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Get Through the Cold, Dry Season With a Whole House Humidifier

3 Ways Humidifiers Can Benefit Every Household This Winter

Summers in Southeast Texas is notoriously hot and muggy, but the air can get uncomfortably dry and harsh when winter rolls around. This is because the colder air gets, the less moisture it can hold in water vapor. Then, when the home’s heater warms up the dry air, the heating process can remove even more moisture.

And when air’s humidity levels get low enough, it can start to have some pretty unpleasant effects – including respiratory issues, dry, itchy skin, and even damage to indoor plants. Fortunately, homeowners can help prevent these problems and stay comfy all winter with the help of a humidifier. Keep reading to learn how humidifiers can improve indoor air quality and keep the usual winter woes at bay!

Benefits of Respiratory Health

Just as too much humidity can reduce indoor air quality by encouraging mold growth and bacterial propagation, too little humidity can be dangerous in its own right. Dry air leeches moisture out of anything it contacts – including a person’s respiratory system. The nasal passages, sinuses, and throat can become chapped, resulting in coughing, chest/sinus congestion, and even nosebleeds.

Cold, dry air can even hinder the body’s immune system. The upper respiratory system contains mucous membranes that not only keep the surrounding tissue from becoming chapped but also serve to capture harmful particles before they can enter the lungs. When these membranes become dry, it hinders the body’s ability to ward off the flu, colds, and other viruses.

The general recommendation for preventing these issues is to keep the home’s relative humidity around 45% during the winter. Small, portable humidifiers can help with this, but they’re typically only effective for individual rooms. On the other hand, whole-home humidifiers can deliver moisture throughout the home through the existing ductwork, making them the most powerful option for maintaining a healthy indoor humidity level.

Benefits for Skincare

Ensuring that the home’s air contains adequate moisture isn’t just important for respiratory health – it’s also a vital part of everyday skincare. As the body’s biggest organ, the skin requires plenty of water to stay healthy and functional. But if it’s losing moisture to the dry winter air, it can become dried out, scaly, and tight. This can manifest in numerous ways, none of which are pleasant – chapped lips, itchy skin, flaky scalp, tightness around joints, etc. Without intervention, the skin can start to crack and bleed.

Applying lotion and lip balm can help keep dryness at bay when going out into the cold air, but there’s no reason homeowners should constantly fight against dry air in their homes. Keeping the home at a reasonable humidity level will allow the skin to repair itself and retain more moisture to look and feel great!

Protection for Houseplants

Another consequence (and telltale sign) of low humidity is dry, wilted houseplants. Plants release moisture into the air through their leaves through transpiration. The plant can lose too much water if the air is very dry, causing its leaves to wilt and dry out. To make matters worse, plants can also absorb a certain amount of moisture through their leaves, but if there’s barely any water vapor in the air, they’ll be further deprived of the water they need to produce food and oxygen.

Some houseplants, such as succulents and spider plants, do well in low humidity, but most common indoor plants require a more moisture-rich environment. So a humidifier can improve indoor air quality for every person, pet, and plant living in the home!

About Doctor Home Experts

Since its founding in 2005, Doctor Home Experts has quickly become Pasadena’s go-to resource for HVAC, electrical, and indoor air quality services. As a BBB A+ Rated local business passionate about customer service, they have won numerous awards and top ratings from HomeAdvisor, Expertise.com, and CityOf.com. They offer 24/7 emergency service, membership perks, an unbeatable 10-year services warranty, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee – so call the Doc today for humidifier installation in Pasadena, TX!

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Is the House Haunted, or Does the HVAC System Need Repairs?

Three Signs That the AC System Needs Repairs

The AC might work perfectly fine, keeping the home cool and maintaining a consistent temperature. However, some troubling signs could point to a deeper issue that needs immediate attention. One day, the AC could be fine, and the next, it could be out of commission entirely.

When a homeowner notices any of the following signs, they should consider contacting an AC professional:

Loud Sounds Coming from the Unit

It’s not unusual for the AC to hum while it’s on. However, certain sounds warrant professional help, such as:

Screeching. No, that’s not a ghoul trapped in the AC system. It’s likely a problem with the motor fan or belt.
Rattling sounds. Does it sound like a ghost is rattling its chains? Think again. There’s probably a component loose inside the AC system.
Clicking. It’s okay to hear a clicking noise when the AC system turns on. However, if one hears constant clicking, this could be a problem with the thermostat.
Hissing. This sound could have many causes. It may be time to replace the air filter. It could also mean there’s an air duct leak.
Bubbling. That’s not a cauldron brewing. There could be an issue with the system’s drainage pipe.

Like most AC-related problems, odd sounds from the unit do not resolve themselves. They will only worsen with time, eventually leading to the system’s breakdown.

The Thermostat Isn’t Functioning Properly

The thermostat does more than explain how hot or cold the home is. It’s a vital part of the HVAC system. It relies on sensors to regulate the home’s temperature. Signs that the thermostat isn’t working include:

Unusual or incorrect temperature readings
The AC unit quickly turns on and off
Energy bills are higher than usual
There isn’t a digital reading––even though the batteries have power
The home doesn’t remain the same temperature for long
It feels humid indoors

Most thermostats last about 10 years without having any issues. Beyond the 10-year mark, it could be time to consider a replacement. Many “smart” thermostats available on today’s market let homeowners have even more control over their house’s temperature settings.

Uneven Cooling Throughout the Home

With a functioning AC system, the home’s rooms should generally be the same temperature––or at least only differ by a few degrees. Uneven cooling could point to a problem with the AC system, such as:

An old air filter. EnergyStar notes that one should replace their AC’s system air filter at least once every three months. Doing so lets the system “breathe.”
Clogged air ducts. Air ducts are passageways that transfer cool air to different parts of the home. Clogged air ducts prevent air from flowing.
An old AC system. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that the average AC system lasts about 10 to 20 years. Once a unit gets over the hill, it’s time to consider a replacement. Constant repairs can cost homeowners more money than just getting a new unit.

Nobody wants to deal with a broken air conditioner. If one suspects their AC system isn’t working as expected, they should consult a trained professional.

About Doctor Home Experts

The AC doctor is in! Doctor Home Experts has proudly served Pasadena homeowners for nearly 20 years. These professionals offer 24-hour service regarding heating, cooling, and everything else in between. These professionals offer more than countless five-star reviews; they have an A+ rating for the Better Business Bureau (BBB). For more information on AC service, one can call today to learn more.

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3 Reasons to Invest in a Whole House Surge Protector

Homeowners Need a Whole House Surge Protector

A power surge is a sudden increase in voltage that can travel through the home’s electrical circuits, leading to various problems. Power surges are most often caused by a lightning strike during a thunderstorm, plugging in a high-voltage electronic device such as a hair-dryer, or a service disturbance from the electrical company.

Power surges can result in property damage, personal injury, and electrical fires. Surge protectors prevent high voltages of electricity from entering the home’s circuits. There are different kinds of surge protectors available on the market. Whole house surge protectors protect the entire home from power surges.

Why Power Surges Are Dangerous

Power surges can damage sensitive electronics such as laptops or cellphones if plugged in during the surge. Plug-in surge protectors for individual outlets can help to protect computers and phones. Still, hard-wired electronics like dishwashers and dryers are more difficult to protect from power surges.

There is an increased risk of electrocution during a power surge. Power surges can also result in accidental electrical fires if the wiring begins to spark. House fires put the entire neighborhood in danger. Sometimes power surges can damage the electrical wiring so badly that a total rewiring of the electrical system is required.

Reasons to Install a Whole House Surge Protector Today

Power surges can result in expensive property damage and are a fire hazard. Homeowners should be sure to take steps to protect their homes from the unpredictable danger of a sudden power surge. The best way to protect the home from power surges is to install a whole-house surge protector.

Whole house surge protectors protect all of the home’s electrical circuits. This means that even electronics that are hard-wired into the home’s electrical system like the microwave, dishwasher, and dryer are protected from power surges.

Signs You Need Surge Protector Replacement

Needing surge protector repair often
Surge protector is over 5 years old
The surge protector fails to work properly
Surge protector is visibly damaged
Noticing a burning smell or seeing sparks

Surge protectors only last for around 2-5 years. The more power surges that a surge protector encounters, the faster it will wear out. Electrical experts recommend that homeowners schedule whole house surge protector replacement every 2-5 years.

It only takes one power surge to start an electrical fire, so it is important to repair or replace a whole house surge projector as soon as a problem is noticed. Homeowners should see warning signs that they may need a whole house surge protector replacement soon. Another sign that a surge protector replacement is needed is if the breaker gets tripped often, resulting in constant power outages.

About Doctor Home Experts

Doctor Home Experts is a dependable electrical company that provides Pasadena, TX, and the surrounding areas with outstanding service at affordable prices. They offer straightforward pricing and 24/7 emergency service. Call them today for whole house surge protector services in Pasadena, TX!