Air that’s not properly humidified has serious implications: + Dry air makes you more susceptible to colds* and flu viruses** and respiratory infections; a leading trigger of asthma in children.† + Static shock, dry skin, itchy eyes and a sore, scratchy throat. + Damage to walls, woodwork and furnishings, electronics. * PLOSone, High Humidity Leads to Loss of Infectious Influenza Virus from Simulated Coughs. ** Department of Microbiology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Influenza Virus Transmission Is Dependent on Relative Humidity and Temperature; 2007, New York, New York, USA. † Asthma and A ..read more

Zyrtec, Xyzal, Clariton, Flonese - I have all these products in my cupboard to help combat spring allergies. Some days they seem to work - other days not as well - my vet even said to give my dog Zyrtec and Flonese for her allergies. I also apply reinforcements of indoor air quality products in my heating/cooling system - to filter out and kill the allergens in my home. Better air filtration with 4” media filters to trap the allergens - bi-polar ionization air cleaner (iwave r) that traps allergens and is also 99.4% effective killing Covid - 19 virus within 30 minutes. Running your central air ..read more

You know the old saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”? Well, just because something still works, it doesn’t mean it works well, or the way it should.This is especially true for your heating and cooling systems. As a unit ages, it becomes less energy efficient, and subsequently, less effective at maintaining just the right temp. What’s more, deferred maintenance can further decrease energy efficiency, drive up costs, and cause a system to under-perform. What’s worse, signs of wear and tear are often so subtle you might not notice them until it’s too late.Here are 6 signs your HVAC system i ..read more

As summer fades into fall and winter, you spend more time indoors. It just works out that way. And then, before you know, a case of the winter blues can easily set in. Not with everyone, of course, but it’s a very common occurrence.Getting the blues is one thing. Chasing them away is quite another. So, instead of hiding under a blanket or distracting yourself with an over-abundance of TV, we have what we think is a better idea – head to your local florist or garden center and stock up on an assortment of house plants. Some are particularly effective, as you’re about to see.Increased Sense of ..read more

Have you ever been asked to remove your shoes upon entering someone’s home? Did that request make you roll your eyes, at least on the inside? Or maybe you’re the one asking guests to remove their shoes and, you don’t much care how they react. Either way, it’s a simple enough request that fulfills a very important purpose.Here are 5 reasons to leave your shoes at the door – and ask your guests to do the same.Less VacuumingNo matter how well you wipe your shoes on a doormat, particles of all sorts will cling to the bottom of your shoes, especially those with rubber soles. But the less dirt that ..read more

Read This Before Replacing Your Furnace When it’s time to replace your furnace, what do most Minnesota homeowners do?You look around for a reputable HVAC company if you don’t already have one and leave it up to them. Don’t worry, we’re not putting you down, we’re just describing the usual encounter with customers in need of that service.It goes something like this: Do I really need to replace it or can this one be fixed? What do you think it might cost? This one isn’t heating the whole house evenly – anything you can do about that? We’ve added a family room since this furnace was inst ..read more

Tips for Home Heating Safety Your furnace works hard to keep you and your family warm while also trapping dust, allergens, and pollutants in the system’s filter.But this winter-long work horse can pose potential hazards if not maintained properly. In fact, it is estimated that furnace malfunctions are among the leading causes of residential fires each winter, affecting roughly 1 in 7 homes.Reduce your risk of a fire by following these important heating safety tips. First and foremost, make sure each level of your home is equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, including all bedro ..read more

Do you think if cats or dogs could talk we might care for them differently? Absolutely! They’d tell us about their day, what they enjoyed, what they could have done without, how they feel about your latest pet food purchase, and so much more. And then, instead of assuming you know exactly what they want all the time, you’d learn a thing or two otherwise. Take, for instance, the case of outdoor dogs and cats. Just because they come home at night, as usual, doesn’t mean they’ve had the time of their lives. Instead, isn’t it possible they’ve had a spectacularly dreadful day? Of course it is, espe ..read more

When the going gets tough – okay, sure, the tough often get going. That’s the cliché, and we’re all aware of it. And yet no cliché ever tells a whole story because life is never that simple. Take, for example, when the economy is hit hard and people like you are furloughed, laid off, or have your hours or salaries cut. Eventually you’ll “get going” and figure out one or more ways to adapt, but first you need time to allow the changing circumstances to sink in. Allow yourself to be angry and, while you’re at it, figure out how to keep up with the essentials, like food, rent, utilities, and so ..read more

Not everyone needs an air conditioned garage. In Minnesota, you’re way more likely to see heated garages – or else! Still, unless all you do is run in and out of your car, you have some very good reasons to add AC to that space, especially with a grueling, hot summers. Maybe, for example, you’re an antique car collector – not only that, you have a dedicated garage space where you work on it. The car needs protection from extreme heat, and so do you unless you’re simply showing it off. Cans of paint can spoil in an un-cooled garage as can numerous other things you might store there. Suffice it ..read more