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Have you observed a rise in allergy symptoms or other respiratory issues? Have you noticed an increase in headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, sneezing, coughing, or congestion?

These could be signs that the air quality in your home is not optimal. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average American spends almost 90% of their time indoors. It’s really easy to overlook an invisible but important factor in the air we breathe indoor air quality.

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can exacerbate allergies and potentially harm your overall well-being.

What Is Indoor Air Quality?

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) describes IAQ as “the air quality around and within the buildings and structures as it relates to the comfort and health of people in the buildings.” It’s the air inside your home.

The quality of the air in your home is affected by many different things within your home as well as things outside of your home. Whether it’s coming from poor ventilation, mold, or other odors, IAQ impacts your everyday life, so it’s important to keep everything up-to-date.

How Do You Test for IAQ?

An indoor air quality monitor can tell you everything you need to know about your air quality; it will detect the amount of pollution in the air, and depending on which type of monitor you have or purchase, there will be various types of tests you can run on it. Most IAQ monitors will test for mold, humidity, harmful odors, and chemical pollutants. Other models can test for temperature, carbon monoxide, and beyond. The devices can cost anywhere from $70 to about $500. You can also contact your local HVAC company and determine if they can run an air quality test for you. With the results, technicians will be able to give you advice based on the readings and figure out what equipment will be best suited for you and your home’s needs.

What Are the Causes of Poor IAQ?

There are several different causes of poor indoor air quality, including VOCs, particulates, and bioaerosols.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are gases that emit chemicals or odors. VOCs make up roughly 31% of the poor indoor air quality in your home. Examples of VOCs include substances found in paints and aerosol sprays, as well as various cleaners and disinfectants.
Particulates are solid and liquid particles that hang in the air, such as dust mites, soot, smoke, and pet dander.
Bioaerosols are microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, mold, and fungi.

The causes of poor IAQ differ from room to room in your home. Bathrooms are prone to mold, mildew, odors, and pathogens. In the living room or family room, the presence of dust, dander, tobacco smoke, and VOCs originating from sources like paint and varnish can serve as indicators of poor indoor air quality. Similarly, bedrooms might contain dust mites and VOCs from products like perfumes and hairsprays, signaling potential air quality issues. Finally, kitchens can contribute to poor indoor air quality due to cooking devices and fuel oil emissions. Although the filters in your HVAC system can help with some of these issues, most filters won’t be able to catch all the issues related to poor IAQ.

Many factors influence the air quality within and around your home. If you leave windows or doors open, especially when the outdoor air is of low quality, it can negatively impact the quality of the air in your home.

How Do I Improve the IAQ of My Home?

There are numerous ways to go about improving indoor air quality in your home:

Have a professional check your ventilation systems and see if they need improvement. Proper ventilation allows the introduction of fresh air into the home and can go a long way toward improving poor air quality. Modern homes are built to be as airtight as possible, and having proper ventilation allows the introduction of fresh air into the home.
Another option is an air cleaner. This is an upgraded filter system connected to your HVAC. An air cleaner can remove up to 98% of airborne particles and catch what a normal filter can’t. If you don’t have one, it could be worth looking into for improved air quality.
Getting a duct cleaning can improve the air quality as well. Duct cleaning creates a cleaner living environment, reduces allergens and irritants, removes unpleasant smells and odors, and improves airflow efficiency, all while being cost-effective.
Adding humidifiers/dehumidifiers, UV air purification/air purification devices and air cleaners will improve your IAQ. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers will help your health by preventing respiratory problems like catching a cold or the flu and reducing the chances of getting an infection. They help preserve your home by saving your floors from cracking, walls from warping, paint from chipping, and electronics from getting damaged by moisture in the air.
A UV air purifier is a small device that can be installed directly into the supply air of your HVAC system. UV air purification cleans the air by combining UV-C light and activated carbon. Those two technologies have been proven to be the most effective at killing germs. Most, if not all, UV air purifiers don’t produce ozone, which can be harmful to your health, but it is always a good idea to do a little research to be sure before having one installed.
Finally, a whole-home air purifier, also known as an air scrubber, is another small device that can be installed directly into the supply air duct of your HVAC system. It uses positive and negative ions to actively purify the air throughout your home.

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning Is Here 24/7 to Help.

Homeowners in Sun Prairie, WI, and the surrounding area trust the Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning team with all their home repair and maintenance needs. They have experienced and knowledgeable technicians who will get the job done right the first time. Call Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning to get a full breakdown of what’s the best fit for you!

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Indicators the Old AC Needs Repair or Replacement

Summer is one of the worst possible times to have a broken AC. Unfortunately, due to the heavy usage during the hottest months, that is when they tend to break down. If homeowners know the symptoms that point to a need for AC repair, they can get the problem dealt with before it becomes an emergency. The signs below indicate a home may need air conditioning repair or AC replacement.

Sign #1: The House is Too Warm

This symptom can be disguised by or attributed to the heat outside. Sometimes when it is exceptionally warm, an air conditioner may have trouble keeping the home at optimal temperature. Still, it should not be hot in the home, no matter the temperatures outside. If an air conditioning unit is having significant trouble keeping the home at a comfortable temperature, there may be a need for air conditioning replacement. Even if the whole unit does not need to be replaced, several things could be wrong.

Clogged or dirty air filter
Air duct damage or obstruction
Malfunctioning blower
Coolant leak
Short cycling

Sign #2: Energy Bills are Through the Roof

Just how long has that HVAC unit been there? As any appliance or machine ages, it gains wear and tear and loses efficiency. This means the machine will work much harder to reach the same comfort level within the home. More energy use means that utility bills will spike. The unit may experience overheating issues, which can lead to other problems. Though pieces can be replaced, there is sometimes so much use that replacing all the necessary parts is more expensive than replacing the whole unit. If a homeowner has seen a significant increase in their bills without a significant increase in usage, then there is likely a problem with the system’s efficiency.

Sign #3: Unpleasant Sounds or Smells

Another indicator of a problem with the unit is when it starts making strange noises or strange smells coming from the vents. Many problems like this can be fixed by a professional fairly easily, while others may require a more significant repair or complete replacement.

Banging: A banging sound can indicate that something has come loose within the unit and may be caught in a moving part. If not dealt with, it can cause more damage within the unit.
Whistling or Hissing: This can be a sign of a leak. This can be in the air ducts or, more seriously, in the coolant tubing.
Musty Smells: If the unit is not draining properly, it can lead to moisture buildup, and mold or mildew may begin to grow. This can stem from several problems, including dirty air filters and ducts.
Burning Smells: This can be due to an electrical issue and should be dealt with immediately.

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning offers professional, fast service in Sun Prairie, WI, and the surrounding areas. Call today for 24/7 emergency AC service. Learn more about the author here.

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If you’ve been questioning whether or not you need an electrical panel upgrade, you’ve come to the right place. This article will provide you with all the essential information and answers to the questions that have been lingering in your mind.

What Are Amps and How Do They Affect My Home?

Amps, also known as amperes, are units of measurement used to gauge the flow of electrical current. They determine the power draw and current usage of each circuit in your home.

It’s crucial to be aware of the total number of amps in your house. If the number is too high, it can pose a serious safety hazard. Knowing your home’s power requirements and the number of amps available will ensure safe and efficient usage of your devices.

How Do I Find Out How Many Amps My Electrical Panel Is?

In most cases, your electrical panel will have a label that lists the total number of amps it is rated for. If this label is not present, you may need to contact a licensed electrician in order to determine the total number of amps.

How Do I Figure Out How Many Amps I Need to Supply My House With Safe Electricity?

To determine the total amps required to safely power your home, you’ll first need to figure out the total wattage needs of all your appliances and electronics. Once you have this information, you can utilize a Wattage/Amps calculator, which will help you determine the required amp capacity.

It’s also important to consider any future additions of appliances or electronics to your home before settling on the final amp number. Consulting a licensed electrician is recommended to help determine the total amps needed. They will ensure that your electrical system can handle the increased load and assist in any necessary upgrades to accommodate everything safely.

How Do I Find Out the Age of My Electrical Panel?

The best way to determine the age of your electrical panel is to look for a manufacturer’s label on the interior of the panel. The label should include the date of manufacture and the model number, which can be used to reference the age of the panel. If you cannot find a label on the interior of the panel, you can also look at the type of breakers used in the panel.

What Are Some Signs That My Electrical Panel Needs to Be Upgraded?

Frequent circuit breaker tripping, flickering lights, burning smells, melted wires, and discolored wiring are common indicators that your electrical panel may need an upgrade. Other signs include recurring power outages, humming or buzzing noises from the panel, and visible damage to the circuit board or wiring. However, it’s important to note that these signs could also be from other issues and not solely a panel upgrade requirement.

What Are the Hazards Involved With an Outdated Electrical Panel?

Using an outdated electrical panel is a serious safety risk and should be avoided. It can lead to malfunctioning circuits, electrical fires, shock hazards, and even damage to your appliances and electronics.

If you have an outdated electrical panel, it is important to upgrade it as soon as possible in order to ensure the safety of your home or business.

Are There Any Requirements Needed to Upgrade My Electrical Panel?

Yes, when upgrading an electrical panel, it is important to ensure it meets all current safety standards and codes. This includes ensuring the panel is properly grounded, the wiring is up to code, and the circuit breakers are the correct size and type.

Depending on the age, condition, and location of the panel, an electrician may need to replace it with a new one or upgrade it with the necessary components. If a replacement is necessary, the electrician will be able to advise on the best type and size of a panel for the specific application.

Additionally, the electrician will inspect the panel to ensure all connections are secure and free of corrosion or damage. They would also provide guidance on any additional safety measures, such as GFCI outlets or surge protectors.

What Are the Benefits of Upgrading My Electrical Panel?

There are several benefits associated with upgrading your electrical panel. These include:

Increased safety: A newer, properly maintained electrical panel will ensure all wiring and connections are up to code and free from any potential fire hazards.
Enhanced overall performance: An upgraded electrical panel can lead to improved power supply and support for new appliances and electronics.
Increased home value: Upgraded electrical panels can add to a home’s overall value, as potential buyers will be reassured by the fact that the electrical system is up-to-date and in good condition.
Increased longevity: An upgraded electrical panel can help extend the life of your electrical system, helping it to stay in good working order for years to come.

How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade My Electrical Panel?

The cost of upgrading an electrical panel varies depending on the age and condition of the panel, the size of the system, the complexity of the upgrade, and the type of components being used.

Generally speaking, a standard panel upgrade can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000. A complex upgrade can cost up to $10,000 or more. In addition to the cost of the upgrades, there may also be additional costs such as permits, inspection fees, and labor costs that need to be taken into consideration.

It is important to consider the long-term cost and benefits of upgrading your electrical panel. Investing in upgrades can save money in the long run through improved performance, safety, and increased home value.

Do I Need to Get an Inspection When I Upgrade My Electrical Panel?

Yes, you need to have your electrical panel inspected by a qualified electrician prior to upgrading. This will ensure the current system is up-to-code and in good working order. The electrician can also provide advice on any additional requirements that may need to be taken into consideration during the upgrade process.

Electrical Panel Installation and Upgrade in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin: Cardinal Electricals

Are you looking for a professional electrician in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin? Look no further than Cardinal Heating and Air Conditioning! Our experienced team of electricians specializes in installing and upgrading electrical panels, as well as providing all other electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services.

With our expertise and years of experience, we guarantee quality service that is both safe and reliable. Whether you need a new electrical panel installed or an old one serviced, our skilled Electricians are up to the task. Contact us today, and let us help you with all your electrical needs!