher ratings will not only remove more particles from the air, they will also remove smaller particles.

Another great way to improve the quality of air in your home is through air cleaners or air purifiers, states Canosa. Both of these products work through your heating and cooling system, improving the air throughout your home. Canosa states, "A portable air purifier or cleaner will only be effective in the room that it is placed in, whereas a whole house air cleaning system will clean the air in your entire home."

Whole house air cleaners help protect your furnishings and save you the time and aggravation of continuous dusting and cleaning. Canosa states, "Whole-house air cleaners provide relief from irritants by removing very small particulates from the air and preventing them from being re-circulated."

According to Canosa, an air purifier whole-house filtration system will capture small particles and microorganisms, and safely remove and destroy chemical vapors and odors. Canosa states, "One of the best products on the market today is the Trane CleanEffects air purifier. The Trane CleanEffects air purifier outperforms even the best HEPA filter. It's designed to deliver air that is cooled (or heated), thoroughly conditioned, meticulously filtered and cleaned of up to 99.98% of airborne allergens that pass through the filter."

Lastly, the NADCA (National Duct Cleaning Association) recommends homeowners take off the cover of an air vent and look down the vent with a mirror and flashlight or digital camera. If the ducts are covered with dust or debris, it's time to have your ducts cleaned. NADCA says a thorough duct cleaning will not only clean up the air inside your home but also help your cooling (or heating) system to work more efficiently, saving you money.

For suggestions on improving your indoor air quality, contact Lindstrom Air Conditioning, your local expert for all of your heating, cooling and air quality needs. "It's our goal to help you breathe easier this spring!" says Canosa.

About Lindstrom Air Conditioning & Plumbing
Lindstrom Air Conditioning was founded by Carl Lindstrom in 1975 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. After 36 years, Lindstrom has evolved into one of Florida's oldest and most trusted service companies with more than 130 team members. Lindstrom is proud of their tradition of excellence serving homeowners and businesses in Florida. Lindstrom is committed to investing the time and resources needed to improve the quality of life for the residents and businesses in the Southeast Florida area. For more information go to, http://www.lindstromair.com.