Blue Dot Services Of Maryland

Learn More about Furnace Filters and the Benefits of Humidifiers in the Winter

Regular maintenance of the HVAC system that supports your home can extend its longevity and improve indoor air quality. Check your furnace filter regularly to see if it’s becoming clogged and consider adding humidifiers to your home for your family’s health. For more information on humidifiers and furnace filters, follow these links:

• This article from the Dr. Oz Show discusses winter allergies and why it’s important to keep your home’s humidity at a certain level. 
• Indiana University Health offers this guide to the benefits of using humidifiers in the winter, particularly if you have young children. 
• Energy.gov offers these energy-saving tips for the fall and winter months. 
• Read about the importance of maintaining your furnace filters regularly with this article from the American Lung Association. 
• The University of Illinois Extension discusses how furnace filters work and offers a breakdown of the different types of furnace filters. 

Talk to an HVAC contractor to learn more about maintaining a healthy home. Call Blue Dot Services of Maryland at (410) 698-6465 for superior service and free estimates.

Why Consider a Humidifier to Combat Dry Winter Air?

There are few things cozier than cranking up the furnace on a cold winter’s day and settling down with a cup of hot cocoa next to the fireplace. But this increase in heat robs the air in your home of moisture. An easy solution is to add a humidifier in your home. Your HVAC contractor can improve whole-house air quality by installing a humidifier from a leading manufacturer.

Ward Off Winter Illnesses
There’s a good reason why incidences of the common cold and flu spike in the winter months, and it isn’t the cold weather. Rather, one of the risk factors for winter illnesses is the dry air inside your home caused by a running furnace. The air saps your mucous membranes of moisture, which lessens your body’s ability to ward off infections.

Ease Allergy Symptoms
Those who suffer from allergies or asthma can also benefit from using a humidifier when the furnace is on. Air that is more humid can ease respiratory symptoms. If anyone in your home has allergies or asthma, use a humidity monitor to ensure that the humidity in your home doesn’t get too high or too low. Ideally, it should be between 30 to 50 percent.

Protect Your Skin
Skin will typically become dry, itchy, and flaky after you turn up the thermostat on your furnace. This is particularly true of skin along the lips and the hands. Using a humidifier will help preserve the moisture in your skin.

Lessen Snoring
When the soft palate and nose do not receive adequate moisture from the air, snoring can increase. If you or a family member tends to snore in the winter, ask your HVAC contractor about adding a humidifier.

Talk to your heating contractor about preserving the quality of your indoor air during the winter months. For more information, contact Blue Dot Services of Maryland at (410) 698-6465. Our HVAC contractors are skilled in furnace repairs and maintenance.

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A Homeowner's Guide to HVAC Systems

A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can keep your home comfortable and safe, but it can also take a big bite out of your budget if it isn’t operating efficiently. In fact, heating and cooling represents about 56% of energy use in the average home. You can reduce your HVAC costs by upgrading your system to make it more energy efficient. Routine maintenance performed by a qualified HVAC contractor will also result in energy use savings.

This video explains how a few simple modifications to your home can result in substantial savings. Start by setting your thermostat lower in the winter and higher in the summer. Clean the evaporator coil and outdoor condenser coils every year, and avoid obstructing the area around the outdoor unit. Also consider the energy efficiency ratings for possible replacement units. Watch this video to learn all about optimal ratings.

Blue Dot Services of Maryland offers energy efficiency solutions for your home and HVAC system. To learn more, call us today at (410) 698-6465 or visit our website.

How Neglecting Your Furnace Filter Could Be Costing You

The filter in your furnace is critical for the proper functioning of your heating equipment. It plays a key role in the flow of air. A furnace filter should be replaced regularly by your HVAC contractor; depending on the design of your system, you may replace the filter yourself on a monthly basis. By doing so, you can avoid costly furnace repairs in the future. An old, clogged filter can also:

Damage Your System
When the furnace filter becomes clogged, it operates at a reduced capacity. The flow of air to the furnace is lessened, which forces the motor to work harder. This increases the likelihood that the equipment will malfunction, leading to costly furnace repairs.

Affect Air Quality
The filter in your furnace removes pollutants from the air. These include microorganisms and allergens like mold and pollen. The filter also removes dust from the air. When it becomes clogged, it can no longer remove these pollutants, so they remain in the air in your home. This can be a significant problem, particularly for those with asthma, allergies, or similar respiratory conditions.

Reduce Your Comfort Level
When the furnace filter becomes too dirty and clogged to function effectively, the furnace operates at a reduced level of efficiency. This can negatively affect the comfort level inside your home. If the heat exchanger overheats, it will turn itself off too quickly, and your home will not receive much-needed heat in the winter months.

Increase Maintenance Needs and Other Costs
Damage to your furnace and reduced heating capabilities will increase the need for furnace repairs and maintenance. Additionally, a furnace that operates with a clogged filter will require replacement sooner. When your furnace does not run efficiently, you’ll also see the results in increased heating costs.

Have your furnace maintained regularly to avoid future problems. Blue Dot Services of Maryland provides superior maintenance plans and furnace repairs to our valued customers. Contact us at (410) 698-6465 to discuss your heating needs.